Historic Merger! PLASTICS and SPE Announce Consolidation, Reshaping the Landscape of the Plastics Industry

The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) and the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) will form a unified organization that will unite all parties across the entire plastics supply chain — including technical professionals and business leaders, covering the full process from molecular development to market application.

The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) and the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) boards have both voted in favor of a task force's recommendation—a task force established to explore the potential merger of the two associations. The task force, under the core theme of "Better Together," submitted a conclusion report to both boards, detailing the multiple benefits that the merger of these two historically significant organizations will bring to the entire plastics industry and its members.

Matt Seaholm, President and CEO of the Plastics Industry Association, stated, "Today is a historic day for the plastics industry. The Plastics Industry Association leads the industry in various fields—whether it's sustainability, market insights, policy advocacy, or the iconic NPE Plastic Show (note: the world's leading plastics technology and equipment exhibition). Meanwhile, SPE has set an excellent benchmark in technical education, scientific research, and professional talent development. Through the merger of the two associations, we will create a stronger and more interconnected platform that not only provides better services for our members but also advances the entire industry forward."

Patrick Farrey, CEO of SPE, added: "SPE is looking forward to collaborating with the Plastics Industry Association. For SPE members, this merger means more opportunities—our technical expertise and professional development programs will reach a broader audience with the support of the Plastics Industry Association's resources and global platform. This integration not only ensures that we continue to serve professionals in the plastics industry but also injects new momentum into the development of the entire industry."

SPE will become a subsidiary of the Plastics Industry Association.

Currently, the two associations have signed an agreement and plan to complete the merger process by the end of 2025. After the merger, SPE will officially become a subsidiary of the Plastics Industry Association, and a comprehensive operational integration is expected to commence on January 1, 2026.

According to the terms of the agreement, the specific arrangements are as follows:

SPE will become a subsidiary branch of the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS), with its management structure based on the existing leadership system of SPE and an executive committee established to oversee daily operations.

The membership status, entitlements, and sense of belonging of existing SPE members will be preserved in the new branch, ensuring that their rights remain unaffected after the merger.

Patrick Farrey will join the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) as Executive Vice President of Branches and Integration Director, leading the merger transition work to ensure the smooth progress of SPE's various projects and maintain the continuity of stakeholder interests.

Jamie Clark, chairman of the Plastics Industry Association, pointed out: "This is a transformative moment. By integrating the complementary strengths of both parties, we will build a more influential core force in talent development, policy advocacy, and global collaboration. This will be a significant benefit for all members of both associations."

Dr. Scott Eastman, Chair of the SPE Board, stated, "The core of SPE has always been 'people'—empowering through education, building connection networks, and facilitating personal growth. The SPE Board firmly believes that this merger will further amplify our mission value, enabling us to enhance the professional reputation of plastics industry professionals globally."

The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) was established in 1937 and has long been a central voice for the plastics industry. The Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE), founded in 1942, has established a globally recognized professional reputation in advancing the field of plastic science and engineering technology.