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2012

• California Supreme Court Rules on Employee Meal and Rest Breaks The California Supreme Court issued an important decision on a case regarding the responsibility of employers to provide meal and rest breaks.
• Court Blocks NLRB "Ambush" Elections Rule On May 14, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia held that the National Labor Relations Board’s (NLRB) "ambush" elections rule could not be enforced...
• EPA Region 9 Seeks Innovative Projects to Reduce Marine Debris The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 9 -- which serves Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada and the Pacific Island -- seeks proposals for projects that restore and protect water quality and habitat of coastal waters...
• Extended Producer Responsibility: Industry Success in Vermont and Iowa In Vermont, the legislature passed a comprehensive bill to study current capacity and programs addressing disposal of solid waste in the state...
• SPI Statement on the Death of Visit Orlando President and CEO Gary Sain — May 5, 2012
  The following statement concerning the sudden death of Visit Orlando President and CEO Gary Sain was issued today by SPI President and CEO William "Bill" Carteaux
• Connecticut Tax on Petroleum Products: Are You Impacted? In 1980, the state of Connecticut enacted a law calling for a tax on "products made from petroleum and petroleum derivatives." Over time, the law has been amended to allow for certain exemptions and various interpretations of the law's applicability have followed.
• NLRB "Ambush" Elections Rule Challenged by Congress Resolutions have been introduced in the Senate and House to nullify the National Labor Relations Board's (NLRB) "ambush" elections rule under the Congressional Review Act (CRA).
• SPI Evaluates a Trade Mission to Colombia Potentially in partnership with Proexport Colombia and AmCham Colombia, SPI is evaluating the merits of organizing a trade mission to Colombia later this year.
• SPI Welcomes David Asselin as Executive Director, American Progressive Bag Alliance (APBA) — April 23, 2012
  SPI recently announced the addition of David Asselin to lead the American Progressive Bag Alliance (APBA). The APBA is comprised of America’s largest manufacturers of plastic bags and operates as a self-funded group under the SPI umbrella.
• SPI and Coalition Continue to Challenge NLRB Posting Rule; Circuit Courts Split Rulings On April 17, the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C. granted an injunction to delay for an undetermined amount of time the April 30, 2012, effective date of a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) rule...
• Texas Congressman Olson Tours LyondellBasell Facility On April 10, 2012, United States Congressman Pete Olson (R-TX-22) toured LyondellBasell's Bayport Polymers Plant in Pasadena, Texas outside of Houston.
• U.S., Colombia Announce FTA Will Enter Into Force on May 15 On April 15, President Obama and Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos announced that the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will enter into force on May 15. U.S. officials confirmed that Colombia had taken all the necessary steps to comply with the FTA and a bilateral action plan on labor rights that was informally linked to it.
• A Success by Many Measures: NPE2012 Far Surpassed NPE2009 and was Most International of All — April 17, 2012
  The NPE2012 plastics exposition, which took place April 1-5 in Orlando, Florida, substantially exceeded NPE2009 in size, and attracted more participants from outside the United States than any other NPE in history.
• Chairs Molded from Recycled PET are Among Top Winners in SPI’s International Plastics Design Competition at NPE2012 — April 5, 2012
  The award winners in the 2nd International Plastics Design Competition sponsored by SPI span a wide range of applications, and many of them embody innovative use of technologies in support of sustainability goals.
• SPI President Carteaux Announces Formation of New Membership Council for Original Equipment Manufacturers — April 3, 2012
  SPI President Bill Carteaux announced today that SPI has launched the formation of a new Membership Council for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) in order to represent the unique business interests of brand owners and other manufacturers of plastic consumer goods.
• North American Plastics Alliance Expands Pellet Containment Program, Energy Recovery and Consumer Education — April 2, 2012
  
• SPI Bioplastics Council Announces Publication of 2012 Bioplastics Industry Overview Guide — April 2, 2012
  The SPI Bioplastics Council announced today the publication of the 2012 Bioplastics Industry Overview Guide. The new Guide provides readers with information concerning industry trends and challenges; types, applications and uses; industry production estimates and projected market growth; market segments and emerging applications; and geographic development
• A Transformed NPE Opens in Orlando, Resurgent in Size and Dynamism and Reshaped By A Host of Innovations — April 1, 2012
  Surpassing Recent NPEs in Scope and Diversity, NPE2012 Arrives in Its New Venue with an Excitingly Different Makeup, Many Original Events, and an Influx of First-Time Participants
• Mobile Media Now Put NPE2012 in Visitors’ Hands -- Literally — March 21, 2012
  Two new resources provide mobile-technology access to a wealth of online information about NPE2012 and give users new capabilities for managing show-related activities.
• SPI and NAPCOR Announce Grant Recipients for Model PET Thermoform Recycling Program — March 19, 2012
  SPI and the National Association for PET Container Resources (NAPCOR) announced today that three United States recycling operators have been selected to receive grants toward establishing model programs for collection and intermediate processing of PET thermoformed packaging.
• Online Voting Now Open for ‘People’s Choice’ Award in the International Plastics Design Competition at NPE2012 — March 9, 2012
  Anyone with an interest in plastics design can now go online to view the entries in the second International Plastics Design Competition (IPDC) and can even vote for the winner in one category—the “People’s Choice.” Winners in all categories will be announced during the NPE2012 international plastics exposition, April 1-5 in Orlando, FL.
• SPI Applauds the Announced Implementation of U.S.-South Korea Free Trade Agreement — February 27, 2012
  The United States and South Korean governments announced that their free trade agreement will officially be entered into force on March 15. SPI President Bill Carteaux issued the following statement concerning the implementation of this important trade agreement.
• NPE2012 Numbers Now Coming In Clearly Portend a Big, Bustling Show -- Successful by Many Measures — February 24, 2012
  With five weeks left before opening day, NPE2012 is on course to be a huge, dynamic event, in line with NPE successes of the past and substantially stronger than the last NPE in 2009.
• SPI Plans Full Twelve Hours of Special Events for NPE2012 “Super Sunday,” Culminating in Opening Gala — February 21, 2012
  To usher in what promises to be a resurgent NPE exposition, SPI has organized NPE2012 “Super Sunday,” a day full of networking opportunities, social events, and presentations by top business leaders.
• Dow Commits to Underwrite ANTEC® Program at NPE2012, SPI Technical Education Program, and “Technology Central” — February 17, 2012
  The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) will be the exclusive corporate sponsor of the Technical Education Program and Technology Central at NPE2012.
• Moldmaker Journal: Stay Up to Speed, Connect to this Industry Segment — February 17, 2012
  As a benefit to our moldmaker members, SPI partners with Managing Editor Joel Kriofske to produce The Moldmaker Journal...
• NIST Small Business Innovation Research Program Soliciting Proposals The National Institute of Standards and Technology's (NIST) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) FY 2012 program is open and soliciting Phase 1 proposals until March 2, 2012.
• Jon Huntsman, Jr. to Speak at NPE2012 Opening Gala — February 15, 2012
  Jon Huntsman, Jr., a distinguished public servant who most recently was a candidate for President of the United States, has accepted an invitation to deliver the keynote address at the formal Opening Gala of the NPE2012 international plastics exposition.
• SPI Bioplastics Council Announces Release of Two New Free Guides — February 7, 2012
  The SPI Bioplastics Council announced the release of two new industry guides – “Understanding Biobased Carbon Content” and “Life Cycle Analysis Primer – What, Why and How.” The Council has developed and issued these free guides as part of its commitment to bioplastics education.
• Ten Industry Leaders and Innovators to be Inducted into Plastics Hall of Fame During Gala Celebration at NPE2012 — February 6, 2012
  Ten pioneers who achieved advances in plastics technology and business development will be inducted into the Plastics Hall of Fame at a gala banquet during NPE2012.
• Administration Proposal to Form New Trade Department Raises Questions for Exporters On January 13th, President Obama unveiled a reform proposal that would retain cabinet-level status for the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), but with the obligation to report to the secretary of a newly formed department that would combine six federal agencies dealing with trade.
• California Approves Rigid Plastic Packaging Container Regulations California's Department of Resources, Recycling and Recovery gave its final approval to its amended rigid plastic packaging container regulations.
• Progress Made on Trans-Pacific Partnership; Growing Asia-Pacific Markets Key to U.S. Manufactures Beginning January 31, the U.S. is hosting at least four separate meetings with countries participating in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations in order to advance work in the areas of intellectual property rights, rules of origin, labor rights and environmental protections before the next full negotiating round in Australia in March.
• SPI Joins Motion Filed to Challenge Recess Appointments to the NLRB On January 13 the Coalition for a Democratic Workplace (CDW) was one of three business groups to file a motion in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to challenge the legality of President Obama’s three recess appointments to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)
• SPI Recommends Strategies to CPSC to Reduce Third Party Testing Burdens SPI recommended four approaches to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) that could save the supply chain for plastic children’s products millions of dollars in testing costs.
• Small Businesses: OSHA Moves Forward on Injury & Illness Prevention Programs The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has taken a step forward towards a rulemaking on Injury and Illness Prevention Programs (I2P2) by initiating a process to obtain input from small businesses that may be affected by such a rule.
• SPI Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Packaging Materials Committee Publishes Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Guideline for the Plastic Food Packaging Supply Chain — January 31, 2012
  SPI announced today that its Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Packaging Materials Committee has completed a Good Manufacturing Practice Guideline for the Plastic Food Packaging Supply Chain. The Guideline is intended to assist employees responsible for the assurance of their companies’ adherence to appropriate good manufacturing practices.
• Machinery Companies Will Exhibit—And Operate—Lots More Equipment at NPE2012 Than in 2009 — January 30, 2012
  No trade show comes close to NPE for sheer dynamism, with aisle after aisle of working plastics equipment filling the exhibit halls with clamor and action. While some of this was lost at NPE2009 as the Great Recession took its toll, the excitement will come back in full force this year.
• Most Extensive Educational Program of Any Plastics Show Will Add Valuable Technical and Business Content to NPE2012 — January 11, 2012
  SPI has announced the agenda for its Business of Plastics Conference, a key part of the content-rich educational program to be co-located with the NPE2012 international plastics exposition.
• Get the 2012 Public Policy Scoop from Bill Carteaux at the Plastics News Executive Forum — January 9, 2012
  Join Bill Carteaux at the Plastics News Executive Forum on Monday morning during the Association Leaders Panel when he'll outline the industry’s public policy targets for 2012
• NLRB Postpones Rule Requiring Employers to Post Employee Rights Notice The National Labor Relations Board has postponed until April 30, 2012, the effective date of its rule requiring employers to post an 11-by-17 notice of employee rights in workplaces.
• President Appoints Three to National Labor Relations Board On January 4th President Obama announced the recess appointments of three individuals to be members of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), filling the three vacancies that remained in order to enable the Board to function with a full quorum throughout 2012.
• SPI Bioplastics Council Announces Agenda and New Leadership for 2012; Publication of Updated Overview of Industry Leads Priorities — January 4, 2012
  The Bioplastics Council, a special interest group of SPI, today announced its agenda of activities for 2012, as well as the volunteer leaders who will serve the Council as new chair and vice chair.

2011

• International Plastics Design Competition Gets Underway as Entry Submission Opens at www.Plasticsdesign.org — December 15, 2011
  The second International Plastics Design Competition (IPDC), sure to be a highlight of NPE2012, is now open for entries from any end market and any country in the world,
• SPI, ACC Align and Expand Efforts to Defend Plastic Bags and Increase Plastic Film Recycling — December 15, 2011
  SPI and ACC announced an evolution in how the industry will defend plastic bags and promote the recycling of plastic film. The Progressive Bag Affiliates, which includes America’s largest manufacturers of plastic bags, will transition from ACC to SPI effective, January 1, 2012
• NPE2012 to Present Abundance of Polymer Technologies for Packaging, Including Special Focus on Sustainability — December 14, 2011
  Merchandisers, packagers, designers, processors, and converters will discover the newest polymer technologies for packaging at NPE2012.
• NPE2012 to Present Full Range of Plastics Technologies Used by Automotive Manufacturers — December 14, 2011
  Plastics technologies are among the most powerful generators of innovation in automotive manufacturing, and the latest developments of these technologies will be on display at the NPE2012 international plastics exposition
• NPE2012 to Showcase Wealth of Innovative Polymer Technologies to Advance Medical Device Industry — December 14, 2011
  NPE2012 will be the Western Hemisphere’s largest assemblage by far of the plastics and elastomer machinery, materials, services, and know-how that medical manufacturers need to expand profitability, increase output, improve products, and develop new ones.
• California Law Requires Transparency in Supply Chains–Must You Report? Under the California Transparency in Supply Chains Act, which takes effect January 1, 2012, retail sellers and manufacturers that do business in California and have worldwide gross receipts exceeding $100 million (US) must publicly disclose their effort
• MTB Coalition Building Support on Capitol Hill In an effort to jumpstart the miscellaneous tariff bill (MTB) process, the MTB Coalition – which includes SPI – has visited the offices of all 94 freshmen in the 112th Congress in order to educate them about the MTB and secure their support for it
• NLRB Moves Closer to Approval of Shorter Union Election Time-Frame The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) voted on November 30th to tentatively approve proposed rules to speed up elections to unionize workplaces.
• National Toxicology Program Report on Carcinogens: SPI Comments on Review Process SPI responded to a request for public comment on the review process for the Report on Carcinogens (RoC)
• U.S. House of Representatives Votes to Rein in NLRB Power On the same afternoon that National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) took a vote to tentatively approve new rules pertaining to union elections (see story above), the House of Representatives voted 235 to 188 to pass "The Workforce Democracy and Fairness Act" or H.R. 3094.
• Under Consideration: U.S. Free Trade Agreement with European Union During the week of November 27th, Michael Froman, Deputy National Security Adviser for International Economic Affairs, and U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk said that a U.S.-EU free trade agreement (FTA) is among the options to be discussed in a newly launched exploration on how to deepen bilateral trade and investment ties between the two sides.
• SPI Announces Winners of First Student Video Contest — November 21, 2011
  SPI is pleased to announce the winners of our “Shaping Your World” Student Video Contest.
• SPI Joins Global Plastics Industry in Launching Action Plan for Solutions on Marine Litter — November 18, 2011
  On November 16 and 17, SPI representatives joined plastics industry coleagues from across the world in Dubai to create a global action plan for solutions on marine litter. This action plan describes actions to be taken and progress to be reported by signatories in 2012.
• SPI and Decernis Announce Strategic Cooperation for Global Compliance — November 16, 2011
  SPI and Decernis LLC, a global provider of research and systems for product safety, announced today a strategic cooperative program to improve the communication and management of global compliance issues for SPI members.
• California Proposes Further Revisions to Rigid Plastic Packaging Container Regulations After much discussion and deliberation, California’s Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery is proposing additional revisions to the Rigid Plastic Packaging Container (RPPC) program.
• Commerce Announces Membership Opportunities for U.S.-Brazil CEO Forum The U.S. Commerce Department recently announced membership opportunities for up to three individuals for appointment as American representatives to the current U.S. Section of the U.S.-Brazil CEO Forum.
• Get a Grip on EU Standards with U.S. Commercial Service's Export University "301: EU Standards and CE Marking," a session of the U.S. Commercial Service’s Export University being held December 5, 2011 in Center Valley, Pa., will provide you with vital knowledge to determine what EU standards you must comply with in order to export your products to Europe.
• House Committee Passes Additional NLRB Reforms Supported by SPI On October 26, the House Committee on Education and the Workforce passed the "Workforce Democracy and Fairness Act" (H.R. 3094).
• Milliken Hosts Two Congressmen at Two Facilities in Two Weeks Milliken Chemical recently hosted U.S. Representative Trey Gowdy (R-SC) at its Spartanburg, S.C. headquarters and Representative Mick Mulvaney (R-SC) at its Blacksburg, S.C. manufacturing facility.
• Pennsylvania Congressman Meehan Visits Maguire Products, Inc. On October 17, U.S. Representative Patrick Meehan (R-PA) met with the senior leadership of Maguire Products, Inc. (MPI), and toured the company’s Aston, Pa. facility.
• Shale Gas and Opportunities for Supply Chain The Ohio Business Development Coalition recently released a white paper about the opportunities that Ohio’s supply chain has with respect to shale gas drilling and transportation.
• Share Your Experience: Have You Had Rail Provider Challenges? How much control do you think you have with your company's rail service provider? If you’re like many of your peers, the answer is: not too much.
• Webinars: Business Opportunities in Asia for U.S. Companies In preparation for Trade Winds Asia 2012 to be held May 14-22, 2012 in Singapore, the U.S. Commercial Service has developed a number of webinars to introduce you to the business opportunities that are available in Asia.
• Plastics Industry Leaders Elected to Serve as New SPI Officers — October 31, 2011
  New volunteer leaders were elected to be officers of SPI at the organization's National Board Meeting held October 5-7, 2011 in Washington, DC.
• SPI Bioplastics Council Announces Approval of First Associate Member — October 26, 2011
  SPI's Bioplastics Council announced today that it has approved UL (Underwriters Laboratories Inc.), a global leader in safety science, as a new member.
• New Resources Enable International Attendees to Make Their NPE2012 Visit Easier, More Productive — October 25, 2011
  Assistance from SPI and the U.S. Government Helps to Simplify Attending a Great Plastics Exposition Located ‘at the Crossroads of International Trade’
• California Law Governs Plastic Products' Environmental Labeling Claims On October 8, 2011, California Governor Jerry Brown signed a new law relating to labeling claims of plastic products.
• Closing the Cost Gap with China: Report Details Why Manufacturing Will Return to the U.S. — October 24, 2011
  According to a new analysis from The Boston Consulting Group (BCG), China's once-overwhelming manufacturing-cost advantage over the U.S. is eroding fast.
• New Plastics Marine Debris Report May Serve as Tool for California Policymakers California's Ocean Protection Council (OPC) has identified marine debris as a critical issue for California's ocean resources and recently released a new report entitled "Plastic Debris in the California Marine Ecosystem: A Summary of Current Research, Solution Efforts and Data Gaps."
• Plastic Molding Technology Welcomes Texas Representative Dee Margo SPI member Plastics Molding Technology, Inc. (PMT) played host to State Representative Dee Margo (D-78), who toured PMT's operation based in El Paso, Texas.
• Plastics Exports Up More Than 11 Percent Compared to Last Year U.S. trade data released by the U.S. International Trade Commission indicates that plastics exports from January through July 2011 were up 11.3 percent as compared to the same period last year.
• Request for Comments: 2011 USTR Notorious Markets List The U.S. Trade Representative is seeking public comments for its 2011 Special 301 Out-of-Cycle Review of Notorious Markets ("Notorious Markets List").
• SPI Present at White House for FTA Signing Ceremony; President Obama Mentions Plastics in Remarks — October 24, 2011
  On Friday, October 21, SPI President Bill Carteaux and Senior Vice President, Government and Industry Affairs Jon Kurrle were in attendance at the White House as President Obama formally signed the South Korea, Colombia and Panama free-trade agreements into law.
• Status of DOT Pilot Program on Mexican Trucks Groups opposing the Obama Administration's new cross-border trucking program are stepping up their criticism of the Department of Transportation (DOT) for allegedly failing to comply with statutory requirements in setting up the pilot program.
• Webinar Recording: Manufacturing Extension Partnership-Connect with Buyers, Sellers & More — October 24, 2011
  In case you missed last week’s SPI members-only webinar, a recording of it can now be viewed...
• NPE2012 Marks New Beginning for America’s Greatest Plastics Exposition as Exhibit Sales Surge and Plans Take Shape for Multiple Co-Located Events — October 18, 2011
  At FAKUMA 2011, SPI announced that exhibit space purchased for the NPE2012 international plastics exposition already surpasses the amount occupied at the previous NPE, and exhibit sales continue to mount.
• SPI Statement on Passage of Free Trade Agreements with South Korea, Colombia and Panama — October 13, 2011
  SPI President and CEO Bill Carteaux issued the following statement concerning Congress’ approval of free trade agreements with South Korea, Colombia and Panama.
• NPE2012 Attendee Registration is Now Open, Giving Access to Five Full Days of New Technology and Business Opportunity — September 27, 2011
  The "Registration" button for NPE2012 is now “live” at www.npe.org, enabling plastics professionals worldwide to sign on for a plastics exposition that will be bigger, better, and markedly different compared with previous NPEs.
• Moldmaker Journal: Stay Up to Speed and Reach Out to this Industry Segment — September 22, 2011
  As a benefit to our moldmaker members, SPI partners with Managing Editor Joel Kriofske to produce The Moldmaker Journal...
• Environmental Performance: Sustainable Manufacturing Metrics Toolkit Now Available — September 22, 2011
  The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has launched a new "Sustainable Manufacturing Metrics Toolkit."
• Exercise Your Privilege to Vote: Five States to Hold Elections this Fall — September 22, 2011
  SPI encourages everyone to register to vote, become educated on the candidates, and vote!
• Illinois Representative Peter Roskam Meets with SPI Members — September 22, 2011
  Congressman Peter Roskam (R-IL), House chief deputy whip and a member of the Ways and Means Committee, met with SPI members in a roundtable discussion about policy and politics in Wheaton, Illinois on August 22.
• Manufacturing Matters! SPI Comments on NIST Advanced Manufacturing Technology Program SPI has submitted comments to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) regarding the best ways to structure a proposed new Advanced Manufacturing Technology Consortia (AMTech) Program.
• SPI Comments on OSHA Proposed Changes to Injury and Illness Reporting Rule SPI has submitted comments to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regarding a proposed rule entitled "Occupational Injury and Illness Recording and Reporting Requirements--NAICS Update and Reporting Revisions."
• SPI Discusses Green Chemistry with Key California Government Officials SPI staff attended a September 15th public workshop in Sacramento hosted by Cal EPA's Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) that was organized in preparation for DTSC's forthcoming release of new green chemistry regulations for safer consumer product alternatives, expected in late October.
• SPI Members-Only Webinar: How to Increase Profits with the Manufacturing Extension Partnership — September 22, 2011
  As the catalyst for strengthening American manufacturing, the National Institute of Standards and Technology's Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) works with companies to develop new sales, markets and products.
• SPI Plant Tour: Berry Plastics Hosts Indiana Representative Bucshon — September 22, 2011
  Congressman Larry Bucshon (IN-08) toured the headquarters and manufacturing facility of Berry Plastics in Evansville on August 18.
• Thanks, SPI Members: California Legislature Fails to Pass Polystyrene Container Bill Special thanks go out to all SPI members and others who took action in opposing California SB 568 (Lowenthal), which called for a ban on polystyrene foam food containers.
• Unionization of the Workplace: NLRB Issues Two Decisions and New Rule The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has issued two decisions protecting collective bargaining relationships which further circumvent the legislative process...
• Win for Private Employers: Bipartisan House Vote Rebukes NLRB Actions Against Job Creators On September 15, in reaction to the recent activities by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), the House of Representatives passed H.R. 2587, the "Protecting Jobs from Government Interference Act."
• Bipartisan Vote Rebukes NLRB Actions Against Job Creators — September 15, 2011
  In reaction to the recent activities by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), the House of Representatives passed on September 15 H.R. 2587, the "Protecting Jobs from Government Interference Act."
• EPA Announces New Chemical Data Reporting Rule EPA announced the new chemical data reporting (CDR) rule (formerly the Inventory Update Reporting Modifications Rule) on August 2.
• Get Involved: New SPI Recycling Work Group Being Launched — August 24, 2011
  SPI is pleased to announce the formation of a business-to-business recycling work group as it looks to provide the plastics industry with "zero waste" opportunities and solutions.
• Miss the SPI New Leadership Orientation Webinar? A Recording is Now Available — August 24, 2011
  In case you missed the "SPI Leadership Orientation" webinar, presented by Bill Carteaux, President and CEO of SPI, and Peter de la Cruz of Keller and Heckman, a recording of the webinar is now available.
• New York Congressman Reed Tours Commodore Technologies Facility Congressman Tom Reed (R-NY-29) toured Commodore Technologies in Bloomfield, New York.
• SPI’s PMDAC Co-Hosts Panel on Medical Supplier Regulatory and Quality Issues — August 24, 2011
  On August 10, SPI’s Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Applications Committee (PMDAC) teamed up with FDANews to host a spirited discussion on quality and regulatory compliance related to plastics in the medical supply chain.
• White House Issues Final Regulatory Reform Plans On August 23, the White House released more than two dozen finalized plans for streamlining regulations in government agencies.
• Maine Plastics Will Recover and Recycle the Vast Amount of Reusable Plastics Generated at NPE2012 — August 18, 2011
  Next year’s NPE2012 international plastics exposition will be so big that the reusable scrap generated in just one day by equipment operating on the exhibit floor will amount to tens of thousands of pounds. To prevent the waste of this valuable material, SPI has appointed Maine Plastics, Inc. as the official recycler for NPE2012.
• ASTM Considers Changes to the Resin Identification Code Design As it focuses on recycling of a variety of post-consumer plastics, ASTM's D20.95 subcommittee continues to work on modifications to the resin identification codes (RICs) standard, ASTM D7611 – Standard Practice for Coding Plastic Manufactured Articles for Resin Identification.
• California Proposes Second Comment Period for Rigid Container Regulations California's Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery has proposed a second 45-day comment period for changes to proposed regulations for the rigid plastic packaging container (RPPC) regulations.
• California Regulators Developing Trash Policy that Includes Resin Pellets SPI is monitoring the California State Water Resources Control Board's work towards developing a trash policy that would identify trash as a separate pollutant and establish methods to control trash pollution in waters of the state.
• California State Assemblyman Wieckowski Tours Delta Pacific Products Plant California State Assemblyman Bob Wieckowski recently toured SPI member Delta Pacific Products' Union City plant, viewing the company's full service injection molding facility specializing in medical and life sciences.
• Congress Close to Moving Trade Deals; Korean FTA Would Boost Machinery Exports Congress is moving closer to a final agreement on how to advance Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) and three pending trade agreements (Korea, Colombia and Panama).
• NIST Seeks Comments on Advanced Manufacturing Technology Program The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is seeking comments about the best ways to structure a proposed new Advanced Manufacturing Technology Consortia (AMTech) Program.
• SPI Advocates for Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act In an effort to improve the regulatory environment for our members, SPI is supporting the Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act of 2011 (H.R. 527).
• SPI Meets with NIST Leaders on Enhancing Innovation Opportunities for Members On July 18, SPI staff met with leadership from nine divisions at the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) as part of SPI's strategy to identify and engage in programs and activities that can enhance innovation opportunities for its membership.
• U.S. Trade Mission to Lithuania to Feature Bioplastics as Targeted Industry In concert with the National Export Initiative to expand global exports and American jobs, the American Chamber of Commerce in Lithuania, Invest Lithuania, the European-American Business Council, the U.S. Embassy in Vilnius, and the U.S, Commercial Service (the Gateway Partnership), have partnered to organize and sponsor a U.S. Certified “Gateway” Trade Mission
• Washington Releases Reporting Requirements for Manufacturers of Children's Products The Washington State Department of Ecology released its final rule implementing reporting requirements for the state's Children’s Safe Product Act of 2008.
• Wisconsin Congressman Duffy Tours Extrusion Dies Industries Extrusion Dies Industries, an SPI member company and one of the world's premier die makers, recently hosted a tour of its operations in Chippewa Falls for Wisconsin Congressman Sean Duffy (R-7th).
• SPI Bioplastics Council Announces Approval of Second New Member in Past Month — July 27, 2011
  The SPI Bioplastics Council announced that it has approved Ecospan, a leading bio-material science and technology company headquartered in Greenbrae, Calif., as a new member.
• Tell Labor Regulators "No Card Check by Regulation" — July 27, 2011
  Working with the Coalition for a Democratic Workplace, SPI is pleased to provide plastics industry members with an easy way to contact federal agencies to tell them to stop "card check" by regulation.
• SPI Announces Grant for Model PET Thermoform Recycling Program — July 18, 2011
  SPI announced today a RFP open to United States recycling program operators. Working with NAPCOR, SPI is seeking proposals from operators interested in establishing a model program for collection and intermediate processing of PET thermoformed packaging, and will award up to $100,000 in grant funds to the program(s) selected.
• Commerce Department to Present RoHS Webinar on July 27 The U.S. Commerce Department will sponsor a webinar on the new Restriction of Use of certain Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive July 27 at 12 pm EST.
• Funding Opportunity: DOE Announces Innovative Manufacturing Initiative The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) Industrial Technologies Program (ITP) has announced its Innovative Manufacturing Initiative funding opportunity in support of President Obama's Advanced Manufacturing Partnership.
• House, Senate Committees Back Free Trade Agreements On July 7th, the House Ways and Means and the Senate Finance Committees gave preliminary approval to draft measures that would implement pending trade agreements (FTAs) with South Korea, Colombia and Panama, but diverged along partisan lines on efforts to reauthorize benefits for workers displaced by trade or Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA).
• REACH Amended to Further Restrict Cadmium in Plastics The REACH Annex XVII entry for cadmium was amended in May by Regulation 494/2011.
• SPI Members Take Successful Action: Governor Vetoes California Card-Check Bill Stating that he was "not convinced that the far reaching proposals of this bill are justified", Governor Jerry Brown vetoed Senate Bill 104 (Steinberg) card-check legislation.
• Substances Relevant to Plastics Added to the REACH Candidate List for Authorization The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has added seven more substances to the Candidate List of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) for Authorization under REACH.
• Tax Relief: IRS Releases Final Regulations on Alternative Simplified Credit On June 9, 2011, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released final regulations on the election and calculation of the Alternative Simplified Credit (ASC) under Section 41(c)(5) of the Internal Revenue Code.
• U.S. and Mexico Announce Safe, Secure Cross-Border Trucking Program On July 6th, the U.S. and Mexican governments signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on a new cross-border trucking program.
• Unionization: NLRB and DOL Proposed Rules Would Put Employers at Disadvantage The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and the Department of Labor (DOL) continue to use regulation instead of legislation as a way to promote a speedier process to union elections. SPI is opposed to both proposed regulation and legislation which would put employers at a disadvantage...
• SCAM WARNING – "FAIR GUIDE": This is not an NPE2012 product – please do not complete or respond to their recent mailing. — July 14, 2011
  Fair Guide, a product of Construct Data Publishers, recently mailed an Exhibitors Directory form to NPE2012 exhibitors. Please DO NOT respond to their mailing. An Exhibitor Warning regarding this company is included in our online NPE2012 exhibitor services manual.
• Leading Plastics Associations in Canada and the U.S. Announce North American Plastics Alliance — July 7, 2011
  The three major trade associations for the plastics industry in the U.S. and Canada today announced plans to formalize existing collaboration on programs and initiatives that benefit the North American industry.
• California Continues Work on Rigid Plastic Packaging Rule California's Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery continued to conduct hearings and public workshops throughout June that were aimed at revising existing regulations of the Rigid Plastic Packaging Container (RPPC) program.
• SPI Advocates for Employer Rights Regarding Business Operations Along with 200 other organizations, SPI signed the Coalition for Democratic Workplace's letter of support for H.R. 1976, The Jobs Protection Act.
• SPI Hosts Lunch to Promote Tremendous NPE Buying Power to 30 Trade Officials — June 29, 2011
  In an effort to further promote NPE2012 internationally to the plastics industries of Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Pacific, SPI hosted a lunch on June 9, 2011 for approximately 30 trade officials representing more than 20 countries.
• SPI Joins Fight to Clarify Misperceptions Surrounding Styrene Listing in NTP Report SPI is engaged with the styrene industry stakeholders forum and continues to support efforts to clarify any misperceptions surrounding styrene as it pertains to polystyrene and other plastic products that may utilize styrene.
• Wisconsin Budget Includes Powerful Incentives for Manufacturers The Wisconsin Legislature agreed to a budget that contains several powerful incentives which will impact the business community, in particular manufacturers.
• SPI Bioplastics Council Announces Approval of RTP Company as New Member — June 28, 2011
  The Bioplastics Council, a special interest group of SPI: The Plastics Industry Trade Association, announced today that RTP Company, a global custom compounder headquartered in Winona, Minnesota, has officially been approved as a new member.
• SPI Urges Prospective International Visitors to NPE2012 to Start Process of Obtaining a U.S. Visa “Well in Advance” — June 22, 2011
  With only nine months until the NPE2012 international plastics exposition, prospective attendees from countries whose citizens require a visa to enter the United States should start the process of obtaining one well in advance of the show.
• SPI, ACC and CPIA Agree to Bring Operation Clean Sweep® to Canadian Plastics Industry — June 22, 2011
  At a ceremony held during the Plast-Ex trade show at the Toronto Congress Centre, leaders of the Canadian Plastics Industry Association, SPI: The Plastics Industry Trade Association and the Plastics Division of the American Chemistry Council announced that a licensing agreement had been signed which will bring Operation Clean Sweep® to Canadian resin pellet handling operations.
• SPI Meets with House Workforce Committee Chair As a prominent member of the Coalition for a Democratic Workplace, SPI recently met with House Education & Workforce Committee Chair John Kline (R-MN-2).
• SPI Seeks Your Input: Comment on Recordkeeping for Musculoskeletal Disorders On May 16, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced the reopening of the public record on the Agency's proposal for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) to be recorded in a separate column on the OSHA 300 log.
• Steinwall Wins Manufacturing Enterprise Communication's Prestigious Award — June 13, 2011
  Custom molder Steinwall, Inc., an SPI member company, has made Manufacturing Enterprise Communication's prestigious 2011 Progressive Manufacturing 100 Award Winners list.
• TRI Reporting Deadline Approaches; Mid-Year Reminder on Additions for 2012 Do you have facilities subject to Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) reporting? Regulated facilities are reminded that reporting year 2011 - the period from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011 - includes 16 new reportable chemicals...
• U.S. EPA Issues Final SNUR for Certain Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has promulgated a final significant new use rule (SNUR) under Section 5(a)(2) of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) for the chemical substance identified generically as multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT).
• New Venue for NPE2012 is Rated Most-Visited U.S. Destination — May 31, 2011
  Orlando, Florida, the city selected as the site for NPE2012, has been rated the most-visited destination in the U.S. and is the first to host more than 50 million visitors annually. Statistics released last week by the marketing organization Visit Orlando also indicate growth from 2006 to 2010 in the popularity of the Orlando metropolitan area as a destination for leisure and business travel.
• Advantages of New NPE2012 Location in Orlando, Florida are Expected to Attract Strong Participation by Chinese Exhibitors — May 17, 2011
  For Chinese participants in next year’s NPE2012, the new location in Florida will provide unparalleled access to a plastics market serving nearly a billion people, with annual shipments of more than USD $500-billion.
• SPI Predicts Surge in NPE2012 Attendance from Brazil as a Result of Country’s Booming Economy — May 9, 2011
  The rapid growth of the economy in Brazil promises to generate a surge in attendance at NPE2012 by Brazilian plastics professionals looking for ways to increase productivity, create new product values, and expand business with companies from around the world.
• California Considers Future Regulations Under Green Chemistry Initiative SPI continues to work on behalf of its members in monitoring regulations that fall under California’s Green Chemistry Initiative.
• Final Vote Coming on Patent Reform; Changes Could Impact SPI Members On April 14th, the House Judiciary Committee approved H.R. 1249 by a vote of 32-3, and the bill is expected to reach the House floor in May or June. This House bill changes the U.S. approach to a first-to-file patent system and allows the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to keep the fees it collects in order to address the backlog of hundreds of thousands of patents.
• Obituary: Bob Lemke, Founder of SPI Member Company ABC Lemke, Inc. — May 6, 2011
  Gunter "Bob" Lemke, a plastics machinery salesman known throughout the industry for his expertise and determination, died on April 2 at the age of 72.
• SPI Member Royce Associates Receives Coveted Medical Products Award — May 6, 2011
  For the second year in a row Royce Associates' Colors Division received a supplier recognition from Carestream Health, a leading manufacturer of x-ray film and medical products.
• SPI Members Brief New EPA Official Maria Doa on PFOA Initiatives Fluoropolymer Division (FPD) Task Group leader Mike Haley of Whitford, along with key SPI technical staff, recently met with Maria Doa, the incoming director of the Chemical Control Division of the U.S. EPA’s Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics.
• SPI Members Host Policymakers in Wisconsin, Illinois and Ohio — May 6, 2011
  Policymakers toured SPI member companies to see operations firsthand and to get a better understanding of challenges facing the plastics industry.
• SPI Members Receive 25% Off Registration to China Plastics in Automotive 2011 — May 6, 2011
  Plastics News will present a one-day, international business conference called "China Plastics in Automotive 2011" in Guangzhou on May 16.
• SPI Seeks Feedback: Is Trade Remedy Law Working For You? SPI seeks feedback on your experience with antidumping and countervailing duty laws. Unfair foreign pricing and government subsidies distort the free flow of goods and skew global markets.
• SPI Bioplastics Council Announces Approval of Merquinsa as New Member — April 24, 2011
  The SPI Bioplastics Council announced today that Merquinsa, a leading thermoplastic polyurethane producer with global headquarters in Barcelona, Spain, and regional centers in Asia and North America, has officially been approved as a new member.
• Calling All Processors: Watch Your Email for Quarterly Business Survey — April 14, 2011
  The Processors Council is looking to broadly expand participation in its Quarterly Business Survey.
• Colombia Deal Could Trigger Movement on Several Trade Fronts The Obama Administration views the April 7th agreement on an action plan to improve Colombia's labor laws and practices as a trigger to movement on several key trade items.
• Georgia Senator Johnny Isakson Tours Technical Polymers Facility Senator Johnny Isakson (GA) toured SPI member company Technical Polymers’ facility in Buford Georgia on March 18.
• Join California’s Green Ribbon Science Panel Topic Subcommittees via Teleconference The California Green Ribbon Science Panel (GRSP) is made up of experts to provide advice on scientific matters, chemical policy recommendations and implementation strategies.
• SPI Calls Members into Action in California on Polystyrene Bill SPI issued an Action Alert for all of its California members to contact their State Senators and ask them to oppose California Senate Bill 568.
• SPI Opposes Rhode Island Producer Responsibility Bill SPI recently submitted comments stating opposition to H.B. 5888, An Act Relating to Health and Safety - Producer Responsibility for Discarded Products.
• SPI Urges Members to Act on Connecticut Bill Restricting Employers' Speech In response to the Connecticut General Assembly’s Labor and Public Employees Committee passing House Bill 5460, a proposal dealing with employee attendance at meetings, SPI has issued an Action Alert to its Connecticut members to contact their state representatives to voice opposition to this measure.
• Small Business Administration Provides Podcasts to Help Your Export Efforts The Small Business Administration (SBA) has a number of podcasts available to assist small and medium sized companies.
• Small Business Victory: Repeal of 1099 Reporting Requirements Heads to President for Signature On April 5, 2011 the Senate overwhelmingly passed H.R. 4 (Comprehensive 1099 Taxpayer Protection and Repayment of Exchange Subsidy Overpayments Act of 2011) with no amendments by an 87-12 vote.
• Your Input Needed for Industry Sustainability Survey — April 14, 2011
  The Missouri University of Science and Technology is conducting a survey to understand the importance of "sustainability" to the plastics industry.
• With NPE2012 Poised to Surpass NPE2009, SPI is Expanding Show to Include All 3 Halls at New Venue in Orlando — April 4, 2011
  With exactly a year to go before the start of NPE2012, exhibit sales are already equivalent to 98% of the total occupied space at the last NPE in 2009, and they are certain to exceed that total as selling continues.
• Ken Gronbach Presentation – The Age Curve — March 31, 2011
  Ken Gronbach's presentation provides the information you need to help grow your business and be prepared for the future.
• ASTM Considers Additional Changes to the Resin Identification Codes As it focuses on recycling of a variety of post-consumer plastics, ASTM's D20.95 subcommittee continues to work on modifications to the resin identification codes (RICs) standard, ASTM D7611 - Standard Practice for Coding Plastic Manufactured Articles for Resin Identification.
• Free DOC Sustainable Manufacturing Initiative Tool Available for Members The Department of Commerce's Sustainable Manufacturing Initiative (SMI) has just launched its newly revamped Sustainable Business Clearinghouse.
• Funding Opportunity: NSF Small Business Innovation Research Program The National Science Foundation (NSF) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Grant Program - Phase I Solicitation for fiscal year 2011 (Release 2) is open.
• Latest Trade Data: U.S. Plastics Exports Up Compared to Last Year U.S. trade data released by the U.S. International Trade Commission indicates that plastics exports in January 2011 were up as compared to the same month last year.
• Long-Awaited California Rule on Rigid Plastic Packaging Finally Announced California's Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery announced a long awaited notice of proposed rulemaking to the Rigid Plastic Packing Container (RPPC) Act of 1991.
• March 24th Workshop: Role of Combined Heat & Power and Waste Heat Recovery — March 15, 2011
  The Industrial Energy Consumers of America will be holding a workshop on combined heat and power (CHP) and waste heat recovery in Iselin, New Jersey March 24, 2011.
• Opportunity for Small Business Input on Combustible Dust The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rulemaking on combustible dust may have a significant impact on the plastics industry, particularly for small businesses.
• SPI Fights to Repeal Onerous Health Care Reporting Requirements SPI worked to convince House Lawmakers to repeal the burdensome, expensive reporting requirements included in last year's health care overhaul-which would include a 1099 form for any payments that exceed $600 per year.
• U.S. & Mexico Announce Preliminary Deal On Trucking Dispute On March 4th, the U.S. and Mexico announced a deal to resolve a longstanding dispute over cross-border trucking. SPI has argued that Mexico's retaliation on $2.4 billion worth of U.S. goods cost the U.S. manufacturing jobs.
• Wisconsin Lawmakers Agree to Reduce Tax Burdens In an effort to bolster the economy, the Wisconsin state legislature acted to reduce the tax burden on individuals and employers alike.
• New Name and Leadership Signal Renewed Energy for SPI Flexible Film and Bag Division — March 7, 2011
  SPI announced today that the leaders of one of its long-standing industry groups, the Film and Bag Committee, have decided on a name change. Established in 1998 and currently part of SPI's Processors Council, the committee will now officially be known as the Flexible Film and Bag Division. This name change reflects a renewed energy, new leadership, and more focused direction for the group.
• Wisconsin Senator Ron Johnson to Address Plastics Industry Peers at SPI National Board Meeting, March 21-23 In Scottsdale, Arizona — March 3, 2011
  SPI announced today that Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI) will address his plastics industry colleagues at the organization’s Spring 2011 National Board Meeting, taking place March 21-23, 2011 in Scottsdale, Arizona. Senator Johnson founded Pacur, a PET sheet extrusion manufacturer, in 1979.
• California Draft Storm Water Industrial Regs Could Impact Resin Pellet Operations On January 25th, the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) released its draft Storm Water Industrial General Permit. The industrial regulations apply numeric effluent limits which will affect not only testing and compliance cost, but also operations -- including those involving "preproduction plastics" or resin pellets.
• Maine DEP's Recommendation for Producer Take Back Program Cites Packaging, Plastic Bags Maine's Department of Environmental Protection recently submitted a report to the Legislature containing initial recommendations for extended product stewardship programs.
• More U.S. Exports and Jobs on the Way? Korea FTA Bill Currently on Track for Spring The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is on track for sending draft implementing legislation for the U.S.-Korea free trade agreement to Congress by late February.
• New Trucking Program Could Lead to Removal of Mexico's Tariffs on U.S. Goods On January 10th in Mexico City, U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk announced administration plans to commence negotiations with Mexico on a U.S. proposal for a new cross-border trucking program.
• Plastics Manufacturers Have Friend in New White House Manufacturing Czar — February 16, 2011
  SPI President Bill Carteaux applauded President Obama's February 1 decision to name Ron Bloom to the new post of Special Assistant to the President for Manufacturing Policy within the White House’s National Economic Council.
• SPI to Represent Plastics Industry on National Natural Gas Committee — February 16, 2011
  SPI was recently asked to represent U.S. plastics manufacturers on a prestigious industry-related committee of organizations that have a significant impact on the natural gas industry.
• Senate Votes to Repeal 1099 Requirements; SPI Advocates for House to Do the Same The Senate voted February 2, 2011, in favor of an amendment that would repeal the controversial 1099 reporting requirements that were included in last year's health care overhaul and which would require businesses to issue 1099 forms for a new range of vendor payments not required before.
• Your Input Needed for Green Manufacturing Standard — February 16, 2011
  SPI is looking for plastics industry experts to review and validate a new green manufacturing standard by participating in an online survey review.
• Grant Opportunity for Advanced Vehicle Research Includes Lightweight Materials The U.S. Department of Energy has announced it is accepting applications for up to $184 million over three to five years to accelerate the development of new efficient vehicle technologies that will reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil, save drivers money, and limit carbon pollution.
• New Small Business Administration Website Offers New Tools, Customization Small business owner should find more value at the new, overhauled Small Business Association website. The new site is more streamlined, customized and dynamic, and offers new tools that will help small companies develop growth and network with partners.
• President's Executive Order Could Reduce Regulatory Burdens on Plastics Business On January 18, President Obama signed a new Executive Order on Regulation and Regulatory Review that has the potential to reduce excessive and unjustified regulatory burdens on business.
• Submit Your Intellectual Property Rights Concerns to the U.S. Trade Representative The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) uses the "Special 301" process to encourage specific trading partners to address key intellectual property rights (IPR) issues.
• Results of Drawing for NPE2012 Exhibit Space Reflect an Industry Regaining Strength Amidst Economic Recovery — January 20, 2011
  Signs of good health for the plastics industry were readily apparent at the recent NPE2012 Drawing for Exhibit Space, as representatives of more than 650 exhibiting companies traveled to the new NPE venue in Orlando, Florida, to select booths for the international plastics exposition.
• SPI Bioplastics Council Seeks to Build on 2010 Momentum with Ambitious Slate of 2011 Activities — January 19, 2011
  The Bioplastics Council, a special interest group of SPI, today announced its agenda of activities for 2011, as well as the volunteer leaders who will serve the Council as new chair and vice chair.
• Download Opening Session of NPE2012 Space Draw — January 13, 2011
  To view and download the opening presentations of the NPE2012 Space Draw
• NPE2012 Show Floor Takes Shape as Space Draw Enters Second Day — January 13, 2011
  The first day of the NPE2012 Space Draw, taking place today and concluding tomorrow in Orlando, Florida, added 311 more pieces to the dynamic puzzle that will become the NPE2012 show floor.
• SPI Bioplastics Council Launches Expanded Membership Structure — January 10, 2011
  

2010

• SPI Statement on Passage of the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization and Job Creation Act of 2010 into Law — December 17, 2010
  On December 17, 2010, President Obama signed into law the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization and Job Creation Act of 2010. SPI issued the following statement concerning the signing of this important pro-manufacturing legislation into law.
• New Jersey Governor Pushes Property Tax Reforms to Spur Business, Job Growth In a recent letter to New Jersey business leaders, Governor Chris Christie (R) reiterated his priority to spur economic development and private sector job growth in the state.
• SPI Advocacy Update: Senate Votes to Extend Business Tax Relief As this issue of Inside Edge went to press, the U.S. Senate had voted to pass a tax package that would extend all tax rate reductions enacted early in the last decade - including capital gains, dividends and individual income tax rates.
• SPI Outlines Needed Clarifications to FTC's Proposed Revisions of 'Green Guides' SPI has submitted comments in response to the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC's) proposed revisions to its Guides for the Use of Environmental Marketing Claims ("Green Guides").
• SPI Seeks Your Feedback: Is the PET Film Shortage Harming Your Business? SPI has been monitoring several reports that indicate the market is experiencing a PET film shortage and suggestions that this situation will worsen over time.
• U.S.-Korea FTA Could Lift Exports, Jobs If Approved by Congress On December 3, 2010, President Obama announced an agreement with Korea to modify the free trade agreement (FTA) known as "KORUS." Initially agreed to under the Bush administration, the deal was never submitted for Congressional ratification due primarily to issues related to automobiles and beef.
• SPI Now Accepting Nominations for Living Persons to be Inducted into Plastics Hall of Fame — December 2, 2010
  Nominations are now open for living individuals to be inducted into the Plastics Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony and banquet will take place on April 2, 2012 during SPI's NPE2012 exposition.
• SPI Now Accepting Nominations for Living Persons to be Inducted into Plastics Hall of Fame — December 2, 2010
  Nominations are now open for living individuals to be inducted into the Plastics Hall of Fame. SPI is administering the nominating process on behalf of The Plastics Academy, whose officials will make up the initial screening committee. The induction ceremony and banquet will take place on April 2, 2012 during SPI’s NPE2012 exposition.
• EPA to Hold Meeting/Webinar on the 2011 IUR Electronic Reporting Tool EPA has proposed requiring use of e-IURweb to complete Form U for the 2011 IUR.
• New Member Benefit: Protect Your Inventory from Client Defaults Prior to Payment Establishing a Purchase Money Security Interest allows you to enforce your rights against the collateral you have shipped if your client defaults on their obligation to you.
• SPI President Carteaux Sees Election Results as Good News for SPI Advocacy Efforts SPI President Bill Carteaux believes that, in general terms, the recent election results provide reason for optimism for U.S. manufacturing and the plastics industry.
• SPI Projects Earn National Awards — November 30, 2010
  Both the Association of Marketing & Communication Professionals (AMCP) and PR News recently recognized the achievements of SPI staff and committee members in national awards competitions.
• SPI Seeks Feedback: EPA Identifies Additional Chemicals for Potential Endocrine Disruption Testing SPI is seeking feedback from members that produce or use chemicals identified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as candidates for testing to determine their potential to disrupt the endocrine system.
• Small Business Opportunity: SBREFA Panel on Injury and Illness Prevention The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is developing a rule that would require employers to implement an Injury and Illness Prevention Program (I2P2) - planning, implementing, evaluating, and improving processes and activities that protect employee safety and health.
• What Does "Feasible" Mean? SPI Seeks Member Input on OSHA Hearing Standards SPI seeks member input as it considers submitting comments on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA's) October 19 notice stating its interpretation of the term "feasible" for administrative or engineering controls under the agency’s occupational noise exposure standards.
• Wisconsin's Union Organizing Statute Declared Unconstitutional Despite SPI and the general business community urging Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle to veto SB 585, he signed the bill into law as Act 290 this past May.
• SPE and SPI Agree on Co-Location of ANTEC with NPE2012 — October 27, 2010
  The Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) will co-locate the 2012 edition of its ANTEC® technical conference with the NPE2012 international plastics exposition, it was announced at K 2010 by SPE and SPI: The Plastics Industry Trade Association.
• Spotlight on November's Processors Conference: Utilizing New Technologies; Sustainable Packaging — October 27, 2010
  Multiple segments of the plastics processing industry will connect November 16-18 in Irving, Texas, for the first annual SPI Plastics Processors Conference.
• Wisconsin Special Committee Continues Work on Single-Use Plastics SPI continues to monitor any signs of proposed legislation resulting from the work of the Wisconsin Legislative Special Committee on Single Use Plastics.
• FTC Proposes Revision of "Green Guides" on Environmental Claims The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has proposed revisions to its Guides for the Use of Environmental Marketing Claims ("Green Guides").
• Federal Grant Opportunity for Your Company -- DOE Program Supports Innovation The Department of Energy (DOE) has announced that its annual Phase 1 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I Solicitation for fiscal year 2011 is open.
• Make a Sound Business Investment: Watch the Mail for Your SPI Membership Renewal — October 15, 2010
  SPI is built by members, for members. It is the voice fighting for your industry and your business.
• Pennsylvania Congressman Thompson Tours Jarden Plastics Solutions Facility — October 15, 2010
  Jarden Plastics Solutions welcomed Representative Glenn "GT" Thompson (R, PA-5) to its Reedsville, Pa. facility on October 4th.
• SPI Comments on Proposed TSCA IUR Modifications; Encourages EPA to Target Needs, Minimize Burden SPI submitted comments to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on the Agency's proposed rule for Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Inventory Update Reporting (IUR) Modifications.
• SPI Appoints NaylorCMG to be Responsible for NPE2012 Booth Sales and Related Exhibitor Services in the U.S. and Canada — October 7, 2010
  SPI has retained the services of NaylorCMG to provide exhibitor sales and services for NPE2012 in the U.S. and Canada, it was announced today by Gene Sanders, SPI senior vice president in charge of trade shows.
• Plastics Manufacturers Score "Bonus Depreciation" Legislative Win SPI members, the plastics industry and the entire manufacturing sector realized a major victory on September 27 when the 50 percent bonus depreciation provision was extended via enactment of H.R. 5297, the Small Business Jobs Act.
• California Bill Applies ASTM Standards to Address Misleading Degradability Claims SPI has been monitoring a bill approved by the California State Assembly prohibiting the labeling of plastic products as being "compostable" or "marine biodegradable" unless they conform to ASTM standards.
• SPI Keeps Tabs on Wisconsin Legislature Considering Single-Use Plastics SPI is monitoring the Wisconsin State Legislature as it conducts a series of meetings concerning state policies related to single use plastic products.
• SPI Recommends Modifications to Health Canada's Working Definition for Nanomaterials SPI urged Health Canada to modify its Interim Policy Statement on Health Canada's Working Definition for Nanomaterials with more clearly defined terminology, in comments submitted in response to Health Canada's public consultation.
• SPI and Printpack Inc. Host China's Ministry of Health to Discuss Food Packaging — September 13, 2010
  On August 24th, a delegation of high-ranking officials from the Ministry of Health of the People's Republic of China joined SPI for a lunch meeting and tour of SPI member Printpack's rigid plastics manufacturing facility in Williamsburg, Va.
• EPA Proposes Additional Amendments to Reporting of Greenhouse Gases Rule, Extends Comment Period on Confidentiality Determinations

  SPI encourages members currently impacted by the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Mandatory Reporting of Greenhouse Gases Rule (MRR) to review the Agency's August 11 proposed rule that would amend provisions, correct errors and respond to questions pertaining to the MRR.

• Get Out the Vote: Seven States Hold Key Elections on September 14

  The election season is winding down, and with one major date for primaries before the general elections in November it is critical that the plastics industry's voice is heard.  On September 14th, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin close out the primary season.

• New York City's Historic Recycling Legislation Covers All Rigid Containers

  Mayor Michael Bloomberg signed into law a package of eleven bills aimed at revolutionizing recycling throughout New York City. The comprehensive legislative package took aim at the city's 21 year-old recycling law.

• Proposed IUR Modifications under TSCA Increase Burden for Manufacturers

  SPI is interested in hearing from members who may be impacted by the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) proposed modifications to the Inventory Update Reporting (IUR) rule, an action that will increase the reporting burden for some manufacturers.

• SPI Executive Board Member Janeczko Donates More than $1 Million for Plastics Scholarships — August 31, 2010
  

  SPI Executive Board Member Robert Janeczko and his wife Charllotte have pledged in excess of $1 million for plastics engineering scholarships at the University of Wisconsin-Stout (Menomonie, Wis.).  The donation supports the couple's alma mater and helps fortify the future workforce of the plastics industry. 

• SPI Medical Products Committee Seeks Input on FDA Compliance Process for Machinery — August 31, 2010
  

  SPI’s Medical Products Committee, recently formed under the Processors Council, includes interested machinery, material suppliers, moldmakers and processors engaged in the medical applications arena.

• Tax Relief: IRS Issues New Guidance on Net Operating Loss "Carryback" Law

  SPI continues to monitor updates to the net operating loss "carryback" law that was a major 2009 legislative victory in providing tax relief to member companies. Last week, the Internal Revenue Service issued a guidance document for companies that choose a three, four, or five-year net operating loss carryback rather than the usual two-year carryback.

• Delaware Senator Carper Tours Precision AirConvey Facility — August 11, 2010
  Enjoying a first-hand view of plastics recycling innovation, Senator Thomas Carper (D-Del.) visited SPI member Precision AirConvey Corp. (PAC) in Newark, Del. on July 26. Hosted by PAC CEO Tom Embley, Senator Carper met informally with employees and toured the manufacturing facility.
• Jobs, Budget Shortfalls are Top of Mind for State Legislative Leaders Jobs were the number one agenda item and topic for discussion among state legislative leaders from across the country who gathered for the National Conference of State Legislatures' 2010 Legislative Summit in Kentucky last month.
• R&D Funding: NSF Seeks Research Proposals for Projects with Commercial Potential Have an idea with commercial promise that requires R&D funding? The National Science Foundation (NSF) invites eligible small business concerns to submit Phase I proposals for its FY 2010 Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program.
• SPI Advises Green Flexibility for DOE's Federal Building Construction Standards Government agencies should be allowed the flexibility to choose the green building rating system that best fits their needs, said SPI in comments made in response to the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) proposal to implement provisions of the Energy Conservation and Production Act (as amended by the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007).
• SPI President Carteaux Attends White House Ceremony as President Obama Signs Manufacturing Enhancement Act into Law — August 11, 2010
  Celebrating a hard-earned victory for job creation and the competitive hopes of American plastics manufacturers, SPI President William R. Carteaux attended a White House ceremony this afternoon as President Barack Obama formally signed the Manufacturing Enhancement Act of 2010 into law.
• SPI Urges Reduction of Manufacturer?s Burden for Testing and Certification of Consumer Products SPI has urged the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to substantially reduce the testing burden for manufacturers of consumer products made with FDA- or CONEG-compliant materials. The comments pertain to both the CPSC Proposed Rule on Testing and Labeling Pertaining to Product Certification (75 Fed. Reg. 28336) and the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Conditions and Requirements for Testing Component Parts of Consumer Products (75 Fed. Reg. 28208).
• SPI Bioplastics Council Announces Approval of First Processor Member — August 10, 2010
  The Bioplastics Council, a special interest group of SPI: The Plastics Industry Trade Association, announced today that Nypro Inc., a leading custom plastics manufacturer, headquartered in Clinton, Massachusetts, has officially been approved as a new member.
• SPI's Plastics Processors Conference — August 9, 2010
  

  You can't afford to miss the one conference that will bring together professionals from all segments of plastics processing to focus on targeted business issues.

• At "Pre-Drawing" Two Years Before NPE2012, 67 Exhibitors Select One-Fifth of Total Space Anticipated for the Show — August 2, 2010
  In a special "Pre-Drawing" held for SPI members that have exhibited in at least 15 of the previous 26 NPEs, 67 companies selected a total of 170,300 sq.ft. (16,000 sq.m) of exhibit space for NPE2012. The amount of space selected in the Pre-Drawing was roughly 20% of the total that SPI anticipates by the time of the show -- April 1-5, 2012, at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in Orlando, Fla.
• Nypro Inc. Becomes First Processor Member of SPI Bioplastics Council — July 30, 2010
  The SPI Bioplastics Council recently announced that Nypro Inc., a leading custom plastics manufacturer headquartered in Clinton, Mass. has officially been approved as a new member.
• SPI Opposes OSHA Measures in Miner Safety Bill SPI has serious concerns about the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provisions in H.R. 5663, the Robert C. Byrd Miner Safety and Health Act of 2010.
• SPI Requests Additional FDA Funding for FY11 in Letter to HHS Secretary U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires at least a 20% increase in appropriations for FY12 over the FY11 budget, said SPI in a recent letter to Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius.
• SPI Urges Senate to Steer Clear of Measures that Would Artificially Spike Natural Gas Prices As the U.S. Senate contemplates legislation addressing energy production and climate change, SPI has joined with other leading trade associations in urging avoidance of so-called "fuel switching" incentives -- or mandates -- that would artificially drive up natural gas prices.
• SPI Voices Concerns about Proposed Consumer Product Incident Database In a June 23, 2010 letter to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), SPI expressed its serious concerns with the Commission's notice of proposed rulemaking on the Publicly Available Consumer Product Information Database (75 Federal Register 29156).
• SPI to Sponsor Prestigious Plastics News Processor of the Year Award — July 30, 2010
  SPI is sponsoring the Plastics News' Processor of the Year Award, one of the most highly coveted plastics industry awards.
• Wisconsin Lawmakers Seek to Restrict Single-Use Plastics and Nanotechnology Wisconsin lawmakers have formed two special interim committees to look at limiting the use of Single-Use Plastics and Nanotechnology. Meetings will take place over the next several months.
• House Moves Forward on Miscellaneous Tariff Bills On July 7, the House Ways and Means Committee issued a draft manager's amendment of H.R. 4380, the Miscellaneous Trade and Technical Corrections Bill of 2009. The original bill was introduced on December 15, 2009.
• Get Out The Vote! -- Mark Your Calendars for Upcoming Elections The election season is underway and the next round of primaries is coming up. Races will take place in Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Tennessee, Connecticut and Minnesota.
• May Trade Data Show Continued Strength According to trade statistics issued last week by the U.S. International Trade Commission, U.S. plastics exports in May (valued at $4.6 billion) increased almost seven percent from the prior month and over 34 percent from the same period in 2009.
• REACH Update: Authorization, Restrictions and More On July 1, 2010, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) recommended that eight of the 15 substances that were added to the Candidate List in early 2010 be included on the Authorization List.
• Administration Establishes Timeframe for Moving Forward on U.S.-South Korea FTA Following bilateral talks between the United States and South Korea during this past weekend's G-20 meeting in Toronto, President Obama announced a preliminary schedule for implementing the U.S.-South Korea Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
• California EPA Issues Draft Regulation for Safer Consumer Product Alternatives The California Environmental Protection Agency's Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) issued a Draft Regulation for Safer Consumer Products Alternatives on June 23, 2010.
• China Loosens Peg on Currency Facing growing international pressure, China announced on June 19 that it would allow for greater fluctuation between the renminbi (RMB) and the U.S. dollar.
• EPA Pushes Congress to Revive Superfund Tax On June 21st, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) submitted draft legislation to Capitol Hill, seeking to reinstate the Superfund tax for the next decade.
• Federal Reserve Releases Commentary on Current Economic Conditions In its June report, the Federal Reserve reported that economic activity continued to improve since their last report across all twelve Federal Reserve Districts, although many Districts described the pace of growth as "modest."
• Feds Issue Guidance to Employers on "Grandfathered" Health Plans The U.S. Department of Labor, Health and Human Services and the Treasury recently issued implementing guidance defining a "grandfathered health plan" in the form of Interim Final Rules.
• House Subcommittee Approves Nine Percent Increase in FDA Funding for FY11 The House Agriculture/FDA Appropriations Subcommittee has earmarked $2.571 billion for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in its FY11 appropriations bill, an increase of $214 million or 9% for the Agency over FY 10 funding and $55 million more than the President's request earlier this year.
• SPI Alerts California Members to Act on Bag Bill On June 2nd, the California State Assembly narrowly passed Assembly Bill 1998, a bill that would repeal the state's successful at-store recycling program and prohibit grocery, convenience, and other specified stores from offering single use plastic bags to its customers.
• ITC Votes to Keep Antidumping Order on PE Bags from China, Malaysia and Thailand On June 8, 2010, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) "determined that revoking the existing antidumping duty orders on polyethylene retail carrier bags from China, Malaysia and Thailand would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury within a reasonably foreseeable time."
• NSF Releases Data from New Business R&D and Innovation Survey U.S. companies grossed nearly $11 trillion in worldwide sales and spent $330 billion on R&D in 2008. This information is according to new figures from the National Science Foundation's first ever Business R&D and Innovation Survey (BRDIS) developed jointly with the U.S. Census Bureau.
• New York Releases Progress Report on Green Procurement New York released its first annual progress report on State Green Procurement and Agency Sustainability. The report is a result of Executive Order 4, "Establishing a State Green Procurement and Agency Sustainability Program," which was signed by Governor David Patterson (D) in April 2008.
• Qualified Employers Benefit from New Tax Incentives Your company could benefit from the new Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment (HIRE) Act. The new law provides both a partial payroll tax holiday and a tax credit to employers who hire previously unemployed workers.
• REACH Update: ECHA Includes 8 Additional Substances on the Candidate List; Announces New Webinar On June 18, 2010, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) voted to include eight additional substances on the Candidate list, which now includes 38 substances. Information on these substances and the Candidate List may be found in the Agency's press release.
• South Carolina Manufacturers May Be Eligible for Property Tax Savings Some South Carolina manufacturers have until July 1, 2010, to take advantage of potentially significant property tax savings. The savings are the result of the state amending the assessment ratio for certain real property from 10.5 percent to 6 percent.
• TSCA: EPA Requests SPI's Help to Address Industry Confidentiality Claims The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently asked for the assistance of SPI and other leading trade associations in requesting industry's attention to claims of confidential business information (CBI) for material submitted under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).
• Connecticut Bill Would Expand Recycling Program The Connecticut legislature has sent Governor Jodi Rell (R) a bill expanding the types of items designated for recycling curbside, requires recycling receptacles at common gathering venues and includes other measures aimed at increasing recycling throughout the state.
• REACH Update: ECHA Issues Slew of New Guidance as 2010 Deadline Approaches The European Chemical Agency (ECHA) has published several new reports and guidance documents on a range of subjects.
• SPI Sponsoring U.S. Pavilion at K 2010; Limited Space Available — June 2, 2010
  Limited space is available in the U.S. Pavilion at K 2010 for companies wanting to exhibit in this unique setting. The K show will take place October 27-November 3 in Düsseldorf, Germany.
• SPI Urges Repeal of Paperwork Burden in Healthcare Reform Law On May 5th the Coalition for Fairness in Tax Compliance, which includes SPI, composed a letter to Representative Dan Lungren (R, CA-) in support of the Small Business Paperwork Mandate Elimination Act (H.R. 5141), which he introduced on April 26th
• States Divided on Running New Health Insurance Pools Of the many provisions in the recently enacted national health care reform legislation, one provision prohibits insurers from denying people coverage or charging them higher premiums on the basis of their health status. That provision does not take effect until 2014.
• U.S. Plastics Trade Spikes More Than 12 Percent in March According to trade statistics recently issued by the U.S. International Trade Commission, U.S. plastics exports continued to rise in March.
• NPE2012 Begins Taking Shape Months Ahead of Schedule as SPI Organizes "Pre-Drawing" for Space in New Orlando Venue — May 24, 2010
  A lottery held today has enabled a core group of longtime NPE exhibitors to choose space at NPE2012 nearly two years before the event, generating a preliminary floor plan that will help other companies with their own space selection.
• SPI Bioplastics Council Announces Approval of Jamplast, Inc. as New Member — May 20, 2010
  The SPI Bioplastics Council announced today that Jamplast Inc, a leading distributor of raw plastic materials and biopolymers, headquartered in Ellisville, Missouri, has officially been approved as a new member.
• ASTM Considers Additional Changes to the Resin Identification Codes — May 14, 2010
  As it focuses on recycling of a variety of post-consumer plastics, ASTM's D20.95 subcommittee continues to work on the resin identification codes (RICs) draft standard.
• California Initiative Takes Aim at False Plastics Degradability Claims An initiative aimed at rooting out false claims about the degradability of plastic products is moving through the California Senate.
• Coalition Ad Warns "Card Check" Bill Could Result in 600k Jobs Lost In an effort to show industry's continued opposition to "card check" legislation, the Coalition for a Democratic Workplace, which includes SPI, produced an advertisement that ran in the April 29th edition of USA Today.
• Commerce Imposes Trade Remedies on PE Bags from Vietnam, Taiwan and Indonesia On April 30, 2010, the U.S. International Trade Commission issued its final affirmative determination in the antidumping and countervailing duty investigations on imports from Vietnam, Taiwan and Indonesia of polyethylene retail carrier bags as provided for in subheading 3923.21.00 of the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
• Get Out The Vote: Mark Your Calendars for Upcoming Elections — May 12, 2010
  The election season is underway and on May 18th, Arkansas, Kentucky, Oregon and Pennsylvania voters will have their turn at the ballot box.
• Join the Plastics Ambassador Program: Communicate the Benefits of Plastics — May 12, 2010
  Jointly sponsored by SPI and the American Chemistry Council (ACC), the Plastics Ambassador Program provides plastics industry members the tools to share the benefits of plastics with their local policymakers, media and the general public.
• Pennsylvania Bottle Bill Would Impose Retail Tax The Pennsylvania House of Representatives recently introduced legislation that would impose a $.05 tax at retail on every plastic bottle within the state.
• SPI Urges House to Support Passage of a Miscellaneous Tariff Bill SPI, in conjunction with more than 130 companies and associations, sent a letter to House leaders strongly encouraging them to pass a Miscellaneous Tariff Bill (MTB).
• State Pressure Points: Issues Garnering Increased Attention While states continue to grapple with balancing their budgets, Consumer Protection, Health Care and Pension Reform continue to garner more attention and action from state legislators.
• Western Moldmakers Support Plastics Education and Future of Industry — May 12, 2010
  SPI's Western Moldmakers recently awarded two colleges and two high schools a combined total of $7,500 through their 2009-2010 grant program. Over the last 14 years the group has donated nearly $80,000 to Western-based schools and universities with moldmaking programs
• ECHA Update: Are Your Substances Due to Be Registered This Year? On April 1, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) released a List of those chemical substances that companies have told ECHA they plan to register by the initial registration deadline of November 30, 2010.
• Global Packaging Project's Report Due in November Professionals from consumer goods companies and major retailers have approved a suggested set of common definitions and principles for sustainable packaging.
• International Trade Events — May 3, 2010
  
• NIST-MEP White Paper Assesses the Present and Future of American Manufacturing A new white paper entitled "Innovation and Product Development in the 21st Century" has been prepared by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Board.
• NIST-TIP Grants for Manufacturing (Submissions Due July 15th) The National Institute of Standards and Technology's (NIST's) Technology Innovation Program (TIP) is soliciting high-risk, high-reward research and development proposals.
• NSF Small Business Innovation Research Program Phase I Solicitation FY-2011 Open The National Science Foundation (NSF) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Grant Program - Phase I Solicitation for fiscal year 2011 is open.
• New Jersey - Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Plastic Containers Assemblyman Samuel Thompson (R-District 13 Middlesex and Monmouth) has prefiled legislation exempting from the sales and use tax returnable plastic containers and pallets.
• New York Introduces Bill Favoring Plastic Composites for Subway and Railroad Ties Based on a New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority task force report issued last April, legislation has been introduced, A 10503 (Kavanagh), that gives preferential purchasing treatment to plastic composites for both new and replacement subway and railroad track ties.
• Rhode Island Proposes Extended Producer Responsibility Bill Representative Amy G. Rice (D-District 72, Portsmouth, Middletown, Newport) has sponsored a bill, H 7998, proposing that all brand owners and manufacturers of a "consumer" product collect and dispose of the product one the consumer is done using it.
• Workshop Supports California's Green Chemistry Initiative On May 10-11, California's Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment will hold a workshop in support of the Green Chemistry Initiative.
• GOTV - Mark Your Calendars for Upcoming Elections The election season is underway and May 4th will preview a number of races in various states; Indiana, North Carolina and Ohio voters will go to the polls.
• SPI Bioplastics Council Members Head to Capitol Hill — April 21, 2010
  The day before thousands gather in Washington, DC for a rally marking Earth Day, members of the SPI Bioplastics Council flew to the nation's capital this week to visit with lawmakers. Members called for increased bioplastics funding through grants and other programs such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture's BioPreferred program.
• Senator Lautenberg Introduces "Safe Chemicals Act" to Amend TSCA — April 16, 2010
  On April 15, Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) released his long-anticipated bill to amend the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).
• Appointment of Becker to NLRB Increases Potential for Pro-Union Labor Law Changes On March 27th, despite the opposition of all Senate Republicans and a number of Senate Democrats, President Obama appointed contentious nominee Craig Becker to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).
• Commerce Finds Unfair Dumping of PE Bags from Vietnam, Taiwan and Indonesia The U.S. Department of Commerce recently announced its final determinations in the antidumping investigations on imports from Vietnam, Taiwan and Indonesia of polyethylene retail carrier bags as provided for in subheading 3923.21.00 of the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
• Currency Report Delayed Pending Ongoing Discussions On April 3, 2010, Secretary Timothy Geithner announced that Treasury was postponing the release of its semiannual Report on International Economic and Exchange Rate Policies.
• PCAST Gathering Input on the Future of U.S. Manufacturing The President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST), an advisory group of the nation's leading scientists and engineers, has launched a website to collect input on the Future of U.S. Advanced Manufacturing.
• SPI Applauds Administration's Intentions to Expand Offshore Energy Development On March 31st, President Obama announced his Administration's intentions to expand oil and natural gas exploration and development on the Outer Continental Shelf.
• SPI Congratulates Two Member Companies Recently Recognized with Awards — April 15, 2010
  Two SPI member companies, injection molder Steinwall Inc. and colorant/additive specialist Royce Associates, were recently recognized for their outstanding service to customers.
• SPI Urges Congress to Extend Key Tax Incentive for Manufacturers SPI has joined with other leading national associations in urging Congress to extend a key tax incentive for manufacturers - known as "bonus depreciation" - which expired at the end of 2009.
• State Roundup: CA, IA, MA, MD, ME
• U.S., Brazil Broker Framework for Resolving Cotton Dispute Last week, Brazil announced that it would delay imposing retaliation in the cotton dispute in return for the U.S. agreeing to take certain measures by April 22, 2010.
• SPI's Three Industry Councils Elect Representatives to Fill Vacancies on Executive Board — April 13, 2010
  In response to recently identified vacancies, new volunteer leaders were elected to represent three Industry Councils (Equipment, Material Suppliers and Processors) on the Executive Board of SPI: The Plastics Industry Trade Association.
• NPE2012 Space Draw is Set for January 2011 in Orlando, Giving Many Exhibitors Their First Look at the New Venue for NPE — April 9, 2010
  The NPE Space Draw, the crucial event at which companies select well over half of the total exhibit space at the NPE2012 plastics exposition, will take place January 12-14, 2011 at the Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel and Conference Center in Orlando, Florida.
• SPI Appoints Gunther Hoyt Associates as Exclusive Sales Agent for NPE2012 in Europe, Japan and Korea — April 7, 2010
  H. Gunther Hoyt, an internationally known plastics industry figure with a wealth of experience as both machinery company executive and trade show official, will lead the exhibit sales program for the NPE2012 plastics exposition in Europe, Japan, and Korea, it was announced today by SPI: The Plastics Industry Trade Association, which produces the triennial NPE.
• SPI Sponsors U.S. Pavilions at K 2010 to Help Promote Exports by 45 American Companies and Open Marketing of NPE2012 — April 1, 2010
  Two U.S. Pavilions at the K 2010 show this Fall in Düsseldorf, Germany will enable 45 American companies to showcase their technologies to an international audience of plastics professionals, it was announced today by SPI, sponsor of the pavilions.
• Brazil Releases Draft Countermeasures Related to Intellectual Property Rights Last week, Brazil issued its proposed countermeasures in its ongoing dispute with the United States concerning cotton.
• GOTV - Mark Your Calendars for Upcoming Elections - May 4th The election season is underway and May 4th is the next major primary date for voters in three key states -- Indiana, North Carolina and Ohio - to head to the polls to cast their votes.
• New Law Brings Tax Incentives to Plastics Companies On March 18, 2010, President Obama signed into law the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment (HIRE) Act. As a result, employers who hire unemployed workers this year (after February 3, 2010) may qualify for a 6.2-percent payroll tax incentive.
• New Report: "State Experiences with Emerging Contaminants" The Environmental Council of the States (ECOS) has issued a new report resulting from discussions among the states on issues and concerns related to emerging contaminants and associated state environmental agency activities
• Ohio Governor Expresses Concern to EPA on Greenhouse Gas Emissions Regulation Ohio Governor Ted Strickland (D) has sent a letter to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa Jackson outlining his concerns regarding EPA's plans for addressing greenhouse gas emissions from stationary sources.
• Plastics Exports Up 2.4 Percent in January According to trade statistics issued last week by the U.S. International Trade Commission, U.S. plastics exports continued to rise in January.
• REACH Update: New REACH-IT System Launched on March 25 On Monday, ECHA issued a press release announcing that the new REACH-IT system went live on Thursday, March 25. The current system has been shut down to allow data to be backed up, migrated to the new system and tested.
• South Carolina Voters to Decide on Workers' Rights to Secret Ballots This fall, South Carolina voters will decide whether or not to amend the Palmetto state's constitution to include language affirming and protecting workers' rights to secret ballots in union elections.
• Tariff Suspension Bills in Jeopardy Following House Republican Ban on All Earmarks On March 11, 2010, House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) announced that the House Republicans had issued "a unilateral moratorium on all earmarks, including tax and tariff-related earmarks."
• SPI Statement on Health Care Legislation Signed into Law on March 23, 2010 — March 24, 2010
  Although SPI strongly agrees that the American healthcare system is in need of reform, we are extremely disappointed with the package passed by Congress and signed into law on Tuesday. We now face a law that places an undue burden squarely on private sector employers.
• New Venue for NPE2012 in Orlando Gives Latin Americans Easy Access to Hemisphere's Largest Plastics Exposition — March 23, 2010
  The NPE2012 international plastics exposition promises to be a "must" on the calendars of industry professionals in Latin America and the Caribbean, including those who have never before attended an NPE because of the travel involved, according to SPI: The Plastics Industry Trade Association, which is sponsoring the U.S. Pavilion at Plastimagen 2010.
• ASTM Considers Additional Changes to the Resin Identification Codes As it continues to focus on recycling of a variety of post-consumer plastics, ASTM's D20.95 subcommittee continues to work on the resin identification codes draft standard.
• Administration Releases 2010 Trade Agenda, FTA Timelines Vague On March 1, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) issued its 2010 edition of the administration's International Trade Agenda which focuses on recently announced initiatives.
• Plastic Bottles and Flasks Targeted for Brazilian Retaliation On March 8, 2010, Brazil issued its final retaliation list in its ongoing dispute with the United States concerning cotton. That list proposes imposing punitive tariffs on 102 categories of products, U.S. exports of which were valued at $591 million in 2008.
• REACH Update: 8 New Substances to be Considered for Inclusion on Candidate List On March 8, 2010, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) issued a press release announcing that eight new substances of very high concern (SVHCs) have been nominated for inclusion on the Candidate List.
• Upcoming International Trade Events — March 11, 2010
  
• Medical Products Committee Meeting — March 10, 2010
  The Medical Products Committee of SPI's Processors Council will hold its inaugural meeting March 15, 2010 at Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, Florida. The group will seek to examine both technical and business related issues within the medical products arena, and is open to all SPI members with an interest in medical products.
• SPI Welcomes Suzanne Morgan as Senior Director of Government Affairs & Grassroots Advocacy — March 4, 2010
  SPI: The Plastics Industry Trade Association today announced the appointment of Suzanne Morgan to the position of senior director of government affairs and grassroots advocacy. With more than 20 years experience in public affairs, and 15 spent developing association initiatives designed to influence policy makers, Morgan will lead SPI?s grassroots efforts and mobilize its members on behalf of plastics.
• California Update: Three Bills Tied to Consumer Products, Packaging Extended Producer Responsibility, Consumer Product Content Information and Plastic Ocean Pollution Reduction, Recycling, and Composting Act are three Bills tied to Consumer Products, Packaging
• Congress Poised to Pass Jobs Bill - Extenders Up for Consideration The Administration has proposed a number of tax incentives that may benefit SPI members. Two of these - the new hires tax credit and section 179 expensing provisions for small businesses - are included in the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment Act (HR 2847).
• Free Attendance for Businesses at Ohio's Largest Occupational Health and Safety Event — March 3, 2010
  Ohio's Bureau of Workman's Compensation (BWC) is sponsoring the Ohio Safety Congress & Expo, March 30th to April 1st at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.
• Health Care: President's Plan Would Fine Some Employers for Not Providing Coverage After a brief lull, health care reform reemerged last week, beginning with the release of the President's blueprint for reform on Monday and culminating with Thursday's highly anticipated health care summit.
• NSF Launches Open Government Web Page; Encourages Collaboration The National Science Foundation (NSF) has launched a new interactive web page designed to encourage participation and collaboration between the agency and the citizens it serves.
• New Jersey Recycling Bill Targets Rigid Containers, Technical Council to Study Feasability Assemblyman John McKeon (D-Essex) has recently introduced Assembly Bill 2225, the "Plastic Container Recycling Enhancement Act."
• REACH Update: New Proposal to Harmonize Classification and Labeling Includes Substance Relevant to Plastics The European Chemicals Agency has received proposals to harmonize the classification and labeling of four additional substances: Acequinocyl, Metazachlor, Tris(nonylphenyl)phosphate and Bifenthrin.
• DOC Sustainable Business Clearinghouse: Further Your Sustainable Manufacturing Efforts — February 19, 2010
  The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) has launched the Sustainable Business Clearinghouse. The Sustainable Business Clearinghouse is a central portal for information on Federal-level government programs and resources that support sustainable business.
• New ASTM Document to Guide Manufacturers on Plastic Products Affected by REACH ASTM International is developing a new document to guide manufacturers, buyers and designers who deal with plastics and polymers as to whether products contain substances affected by the European Union's Regulation on Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals, known as REACH, or the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA).
• Plastics Academy Seeks Nominations for Posthumous Inductions to Hall of Fame — February 19, 2010
  The Plastics Academy is now accepting nominations for posthumous induction into the Plastics Hall of Fame -- the highest honor bestowed in the plastics industry.
• Plastics Exports Continue to Improve, But Still Down 16.6 Percent in 2009 According to trade statistics issued last week by the U.S. International Trade Commission, U.S. plastics exports continue to recover.
• U.S. -Canada "Buy American" Deal to Provide Greater Access to Canadian Market On February 12, in an accord signed with Canada, the United States agreed to waive the "Buy America" restrictions on certain construction projects that received stimulus funds.
• USDA Designates New Products for Federal BioPreferred Program The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) BioPreferred Program is proposing to amend the "Guidelines for Designating Biobased Products for Federal Procurement" to add nine sections that will designate items within which biobased products would be afforded Federal procurement preference.
• White House Requests Information on Grand Challenges for the 21st Century On September 21, 2009, President Barack Obama released his "Strategy for American Innovation." The strategy outlines the Administration's plans to foster innovation for sustainable growth and the creation of high-quality jobs.
• SPI Draws on Trade Show Expertise to Make It Easier, Less Costly for Companies to Exhibit at Major 2010 Plastics Shows — February 18, 2010
  SPI will put to use more than six decades of experience producing NPE by assisting companies that would like to take part in this or other major plastics shows but are discouraged by the time, cost, manpower and logistics of planning an exhibit. SPI's new "Concierge Service" is already available to prospective exhibitors at this year's Plastimagen, Chinaplas and K shows.
• SPI Approves NPE2012 Committee, Charged with Maximizing Return on Investment for Exhibitors and Visitors — February 9, 2010
  A newly appointed committee of plastics company officials will be responsible for maximizing the return on investment for exhibitors and visitors at the NPE2012 international plastics exposition, it was announced today by SPI: The Plastics Industry Trade Association, which produces the triennial NPE.
• Maine Bill Puts Post-Consumer Collection, Disposal Onus on Manufacturers Maine is proposing that all brand owners and manufacturers of a consumer product collect and dispose of the product once the consumer is done using it.
• SPI President Carteaux Discusses Pending Bills with Vermont Governor SPI President Bill Carteaux recently met with Vermont Governor Jim Douglas, in part to discuss bills pending in the Vermont Legislature that would specifically impact the plastics community
• Did You Miss SPI's Export Opportunities Webinar Series? Access the Recordings! The webinar series provided updates to U.S. plastics companies on the latest trends and opportunities in countries ranging from the EU to India to Russia.
• SPI Advocacy on Behalf of Your Business - 2009 in Review To provide SPI members with a better sense of the issues covered by SPI in 2009, SPI's Advocacy team has prepared a summary of the key legislative and regulatory issues advanced last year.
• SPI Commends Administration on Proposed TPP Negotiations On January 25, 2010, SPI submitted comments to the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) supporting, in principle, the proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement negotiations.
• Some Administration Tax Cut Proposals May Benefit SPI Members Initially announced during last week's State of the Union Address, and fleshed out in subsequent announcements and Monday's 2011 Budget, a number of new tax proposals could potentially benefit SPI members.
• WTO Panel Upholds Thai Challenge to Antidumping Order on Plastic Bags In a decision that may affect the antidumping order on plastics carrier bags from Thailand, a World Trade Organization (WTO) panel upheld Thailand's challenge to the manner in which the U.S. Department of Commerce calculated the antidumping duty margins in the underlying investigation.
• SPI Bioplastics Council Issues Position Paper on Oxo-Biodegradables & Other Degradable Additives — January 28, 2010
  The SPI Bioplastics Council today announced the release of a position paper that questions the scientific validity of biodegradability claims made by producers of "oxo-degradable" and "oxo-biodegradable" products. The Council's paper formally supports the point of view put forth by European Bioplastics in a July 2009 publication.
• Get Out the Vote! - Mark Your Calendars for Upcoming Elections The election season has started and January 26th and February 2nd will preview a number of races in various states.
• Input Needed from SMEs on Barriers to Exporting At the request of the U.S. Trade Representative, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) is holding a series of hearings and discussions to determine exporting activity by small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) in the United States and the exports barriers and opportunities they experience.
• Pennsylvania Congressman Thompson Tours Buckell Plastic Facility On January 11th the Buckell Plastic Company, welcomed Representative Glenn "GT" Thompson (R, PA-5) to its Lewistown, Pa. facility.
• REACH Update: Do You Supply Any of the 14 New Substances Added to Candidate List? On January 13, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) issued a press release announcing that 14 additional substances of very high concern (SVHCs) have been added to the "Candidate List."
• U.S. Plastics Exports Recovery Falters in November According to trade statistics issued last week by the U.S. International Trade Commission, U.S. plastics exports declined in November by almost six percent as compared to the prior month.
• Children's Products: SPI, Coalition Gain Victory in CPSC Testing and Certification Decision SPI was among 40 trade associations that signed onto a letter to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in mid-December requesting an extension of the stay of enforcement of section 102(a) of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) relating to testing and certification requirements.
• Export Opportunities in Bulgaria, Poland and Russia — January 13, 2010
  On January 19, 2010, the U.S. Commercial Service, a division of the U.S. Department of Commerce, in conjunction with SPI and the National Association of Manufacturers, will be hosting the last in a series of four webinars intended to update U.S. plastics companies on the latest trends and opportunities in countries ranging from the EU to India to Russia.
• Preserve & Protect: SPI to Submit Food Contact Substances List for Approval by China SPI is among a group of international trade associations that will submit lists of resins and additives used in contact with foods to the Chinese Ministry of Health (MOH) for review in 2010.
• Resolve to Get Involved at January's SPI OHEIC Meeting Ring in 2010 by attending (or calling in to) the SPI Occupational Health and Environmental Issues Committee (OHEIC) meeting on January 27-28, 2010.
• SPI Comments on OSHA Proposed Rule to Modify Hazard Communication Standard On December 29, 2009, SPI submitted comments on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) proposed rule to modify its Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) to conform to the United Nations Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS).
• States Move to Address "Card Check" Legislation Issue With the beginning of the New Year, states are moving on a number of fronts. Given the slowdown of the Card Check legislation at the Congressional level, state legislatures are addressing this issue in a number of different ways.
• Your Input Needed on Proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership Trade Agreement On December 14, 2009, the United States Trade Representative (USTR) notified Congress that the President intends to enter into negotiations with the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) countries with "the objective of shaping a high-standard, 21st century agreement with a membership and coverage that provides economically significant market access opportunities for America's workers, farmers, ranchers, service providers, and small businesses."
• SPI Bioplastics Council Seeks to Build on 2009 Momentum with Ambitious Slate of 2010 Activities — January 11, 2010
  The Bioplastics Council, a special interest group of SPI: The Plastics Industry Trade Association, today announced its agenda of activities for 2010, as well as the volunteer leaders who will serve the Council as new chair and vice chair.

2009

• SPI Issues New Report: "Life-Cycle Assessment of Plenum Space Communication Cable" — December 29, 2009
  SPI announced today that the Wire and Cable Section of its Fluoropolymers Committee has issued a new peer-reviewed report entitled "Life-Cycle Assessment of Plenum Space Communication Cable."
• Doha Round Update: WTO Geneva Ministerial Ends Without Progress The seventh round of talks under the Doha Round ended on December 2 without substantive results other than an agreement to conduct a stocktaking exercise by the end of the first quarter in 2010.
• International Trade Events — December 14, 2009
  
• REACH Update: 15 New Substances to be Added to Candidate List On December 7, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) issued a press release identifying 15 additional substances of very high concern (SVHCs) that will be formally added to the "Candidate List" in January 2010.
• SPI Member Installs Innovative Solar Power System at Plastic Packaging Plant — December 14, 2009
  At a ribbon-cutting ceremony held November 12th, Plastic Package Inc., an SPI member company, celebrated the installation of the largest cylindrical thin film solar energy system west of New Jersey.
• SPI Monitors Food Packaging Implications in Maine's Proposed Children?s Products Rule On November 19th, Maine's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) released its proposed rule implementing "Toxic Chemicals in Children's Products," a statute that the state enacted in 2008.
• SPI Western Moldmakers Gets Boost from Progressive Components — December 14, 2009
  Progressive Components, an SPI member company, surprised SPI's Western Moldmakers Committee with a $500 donation to the group's grant program while attending last month's Mike Koebel Moldmakers Trade Fair.
• Your Input Needed: White House Asks SPI for Industry Ideas to Improve Job Market On December 3rd President Obama held a high profile jobs summit that sought solutions to the nation's lethargic job market.
• ASTM Continues Work: Two New Resin Identification Codes Considered In its continuing effort to facilitate more efficient recycling of a variety of post-consumer plastics, the ASTM D20.95 subcommittee on plastics recycling met November 8-10 in Atlanta to work on the resin identification codes draft standard.
• California Regulators Should Not Duplicate Federal Testing Requirements for Food Packaging, SPI Says California's Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) released a draft straw proposal for "Safer Alternative Regulations" in October.
• New York Advisory Council?s Green Procurement Specifications Raise Concerns New York Executive Order No. 4 (E.O. No.4), established a "State Green Procurement and Agency Sustainability Program" to guide the state's purchasing of commodities, services and technology.
• OSHA Resources Can Help Reduce Risk of H1N1 at Your Company — November 24, 2009
  The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has posted a new Web page entitled Workplace Safety and H1N1 that includes fact sheets on the risk of exposure to the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus at work. Separate fact sheets for health care workers and employers contain additional precautions.
• Plastics Exports Up More than 10 Percent in Third Quarter According to trade statistics issued last week by the U.S. International Trade Commission, U.S. plastics exports continued to recover. Specifically, exports for the month of September were up just under two percent (to $4.0 billion) from the prior month, marking eight straight months of growth.
• REACH Update: Restrictions and Registration Preparation On November 11, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) issued a press release regarding a new portal on its website concerning restrictions on chemical substances.
• SPI to Raise Plastics Industry Concerns for Consideration at CPSC Workshop The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Office of the General Counsel has announced a two-day workshop December 10-11, 2009 to discuss testing, certification and labeling of certain consumer products pursuant to section 14 of the Consumer Product Safety Act.
• USDA Expansion of Procurement Guidelines for Bio-Based Products May Benefit Certain Container Manufacturers The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Office of Energy Policy and New Uses, amended its guidelines for designating bio-based products for federal procurement. These amendments added nine sections to designate items within which bio-based products will be afforded federal procurement preference.
• SPI Makes Dramatic Shift In NPE History With Decision To Hold NPE2012 In Orlando, Florida — November 17, 2009
  NPE2012, the next edition of the triennial NPE international plastics exposition, will take place April 1-5, 2012 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, it was announced today by SPI: The Plastics Industry Trade Association.
• Commerce Imposes Preliminary Antidumping Duties on PE Retail Carrier Bags In late October, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced its preliminary determinations in the antidumping investigations on imports from Vietnam, Taiwan and Indonesia of polyethylene retail carrier bags.
• House Passes Health Care Legislation That Would Impact Many Employers By the narrowest of margins (220-215) and after months of public debate, the House of Representatives passed the Affordable Health Care for America Act(H.R.3962) on November 7th.
• Plastics Industry May Recoup Back Taxes for Cash SPI scored a significant legislative win last week with the passage of a new law that has the potential to generate immediate cash for plastics industry companies of all sizes.
• SPI Co-sponsors Webinar on Export Opportunities in France, Germany and Italy — November 12, 2009
  On December 3, 2009, the U.S. Commercial Service, a division of the U.S. Department of Commerce, in conjunction with SPI and the National Association of Manufacturers, will be hosting the third in a series of four webinars intended to update U.S. plastics companies on the latest trends and opportunities in countries ranging from the EU to India to Russia.
• SPI Members May be Impacted by Brazil's Proposed Retaliation Resin and plastic product producers in the U.S. who export to Brazil may be affected by Brazil?s proposed retaliation in a trade dispute over cotton.
• SPI Urges Congress to Expand Small Business Access to Credit SPI has urged Congress to expand small business access to credit as part of its ongoing efforts to stimulate the U.S. plastics industry.
• Tariff Suspension Bills Introduced in the Senate A number of bills now brewing on Capitol Hill could offer tariff relief on certain resins and plastic products.
• U.S. Green Building Council's Pilot Credit Library Could Hinder Use of PVC, FEP The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has launched a new program to test potential requirements for green building design, construction and operations programs.
• Upcoming International Trade Events — November 12, 2009
  
• Plastics Industry Leaders Elected to Serve as New SPI Officers — November 9, 2009
  New volunteer leaders were elected to be officers of SPI: The Plastics Industry Trade Association at the organization's National Board Meeting held October 14-16 in Arlington, Va. As part of the SPI Executive Board, the officers are responsible for the general management of the association's property, funds and business.
• Commerce Announces New Sustainable Business Clearinghouse Tool The U.S. Department of Commerce's (DOC's) International Trade Administration has announced the launch of the Sustainable Business Clearinghouse.
• Export Opportunities in India — October 29, 2009
  On November 3, 2009, the U.S. Commercial Service, a division of the U.S. Department of Commerce, in conjunction with SPI and the National Association of Manufacturers, will be hosting the second in a series of four webinars intended to update U.S. plastics companies on the latest trends and opportunities in countries ranging from the EU to India to Russia.
• OSHA Issues Advanced Notice of Combustible Dust Rulemaking The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) on combustible dust. Comments are due by January 19, 2010.
• SPI Elects New Officers at National Board Meeting — October 29, 2009
  New volunteer leaders were elected to be SPI officers at the organization?s National Board Meeting held October 14-16 in Arlington, Va.
• Treasury Declines Yet Again to Cite China On October 15, the Treasury Department issued its Semi-Annual Report to Congress on International Economic and Exchange Rate Policies. Despite restating its view that the Chinese renminbi (RMB) remains undervalued, Treasury ultimately elected not to cite China for manipulating its currency.
• SPI Bioplastics Council Announces Approval of Newest Member PolyOne Corporation — October 26, 2009
  The Bioplastics Council, a special interest group of SPI: The Plastics Industry Trade Association, announced today that PolyOne, a specialty chemical and polymer company headquartered in Avon Lake, Ohio and with 2008 annual revenues of $2.7 billion, has officially been approved as a new member.
• New SPI Report Shows Global Recession's Impact on State of U.S. Plastics in the International Marketplace — October 21, 2009
  Despite a weak fourth quarter, U.S. plastics exports showed robust growth in 2008. Although trade barriers remain to accessing a number of overseas markets, U.S. plastics remain competitive and highly desired in the international marketplace. However, domestic shipments in 2008 declined just under one percent, as the recession began to take its toll on plastics consumption in the United States.
• SPI Partners with US Commerce Department on Export Opportunity Webinars — October 8, 2009
  On October 21, 2009, the U.S. Commercial Service, a division of the U.S. Department of Commerce, in conjunction with SPI and the National Association of Manufacturers, will be hosting the first in a series of four webinars intended to update U.S. plastics companies on the latest trends and opportunities in countries ranging from the EU to India to Russia.
• Bill Carteaux Goes On the Road to Discuss SPI's New Business Blueprint — October 7, 2009
  As mentioned in numerous other communications, SPI's Executive Board voted to redesign SPI to better meet the changing needs of a maturing plastics industry in 2010 and beyond. In addition to a series of meetings, webinars, letters and e-mail updates, SPI President and CEO Bill Carteaux has launched a Regional Dinner Series to discuss the SPI2010 business model with member representatives.
• California EPA Prioritizes Food Packaging in Proposed Safer Alternatives Regulation Food packaging has been included in an initial set of consumer product categories prioritized for chemicals review in the Straw Proposal on the Safer Alternatives Regulation, released by California EPA's Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) on October 1st.
• Concerned About Administration's Proposed EH&S Regs? Get Involved in OHEIC There has been a recent surge of worker health and safety, environmental and product regulatory activity - including new EPA and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) initiatives on compliance and enforcement. To minimize unnecessary administrative burdens on plastics manufacturing, it's crucial that industry representatives step up and engage with regulators.
• Does Your Company Export or Operate Overseas? Have you experienced difficulties related to market access, compliance with regulations or other obstacles that you may consider the "cost of doing business" in that market? You may be experiencing an unnecessary burden that can be addressed (and resolved) by U.S. trade officials.
• EPA Targets Large Emitters of Greenhouse Gases for Reporting, Reduction On September 22, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa Jackson signed the Final Mandatory Reporting of Greenhouse Gases Rule. The plastics industry is potentially affected under the category of general stationary fuel combustion sources, which includes sources such as boilers and process heaters.
• Illinois State Senator Althoff Visits Ex-Tech Plastics On September 30, Ex-Tech Plastics, Inc., an SPI member company, welcomed Illinois State Senator Pamela Although (R-Crystal Lake) on a tour of their operations. Ex-Tech President Bill Riesbeck (who serves on SPI's Midwest Advisory Committee) and senior management hosted a briefing for the Senator prior to the tour.
• OSHA Proposes Changes to its Hazard Communication Standard The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a proposed rule to modify its Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) to conform to the United Nations Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), published in the September 30 Federal Register.
• SPI Reviews Administration's Principles for Revising Chemical Management Law In a September 29 speech, EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson unveiled six "Essential Principles for Reform of Chemicals Management Legislation" intended to aid Congress as legislation is developed - and expected to be released shortly - to reform and strengthen the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).
• Senate Establishes Schedule for Miscellaneous Tariff Bill After months of delay, the Senate Finance Committee last week initiated a schedule for moving forward on a miscellaneous tariff bill (MTB). The MTB process permits the House and the Senate to submit individual tariff suspension bills on behalf of constituents where it can be demonstrated that there is no domestic production of a competing product and that the tariff revenue loss for each individual duty suspension will not exceed $500,000.
• ASTM Plastics Recycling Subcommittee Distributes New Draft Ballot on Resin Codes On September 23, 2009, ASTM International's D20.95 subcommittee on Plastics Recycling distributed a new draft subcommittee ballot on the resin identification codes to its membership. There are 18 new items being balloted as part of the draft, which will update the original system developed in 1988 by SPI.
• EH&S Impacts of Nanomaterials to be Discussed at California Symposium — September 29, 2009
  The California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) announced it will host the DTSC/California Nano-Industry Network Symposium, November 16, 2009, at the Cal/EPA Headquarters Building in Sacramento, Calif.
• Help Save R&D Tax Credit, Sign Coalition Letter With the federal research and development (R&D) tax credit set to expire at the end of this year, SPI encourages all members to urge lawmakers in Washington to pass a permanent and strengthened R&D tax credit.
• REACH Update: Resources for Lead Registrants The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) announced that more than 500 lead registrants participated in the Substance Information Exchange Forum (SIEF) and registration process, which was held on September 11. Specifically, speakers from ten companies shared their experiences on taking the lead within their respective SIEFs in developing joint dossiers for their chemical substances.
• SPI Partners with NAM and Commerce on Export Opportunity Webinars — September 29, 2009
  
• SPI Supports Department of the Interior's OCS Oil and Gas Leasing Plan On September 21st, SPI submitted comments in support of the Department of the Interior's Draft Proposed Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Leasing Program 2010-2015. The Proposed Five Year Lease Plan would expand access to natural gas and oil resources by opening 31 new lease sales in the Alaska, Pacific, Gulf of Mexico, and Atlantic OCS regions.
• SPI Urges White House to Support Free Trade with S. Korea Based on 2008 export levels, SPI estimates that the elimination of Korean tariffs on U.S. plastics would save the industry more than $68 million per annum, which why the Association is strongly encouraging the Obama Administration to obtain Congressional approval for free trade between the United States and South Korea.
• Action Needed: Sign on to R&D Credit Coalition Letter SPI encourages all members to sign on to the R&D Credit Coalition Letter. The letter urges Congress to pass a permanent and strengthened Research and Development tax credit as proposed by H.R. 422, introduced by Representatives Meek and Brady, and S. 1203, introduced by Senators Baucus and Hatch.
• Potential USDA Opportunity for Packaging Producers The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) recently issued an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking and request for comments which may be an opportunity for producers of plastics packaging.
• U.S. Plastics Exports Continue Steady Recovery According to trade statistics issued last week by the U.S. International Trade Commission, U.S. plastics exports increased for the sixth straight month. Specifically, plastics exports increased by just less than three percent in July, month- on-month, to $3.8 billion.
• USTR Seeking Bilateral Solutions to Doha Negotiations Following the September 3-4 ministerial in New Delhi, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), Ron Kirk, has indicated that his office plans to conduct a series of bilateral talks with key trading partners (including Brazil, China, India and South Africa) this fall. The basis of those talks is expected to be specific market access concessions for priority products.
• Virginia Congressman Perriello Tours Wexco's Lynchburg Facility On August 31st, Wexco Corporation welcomed Representative Tom Perriello (D- VA-5) to the company’s Lynchburg facility. Touring the 48,000 sq. ft. complex, the Congressman met with a number of his constituents, while also being introduced to the plastics industry in his district.
• Apply Now for 30% Tax Credit for Clean Energy Manufacturing The American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009 (ARRA) authorizes the U.S. Department of Treasury to award $2.3 billion in tax credits for qualified investments in advanced energy projects, to support new, expanded, or re-equipped domestic manufacturing facilities. As a result, the Department of Treasury has launched a program to provide a 30 percent manufacturing tax credit for producing renewable energy, energy storage and other clean energy equipment.
• Commerce's Preliminary Finding: Vietnam PE Bags are Subsidized On September 4, 2009, the U.S. Department of Commerce issued a preliminary determination that countervailable subsidies are being provided to producers and exporters of polyethylene retail carrier bags from Vietnam. Specifically, Commerce has preliminarily determined that manufactures in Vietnam are receiving subsidies in the range of 1.69 percent to 4.24 percent.
• EPA's Interagency Testing Committee Report Focuses on Nanoscale Materials Eight months after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) interim report on industry participation in its Nanoscale Materials Stewardship Program, EPA's Toxic Substances Control Act's (TSCA) Interagency Testing Committee published a recent report in the Federal Register mentioning that EPA intends to issue a new mandatory data collection rule for nanoscale materials under TSCA Section 8(a) on the production, uses, and exposures of existing nanoscale materials.
• First SPI Regional Advisory Committee Meeting Held in Iowa The first Regional Advisory Committee meeting under SPI's new structure was held August 20th at Innovative Injection Technologies (i2Tech) in West Des Moines, Iowa.
• Illinois Governor Quinn Signs Business Tax Credit Extensions into Law Illinois Governor Pat Quinn recently signed Senate Bill 1691, sponsored by Senator Pamela Althoff (R-Crystal Lake), into law. The bill extends the exemption for graphic arts machinery and equipment, the manufacturer's purchase credit, and the replacement tax investment tax credit until August 30, 2014.
• NSF Announces Funding Opportunities for Small Business Tech Transfer Activities The National Science Foundation (NSF) has announced a new "Phase 1 Small Business Technology Transfer Program Funding Solicitation" totaling approximately $5 million dollars. NSF will support high quality projects on important scientific and engineering that could lead to significant commercial and public benefit if the research is successful. The subtopics for this solicitation are: bio-inspired materials and systems, materials for energy generation and storage, materials for sustainability, nanostructured materials, smart materials and structures. Phase I is to evaluate the scientific or technical merit and feasibility of ideas that appear to have commercial potential.
• REACH Update: SIEFS, Classification and Labeling and the Candidate List The European Chemical Agency (ECHA) continues to encourage pre-registrants to participate in the relevant SIEFs (information exchange forums) and to nominate a Lead Registrant for each substance. As of September 2, only 1,393 SIEFs have designated a Lead Registrant. In particular, ECHA issued a press release on August 31 encouraging Lead Registrants to make themselves known so that they may benefit from the "special service" that ECHA is offering to those companies, which includes the Lead Registrant workshop scheduled to be held in Brussels on September 11.
• SPI Bioplastics Council Announces Approval of New Member — September 10, 2009
  The Bioplastics Council, a special interest group of SPI: The Plastics Industry Trade Association, announced today that Teknor Apex, a diversified material science company headquartered in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, has officially been approved as a new member.
• Senator Vitter Tours Louisiana Plastics Industries? West Monroe Facility U.S. Senator David Vitter (R-Louisiana) attended a plant tour hosted by Louisiana Plastics Industries (LPKI) at the SPI member company?s West Monroe facility on August 25. Senator Vitter toured LPI?s blown film extrusion plant for multiwall bag liners and its recycling facility for blown film post industrial waste.
• Update on EPA Pre-Charged Appliance Rule; January 1 Compliance Date Expected Manufacturers of industrial process cooling equipment and other pre-charged appliances are awaiting finalization of a rule that could have implications for stock units of split systems depending on the final definition of "manufacture" and whether a particular exemption for pre-charged appliances could apply to split systems. In the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) December 2008 proposed rule, Protection of Stratospheric Ozone: Ban on the Sale and Distribution of Pre-Charged Appliances, EPA proposed to ban the sale or distribution of air-conditioning and refrigeration appliances containing HCFC-22, HCFC-142b, or blends containing one or both of these substances beginning January 1, 2010. EPA also proposed extending the ban to air-conditioning and refrigeration appliances that are suitable only for use with newly produced HCFC-22, HCFC-142b, or blends containing one or both of these controlled substances as the refrigerant, and pre-charged appliance parts.
• Comments Requested on Pending Free Trade Agreements Late last month the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) issued two Federal Register notices seeking comments on the pending free trade agreements (FTAs) with Colombia and South Korea. Specifically, a July 27 Federal Register notice requests comments on the costs and benefits of the U.S.-South Korea FTA. Meanwhile, the USTR's July 29 Federal Register notice seeks comments on the ability of Colombians to exercise their fundamental labor rights. Comments to both notices are due by September 15.
• Illinois Congressman Tours Innovative Plastech's Thermoforming Facility — August 20, 2009
  During his August 3rd tour of Innovative Plastech's thermoforming facility in Batavia, U.S. Congressman Bill Foster met with Jim Gustafson, the company's president, and key managers.
• Illinois Law Puts Environmentally Preferable Spin on Procurement Code As the states continue to juggle budgets and sessions drag out, legislation that has managed to pass both chambers is creating a backlog for some Governors. In Illinois, Governor Quinn (D) is now taking pen to paper.
• Recovery Act Funding Available for Small Business Innovation Projects As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a "Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Funding Opportunity" totaling approximately $8.5 million dollars.
• SPI Urges EPA to Retain Key Exclusions from the Definition of Solid Waste The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a final rule in October of 2008 under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act that streamlines regulation of hazardous secondary materials and encourages beneficial recycling by reclamation. A petition was subsequently filed requesting reconsideration and repeal of the Definition of Solid Waste (DSW).
• U.S. Plastics Exports Up Almost 15% in Second Quarter According to trade statistics issued last week by the U.S. International Trade Commission, U.S. plastics exports increased more than six percent in June, month on month, to $3.7 billion. In turn, plastics exports for the second quarter of 2009 were up 14.4 percent as compared to the first quarter of the year.
• Upcoming International Trade Events — August 20, 2009
  
• Congressman McCarthy Tours Pactiv Plant in Bakersfield, Calif. U.S. Congressman Kevin McCarthy recently toured SPI member Pactiv Corporation's Bakersfield, California plant, seeing the company's foam products manufacturing operations first-hand. Coordinated by SPI, the plant tour gave the Congressman an opportunity to meet a number of Pactiv employees and learn about the plastics industry's positive impact on the nation's economy.
• SPI Meets FDA Commissioner; Critical Role for Industry in Agency Priorities In a July 22nd address to the Alliance for a Stronger FDA, of which SPI is a member, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Dr. Margaret Hamburg pledged support for the food, drug, and medical device and consumer product industries as key partners in helping FDA to face new challenges in fulfilling its mission.
• SPI Participates on California State Water Board Stakeholders Work Team On July 22, SPI participated on the first conference call for the "Preproduction Plastics Stakeholders Work Team" implemented by Assembly Bill 258 (Krekorian) and coordinated by the California State Water Board.
• SPI Staff Discusses Energy Policy with Senator Alexander SPI government affairs staff recently met with U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander of Tennessee to discuss federal energy policy, with a focus on the effect so-called "cap and trade" legislation would have on industrial facilities.
• Wal-Mart to Launch Sustainable Product Index Initiative On July 16th, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. announced plans to develop a sustainable product index for use by its product suppliers.
• SPI's Bioplastics Council Announces Publication of First-Ever Bioplastics Industry Overview Guide — July 28, 2009
  The Bioplastics Council, a special interest group of SPI: The Plastics Industry Trade Association, today announced the publication of the first-ever Bioplastics Industry Overview Guide. Filling the void for a comprehensive encapsulation of this relatively new but fast-growing market of the plastics industry, the new Guide provides readers with information concerning trends and challenges; similarities and differences amongst different bioplastics; applications and uses; companies in the industry; production estimates and projected market growth.
• Bioplastics Council Meets with Key Senate Staff On July 15th, members of the SPI Bioplastics Council met with staff from the offices of Senators Casey (D-PA), Feinstein (D-CA), Grassley (R-IA), Johanns (R-NE), Klobuchar (D-MN), and Nelson (D-NE), to discuss the USDA BioPreferred Program and the benefits of and challenges faced by the bioplastics industry.
• Save the Dates! Webinars Scheduled to Explain SPI's Path for the Future — July 17, 2009
  Please join SPI President Bill Carteaux for one of three identical webinars that will fully explain the recent infrastructure and operational changes that SPI's member-led Executive Board made to successfully re-focus the association for the future. This is your opportunity to ask questions and learn the unfiltered details concerning SPI's evolution.
• California Packaging Ban Bill Pulled Assembly Bill 1329 (Brownley) has been pulled from further consideration by the Assembly this session.
• Louisiana Phases in Sales Tax Exclusion for Manufacturing Machinery Effective July 1, 2009, the Louisiana state sales tax exclusion for manufacturing machinery and equipment has been fully phased in. There is also a change regarding the sales tax exemption for business utilities.
• California Packaging Bills Slowed by Economy Movement on a number of California bills related to packaging has slowed considerably. In some cases, further action is questionable -- particularly on those that carry a direct cost to the state.
• G8 and Key Trading Partners Pledge to Finalize Doha Round in 2010 On July 9, leaders from the G8 nations, as well as from Australia, Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Republic of Korea and South Africa, announced their commitment to seek a Doha round deal in 2010. In a statement entitled Promoting the Global Agenda, these global leaders instructed their trade ministers to "seek an ambitious and balanced conclusion to the Doha Development Round in 2010."
• North Carolina Governor Signs Bag Ban Legislation On June 24, 2009, North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue signed into law S 1018, a bill that would reduce plastic and non-recycled paper bag use on North Carolina’s outer banks. The law is effective as of September 1, 2009.
• SPI Submits Comments to EPA on Greenhouse Gases Findings In late June, SPI submitted comments in opposition to the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Proposed Endangerment and Cause or Contribute Findings for Greenhouse Gases Under Section 202(a) of the Clean Air Act Proposed Rule.
• U.S. Plastics Exports Continue to Rise According to trade statistics recently issued by the U.S. International Trade Commission, U.S. plastics exports increased by one percent in April and by six percent in May, month on month.
• Upcoming International Trade Events — July 15, 2009
  
• West Coast Governor's Agreement on Ocean Health Last year, Governors Schwarzenegger (R-CA), Kulongoski (D-OR) and Gregoire (D-WA) released an action plan for the West Coast Governors? Agreement on Ocean Health. This plan identified twenty-six actions to guide this effort - aimed at sustaining the health of coastal and ocean resources and the coastal communities that depend on them.
• Big Sales on the Show Floor — July 1, 2009
  Those who come to NPE2009 come to buy. That is what two exhibitors found in a big way. "Before NPE2009 was half over, The Conair Group knew the show was a success," a company announcement says.
• Co-Located Events Report Solid, Successful Attendance — July 1, 2009
  The largest co-located conference at NPE2009 was of course the Society of Plastics Engineers' ANTEC, with 750 original, peer-reviewed presentations.
• Exhibitors View NPE2009 as Profitable, "Feel Good" Story for the Industry — July 1, 2009
  A general feeling of satisfaction, contentment and perhaps a little relief came over the NPE2009 show floor by the time the show closed at 3:00 p.m. on Friday. Exhibitors were pleased with the show attendance and repeatedly cited the high quality of the buyers and decision-makers at the show despite lower volume.
• Exhibitors, Attendees Discuss Economic Issues with Congressional Leaders — July 1, 2009
  At the SPI Policy Makers' Coffee held Monday afternoon in McCormick Place, SPI's Government Relations team introduced four members of Congress from the Illinois delegation to NPE exhibitors and attendees.
• SPI's Carteaux Calls for a New Dialogue with Consumers at President's Lunch — July 1, 2009
  An appreciative crowd of 400 plastics industry professionals attended the SPI President's Lunch in the West Hall of McCormick Place on Monday afternoon.
• Students Explore Plastics Industry Careers via the NPE2009 Student Summit — July 1, 2009
  The future of innovation and business acumen for the plastics industry is personified by the 30 bright and energetic college and high school students who attended the BPE2009 Speed Interview Session on Wednesday evening.
• NPE2009 Comes to a Close After a Week of Concentrated Buying Power that Defied Today's Economy — June 26, 2009
  The NPE2009 international plastics exposition ended today after exhibiting a high level of strength that contrasted with the current economic malaise and promised a better business climate to come.
• Buying Power Remains Strong at NPE2009, Says SPI & Exhibitors — June 24, 2009
  The key indicators that underscore the continued importance and relevancy of the plastics industry's triennial trade show to the global plastics marketplace are the 17,857 unique companies from 101 countries walking the floor at NPE2009.
• Australia Initiates Trade Remedy Investigation on LLDPE from USA On May 28, 2009, the Australian government initiated an antidumping investigation involving imports of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) from the United States and Canada.
• Chicago's Hotels, Shuttle Service & Convention Center Agree to Taking Precautions Against H1N1 for NPE Visitors — June 17, 2009
  On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization officially declared H1N1 a pandemic. The Center for Disease Control stated that there are no restrictions on international travel, either within or from outside the U.S. at this time.
• Deadline to Participate in 2009 North American Plastics Industry Study Extended — June 17, 2009
  SPI and Plante & Moran, co-sponsors of the 2009 North American Plastics Industry Study, encourage molders and moldmakers to participate in the most in-depth benchmarking survey available to the plastics industry.
• International Trade Center Blog at NPE2009 — June 17, 2009
  Putting the Emphasis on TRADE in the International Center at NPE2009? You may not know this, but NPE is one of only about 35 trade shows being held in the United States this year that was chosen to participate in the Department of Commerce?s International Buyer Program.
• Oregon DEQ Submits List of Priority Persistent Toxics in Water One June 1, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) submitted an Interim Final Priority Persistent Pollutant List to the Legislature. This list in the report is broken down into three Tiers.
• Virginia Storm Water Regulation Addresses Discharge of Resin Pellets The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, State Water Control Board, issued a final amended regulation reissuing the existing general permit for industrial activity storm water disharges.
• World's Largest Plastics Event Showcases How Plastics Contribute to a Sustainable World — June 17, 2009
  NPE2009, the world's largest international plastics exposition and conference, will bring innovative products and technologies to Chicago that show just how critical plastics are to finding solutions to environmental issues and making the world more sustainable. Taking place June 22-26 at McCormick Place, NPE2009 promises to be a manifestation of the new industry consensus that providing solutions to sustainability issues is the path forward to create new customer values and move beyond today's business challenges.
• In Negotiations with SPI, More Than Half of Chicago Hotels Agree to Lower Rates an Average of 14% for NPE2009 Visitors — June 5, 2009
  Fifty-nine percent of the 66 hotels on the official housing list for NPE2009 visitors have lowered their rates by an average of 14%. The discounts apply retroactively to those who have already made their reservations as well as to those who have yet to do so. The deadline for advance reservations is May 14.
• Deadline to Participate in 2009 North American Plastics Industry Study Extended — June 3, 2009
  SPI and Plante & Moran, co-sponsors of the 2009 North American Plastics Industry Study, encourage molders and moldmakers to participate in the most in-depth benchmarking survey available to the plastics industry.
• IRS Issues Stimulus Bill Fact Sheet On May 11, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued a fact sheet focusing on the business provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), also known as the "stimulus bill."
• ITC Preliminarily Determines Injury to Domestic Plastics Bag Industry In a Federal Register notice issued on May 29, 2009, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) announced that it had preliminarily determined that the U.S. plastics bag industry is being materially injured by imports from Vietnam, Taiwan and Indonesia of polyethylene retail carrier bags as provided for in subheading 3923.21.00 of the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
• REACH Update: ECHA Moves Forward on Authorization Substances On May 26, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) issued a press release announcing that its Member State Committee adopted the Secretariat?s view that seven substances of very high concern should be included on the Authorization List.
• Upcoming International Trade Events — June 3, 2009
  
• Compromise Sought on Miscellaneous Tariff Bill Senate Finance Committee staff have indicated that they are working with the staff of Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) to develop a miscellaneous tariff bill (MTB).
• House Committee Completes Markup of Climate Change Bill After proposing a number of amendments aimed at slowing the progress of the "American Clean Energy and Security Act" (H.R. 2454), Republicans withdrew their threats and allowed the House Energy and Commerce Committee to complete its markup of the bill.
• Movement on Panama FTA Slows Despite indications from the Administration that they were moving towards a vote on implementation of the U.S.-Panama Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in the coming weeks, rising opposition in Congress will likely impede that timetable.
• SPI Meets with Senate Minority Leader on "Card Check" Legislation Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) recently met with SPI and a select group of other leading trade associations to discuss the status of union "card check" legislation.
• State Leaders Meeting: Economy Putting a Damper on New Programs The Council of State Governments recently held their spring meeting May 16-18 in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. More than 400 state legislators and high ranking state government employees participated, and the keynote speakers included Governor Joe Manchin (WV), Governor Brian Schweitzer (MT) and Governor Butch Otter (ID).
• Administration Releases More Information on Tax Proposals On May 11, the U.S. Treasury Department issued its Green Book further outlining the Administrations tax proposals for fiscal year 2010.
• New Currency Bills Introduced in Senate and House On May 13, 2009, Representatives Tim Ryan (D-OH) and Tim Murphy (R-PA) introduced a bill (H.R. 2378) that would require the Department of Commerce to take currency misalignment into account when calculating antidumping or countervailing duties.
• Plastics Exports Remain Weak But Continue to Show Signs of Improvement According to trade statistics issued last week by the U.S. International Trade Commission, U.S. plastics exports in March increased for the second month in a row, but remain significantly lower than for the same month in 2008.
• SPI Urges Meaningful Trade Negotiations On May 14, in conjunction with other trade associations, SPI submitted a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk urging him to seek meaningful market access from the Doha negotiations.
• SPI Urges Treasury to Provide Employers with Flexibility on Pension Plan Funding SPI has joined with other leading trade associations and companies in urging Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner to provide employers additional flexibility in meeting near-term defined benefit pension plan funding obligations.
• Upcoming International Trade Events — May 20, 2009
  
• White House Backs SPI's Efforts to Restore Permanent R&D Tax Credit On May 12, members of SPI's government affairs team met with Thomas Kalil, associate director for policy at the White House Office of Science & Technology Policy.
• Plastics Lead the Way in Helping Automotive Manufacturers Meet President Obama's New Rules for Fuel Efficiency — May 19, 2009
  As the Obama Administration today announced a groundbreaking policy for vehicle fuel economy, NPE2009 exhibitors and conference presenters were preparing to demonstrate how plastics will show the way for automotive manufacturers to meet the tough new standards.
• New Technologies for Polymers Based on Renewable Resources Will Make NPE2009 a Milestone in Plastics History — April 14, 2009
  Once the stuff of pure research, bioplastics have become a fast-growing business for marketers and technologists in the plastics industry mainstream. NPE2009, the central event in the industry?s calendar, will stand as a milestone in this historical transition.

2008

• SPI/APP National Plastics Design Competition Co-Locates at PLASTEC Midwest — February 13, 2008
  

  SPI: The Plastics Industry Trade Association's Alliance of Plastics Processors (APP) is pleased to announce that the 2008 National Plastics Design Competition will co-locate with PLASTEC Midwest, produced by Canon Communications.

2007

• Exposition Management Expert Gene Sanders is New SPI Vice President of Trade Shows, with Responsibility for NPE2009 — July 17, 2007
  SPI: The Plastics Industry Trade Association has appointed Gene Sanders as vice president of trade shows, it was announced today by SPI President and CEO William Carteaux.

2006

• SPI 2006 Alliance of Plastics Processors Awards Recognize Innovation in New Product Design — April 24, 2006
  

  A wide range of products showcasing the latest in design technology were honored April 2-4 at the New Product Design Competition, held in conjunction with the Alliance of Plastics Processors (APP) 2006 Plastics Parts Innovation Conference in Columbus, OH.

• SPI Statement on FDA's 2007 Funding Cuts for Food Contact Notification — February 13, 2006
  

  The Food and Drug Administration released its budget request for Fiscal Year 2007 on February 6, 2006.