Plastics Hall Of Fame

18/06/2026

We are proud to announce that Matthew Collins has been awarded the Plastics Hall of Fame / Nancy and Wylie Royce Guiding Star Fund Scholarship! This honor recognizes his outstanding academic achievement and dedication to plastics sustainability.

Matthew, a plastics engineering student at the University of Wisconsin-Stout, has already made his mark through hands-on projects like designing an extrusion profile die and developing an improved injection mold for dryland hockey pucks. His work demonstrates a keen ability to apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges.

Outside the classroom, Matthew leads with purpose. As an Eagle Scout, a member of Engineers Without Borders, and an active participant in the Blue Devil Robotics Club, his commitment to service and mentorship speaks to the kind of engineer, and person, he is.

Congratulations, Matthew! Your achievements inspire us all, and we are excited to see the incredible contributions you will continue to make in the plastics industry and beyond.

28/05/2026

Acrylics have become an essential material across industries, from signage and lighting to medical devices and automotive applications. Their clarity, durability, and versatility continue to make them a material of choice in modern manufacturing.

Two Plastics Hall of Fame members played a foundational role in advancing acrylic chemistry: Otto Röhm and Otto Haas.

Otto Röhm was a pioneering chemist whose early work in acrylic esters and polymers helped establish the scientific foundation for acrylic materials. Alongside him, Otto Haas helped bring these innovations to market, co-founding what would become Rohm and Haas Company and driving the commercial development of acrylic technologies.

Their combined efforts transformed acrylics from laboratory discoveries into widely used materials that continue to impact industries worldwide.

To learn more about their contributions, visit: www.plasticshof.org/members/otto-rohm-and-otto-haas/

Where do you see acrylics making the biggest impact today?

15/05/2026

Today we observe Peace Officers Memorial Day, a time of solemn remembrance and a celebration of the men and women who serve with integrity and bravery every day. It is a reminder that behind every badge is a story of service, sacrifice, and family.

In honor of law enforcement, we’re sharing how innovation in plastics has helped save lives: www.plasticshof.org/kevlar-saving-lives-with-plastics/

In 1965, Stephanie Kwolek, a chemist at DuPont and a Plastics Hall of Fame member, discovered a unique polymer solution that led to the development of Kevlar®. The resulting fiber proved to be remarkably strong—five times stronger than steel by weight—while also resisting heat and corrosion and absorbing energy under extreme stress.

Through collaboration and continued development, this breakthrough gave rise to a new class of aramid fibers. Today, Kevlar® plays a critical role in protective gear, helping safeguard those who protect us.

What other innovations in materials have had a meaningful impact on public safety?

25/04/2026

April 25 marks Malaria Awareness Day, a time to recognize the global impact of this disease and the innovations helping to combat it.

One such innovation is highlighted here:
www.plasticshof.org/a-net-that-changed-the-world/

Plastics Hall of Fame member George S. Nalle, Jr. played a pivotal role through his invention and commercial development of direct extrusion of nonwoven plastic netting. This breakthrough enabled a wide range of applications, including mosquito netting that has helped protect millions of people from malaria.

It is a powerful example of how materials innovation can directly contribute to improving global health and saving lives.

What other applications of plastics have had a meaningful impact on public health?

10/04/2026

Congratulations to the Artemis II mission team on this incredible milestone in space exploration. 🚀

What’s helping make missions like Artemis possible isn’t always top of mind—plastics and advanced polymers.

The Plastics Hall of Fame honors pioneers whose innovations continue to shape what’s possible today. Leaders like John Delmonte (www.plasticshof.org/members/john-delmonte/) and George Lubin (www.plasticshof.org/members/george-lubin/) helped lay the groundwork for the high-performance materials now used in aerospace applications.

From carbon fiber structures to advanced heat-resistant polymers, these materials deliver the strength, durability, and lightweight performance critical for space travel. Simply put—without them, missions like Artemis wouldn’t get off the ground.

We’d love to hear from you:
How much “plastic” (polymers) do you think is actually part of Artemis? Drop your guess in the comments.

27/03/2026

We are saddened to learn of the passing of 2025 Plastics Hall of Fame inductee Charles Sewell.

Charles was a visionary entrepreneur and pioneering leader whose legacy reshaped the blow molding industry across North America. He began his career at age 26, acquiring a paper carton company and quickly transitioning it into plastics manufacturing.

In the 1960s, he founded Sewell Plastics, building it into a regional leader in dairy container production. His work led to key innovations, including the first blow-molded dairy container in the Southeast and Coca-Cola’s first 2-liter PET bottle in 1976. He later founded CKS Packaging in 1985, which has grown into one of the largest plastic blow-molding companies in North America and continues today with four generations of family involvement.

Quiet yet remarkably generous, Charles helped many without seeking recognition. His six-decade career was defined by innovation, mentorship, and service, leaving a lasting impact on the plastics industry and beyond.

We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, colleagues, and all who were influenced by his life and legacy.

Read more about his accomplishments: https://plasticshof.org/members/charlies-k-sewell/

28/12/2025

As we prepare to welcome 2026, we reflect on another year of innovation, leadership, and progress within the plastics industry. The accomplishments of our members and partners continue to inspire the next generation of leaders shaping the future of materials, technology, and sustainability.

Looking ahead, we are pleased to share that nominations are now open for the next class of Plastics Hall of Fame inductees. We invite you to recognize individuals whose achievements and contributions have made a lasting impact on the industry.

Submit a nomination here: https://plasticshof.org/membership/nominations/

Thank you for your continued support of the Plastics Hall of Fame. Have a happy New Year, and we look forward to all that 2026 will bring.

26/11/2025

This year’s induction ceremony celebrated more than individual achievements—it highlighted the continued movement toward innovation, creativity, and the development of solutions that address some of society’s most pressing challenges. The Class of 2025 represents the vision, dedication, and leadership that continue to shape the future of the plastics industry.

We are grateful to everyone who joined us in Düsseldorf to honor these remarkable contributors.

We look forward to seeing you again in 2027, when we will proudly introduce the next class of inductees and continue advancing this legacy of excellence.

https://youtu.be/m0NoAfgj6W0?si=5-AIpZ7oq2lRgmUX

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

14/08/2025

Don’t miss your chance to attend the 2025 Plastics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony!

Taking place on October 7, 2025, in Düsseldorf, Germany, this prestigious event will honor the incredible achievements of the Class of 2025 and celebrate the contributions that have shaped the plastics industry.

Don’t wait, tickets are limited! Secure your spot today and be part of this momentous occasion. To learn more and purchase your tickets, visit: www.plasticshof.org/portfolio/2025-induction-ceremony

07/08/2025

Reserve your table for the 2025 Plastics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, happening on October 7, 2025, in Düsseldorf, Germany.

We are pleased to offer the opportunity to sponsor the gala and be part of this prestigious event. By becoming a sponsor at the platinum or diamond level, you will receive a reserved table(s) at the ceremony.

By sponsoring the Plastics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, your company will gain increased visibility, strengthen its reputation, and create valuable networking and business opportunities. This is also an excellent way to support your broader goals of industry leadership, sustainability, and growth in the dynamic world of plastics.

For more information on sponsorship opportunities, please visit: www.plasticshof.org/sponsors