The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) and the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) plan to merge, forming a single organisation representing the full plastics value chain. Both boards have approved the move, with the merger expected to be finalised by the end of 2025 and full integration set for 1 January 2026.
Under the new structure, SPE will operate as a division of PLASTICS, maintaining its membership, benefits and identity. Patrick Farrey, CEO of SPE, will take on the role of executive vice president of SPE and chief integration officer at PLASTICS, overseeing the transition.
According to the organisations, the merger will strengthen collaboration across sustainability, recycling technologies and circularity initiatives, while combining PLASTICS’ experience in advocacy and industry engagement with SPE’s technical expertise and education programs.
SPE A-NZ president Hamed Ghajarnia told PKN the Australia New Zealand division is included in the incorporation into PLASTICS, but as far as operations go for now, it is business as usual.
Matt Seaholm, president and CEO of PLASTICS, said the merger would “create a stronger, more connected platform to serve our members and advance the industry”. Farrey added that for SPE members, it represented “opportunity”, expanding the reach of its professional development and technical programs through PLASTICS’ global platform.
Jamie Clark, chairman of the PLASTICS board, described the merger as “a powerful engine for workforce development, advocacy, and global engagement”. Scott Eastman, chairman of the SPE board, said it would “amplify our mission and elevate the reputation of plastics professionals worldwide”.
Founded in 1937, PLASTICS represents the US plastics industry, a sector valued at US$551 billion and employing more than one million workers. SPE, established in 1942, has a global membership base of more than 85,000 professionals in 84 countries, focused on advancing plastics science, engineering and education.
The merged organisation will combine resources to promote innovation, workforce development and global competitiveness within the plastics sector.
