SPE: Inspiring Plastics Professionals

09/04/2026

New episode of PlastChicks with Lynzie Nebel in this episode recorded live at the new LS Mtron Global Tech Center in South Korea during the Global Tech Day 2026. She interviews Paul Caprio, President of LS Mtron for the U.S. and Canada. They discuss plastics injection molding machine manufacturing, the importance of having a tech center where potential buyers can see and be hands-on with the equipment, company growth through global competition, building relationships with plastics industry manufacturers and suppliers, specialty vertical and micro presses, designing and building new machinery based on customer needs, and the value of being a trusted lifetime equipment partner. Check it out at 4spe.org/podcasts or on YouTube at https://youtu.be/3n8iuUMOJ2Q

09/03/2026

Thermoplastics are known for their toughness and ductility, yet most plastic component failures occur through brittle fracture—not ductile overload. In fact, experience from thousands of failure analyses shows that fewer than 5% are linked to ductile overload, making the ductile-to-brittle transition a critical piece of the failure-analysis puzzle.

This course explores how temperature, stress concentrations, chemical exposure, molecular weight, degradation, fillers, contamination, poor fusion, strain rate, crystallinity, and other factors can turn a normally ductile plastic into a brittle one. Learn how fracture-surface morphology can reveal what went wrong—and help engineers design, process, and troubleshoot more reliable plastic components. https://www.4spe.org/spe-course-ductile-to-brittle-transitions-in-plastics/

09/02/2026

What if your polymer data could do more than sit in a spreadsheet? This hands-on workshop introduces polymer informatics and machine learning, showing plastics engineers, researchers, and data scientists how to turn data into better materials and smarter decisions.

Learn how to build and evaluate models using regression, classification, and neural networks, while tackling the unique challenges of polymer datasets—from data collection and feature selection to model training and deployment.

You’ll work with open-source tools and real-world applications involving sustainable materials, compounding, additives, biomedical devices, and high-performance polymers. Bring your polymer data. Leave with new ways to make it work harder.

09/01/2026

SPE Essentials of Management & Leadership in Plastics combines the flexibility of self-paced learning with the energy and connection of live group sessions. You'll learn alongside a cohort of fellow plastics professionals, share ideas, tackle real-world challenges, and build your leadership skills together.

To get the most from the program, participants should be ready to:

Make the time: Complete readings and assignments between sessions.

Show up: Participate in the live virtual sessions for each module.

Build trust: Help create a confidential, supportive environment where everyone can learn, contribute, and grow.

Apply today: https://www.4spe.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=7695

08/31/2026

Microplastics are changing the conversation around plastics—and the industry is working on solutions. Join experts from industry, academia, technology, and policy at the Microplastics Forum to explore the latest approaches to detection, prevention, filtration, recovery, and responsible material and product design.

Get practical, technical insights to help manage microplastics across the product lifecycle, navigate evolving regulations, and turn today’s challenges into opportunities for smarter, more sustainable plastics innovation. https://www.4spe.org/mpf26/

08/28/2026

Join us next week for part 1 of the Polymer Insights Series sponsored by Thermo Fisher Scientific — Material behavior: Evaluating PVC Dry Blends with Torque Rheometry: From Mixer Setup to Curve Interpretation

08/27/2026

The European polyolefins sector is navigating a period of significant transformation. Driven by evolving EU legislation, increasing environmental awareness, and shifting public perception, the industry faces urgent challenges that demand innovation across the value chain—from production and regulation to end-of-life strategies.

We want to thank the companies below for making this event possible! https://www.4spe.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageID=9710

08/26/2026

PFAS. New regulations. New materials. New challenges.
Chemical safety is reshaping the plastics industry, and staying ahead means understanding both the rules and the materials. Join industry experts for practical insights into PFAS alternatives, emerging regulations, testing and traceability, and strategies for redesigning products without sacrificing performance or competitiveness.

Explore the technologies and strategies helping plastics professionals navigate the shift toward safer, compliant, high-performance materials. https://www.4spe.org/pfas26/

08/25/2026

Tomorrow! How Great Communication Accelerates Decision‑Making, Alignment, and Leadership in Plastics Engineering

84 countries and 22,500+ members strong. SPE helps plastics professionals by strengthening their skills through networking, events, training, and knowledge sharing.

08/21/2026

Want a more efficient thermoplastics process? With Chem-Trend’s purging solutions and mold maintenance products, manufacturers gain more consistency. Contact Chem-Trend for a free consultation today: https://chemtrend.com/contact