On October 2, 2025, The Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) and the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) announced their intention to merge. Under an agreed-upon Letter of Intent, SPE will become a Division of the Plastics Industry Association beginning in January of 2026. This integration, when completed will create a unified organization that combines technical expertise with advocacy strength to better serve the entire plastics value chain.
Yes. The SPE name and brand is iconic and strong. It will continue to be used and recognized.
With this integration, the mission for the Plastics Industry Association will expand to protect, promote, educate, and grow the plastics industry. The integrated structure will be key to creating a long-term sustainable industry with programs and services that support each of the pillars of this mission.
This integration positions the industry for greater global competitiveness, stronger community, and more impactful collaboration. It ensures that the next generation of plastics professionals inherits a future-ready organization.
How will this integration help address industry challenges like sustainability, circularity, and talent gaps? By combining technical expertise with substantial policy knowledge, the organization will be better equipped to tackle complex challenges and drive meaningful progress toward our collective circularity and sustainability goals.
Beginning January 2026, employees and contractors of SPE will become employees and contractors of PLASTICS, ensuring continuity and integration of expertise. SPE’s CEO Pat Farrey will be joining PLASTICS and remaining as the head of SPE and taking on an additional role of Chief Integration Officer to oversee the integration.
The intention of both Boards is to get a final agreement in place before the end of 2025 to legally combine the entities by January 1, 2026. The expectation is that 2026 will be a year of integration—working with stakeholders, members, industry partners, and others to design and structure the strongest possible organization for the plastics industry.
Current SPE members will automatically become members of the SPE Division of PLASTICS with no loss of benefits and full credit for dues already paid.
Can individuals still join SPE without joining PLASTICS? Yes, individuals can still join the SPE Division as part of PLASTICS, and membership options for SPE will remain the same as they are now for 2026.
PLASTICS members won’t see any changes in their membership initially, but as new programs and a potential combined membership are created, they will benefit from a single home for advocacy, workforce development, sustainability leadership, and technical engagement—making it easier to invest in both business interests and employee development.
Can individuals still join SPE without joining PLASTICS? Yes, individuals can still join the SPE Division as part of PLASTICS, and membership options for SPE will remain the same as they are now for 2026.
No changes are planned at this time. This merger is a strategic move to create a more efficient and impactful organization. Our primary focus is on enhancing the value of membership for individual and company members, not on increasing costs. By aligning resources and eliminating redundancies, we are creating a financially stronger organization with a more powerful platform. Any future adjustments to the dues structure would be transparently communicated and made in a way that directly ties to significant, expanded value and benefits.
Can individuals still join SPE without joining PLASTICS? Yes, individuals can still join the SPE Division as part of PLASTICS, and membership options for SPE will remain the same as they are now for 2026.
Yes, it is important for scientific research to have scientific and technical independence. SPE’s peer-reviewed journals will continue to operate with full scientific and editorial independence. Maintaining the integrity and credibility of these publications is a top priority.
The integration will seek to create a stronger, more coordinated event portfolio, reducing overlap and increasing participation. Future events will likely blend technical depth with commercial relevance and remain mission-driven.
All member data will be handled securely and in compliance with privacy regulations. No data will be shared externally, and members will be notified of any changes to data handling policies.
We will work with local chapters and technical divisions to maximize the benefit from this integration while preserving their identity and value. We see opportunity for significant benefits from greater visibility, support, and integration with industry-wide priorities.
No immediate changes are planned. SPE’s international chapters will continue operating as they do today. Over time, we’ll explore ways to support and expand global engagement through shared resources and coordinated programming.
Yes. The Foundation will actively pursue new partnerships and fundraising efforts to support workforce development, education, and outreach.
Yes. Donors will retain the ability to direct contributions to specific programs or initiatives within the Foundation.
Who can I contact with questions?
For PLASTICS members, any questions can be directed to BetterTogether@plasticsindustry.org.
For SPE members, any questions can be directed to COO@4spe.org.
