Washington, D.C. & Danbury, CT — The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) and the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) have finalized an agreement and, effective January 1, 2026, have come together as a unified organization representing the entire plastics supply chain.
In recent weeks, both Executive Committees voted to approve the final agreement, formally endorsing a recommendation developed by a joint task group charged with evaluating a unified future for the two organizations. The plan brings SPE employees onto the staff of PLASTICS, creates a collaborative governance framework, and establishes a timeline for the next six months to put in place a long-term structure that achieves the shared goals of SPE and PLASTICS. 2026 will be a period of integration as these two storied associations align, work closely together, and maximize value for their members.
“Today marks a significant milestone and an important step forward for the entire plastics industry,” said PLASTICS President and CEO Matt Seaholm. “By formally aligning PLASTICS and SPE as a unified organization, we are combining deep technical expertise with strong industry leadership to better serve our members and strengthen the plastics value chain. This decision is the result of months of collaboration and underscores our shared commitment to innovation, workforce development, and ensuring plastics continue to deliver meaningful solutions.”
“SPE is excited and proud to announce our formal integration with the Plastics Industry Association,” added Patrick Farrey, Executive Vice President of SPE and Chief Integration Officer. “For SPE members, this marks a new chapter of opportunity. Our technical expertise and professional development programs will now reach a broader audience, strengthened by the resources, advocacy, and global platform PLASTICS provides. We are ‘Better Together’ and are well-equipped to continue supporting plastics professionals while advancing the industry as a whole.”
Consistent with the original agreement reached in September:
A dedicated landing page with additional information is available at plasticsindustry.org/bettertogether.
About the Plastics Industry Association
The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) supports the entire plastics supply chain, including Equipment Suppliers, Material Suppliers, Processors, and Recyclers, representing over one million workers in our $551 billion U.S. industry. PLASTICS advances the priorities of our members who are dedicated to investing in technologies that improve capabilities and advances in recycling and sustainability and providing essential products that allow for the protection and safety of our lives. Since 1937, PLASTICS has been working to make its members, and the eighth largest U.S. manufacturing industry, more globally competitive while supporting circularity through educational initiatives, industry-leading insights and events, convening opportunities and policy advocacy, including the largest plastics trade show in the Americas, NPE: The Plastics Show.
