Plastics Industry Association and the Society of Plastics Engineers become a single association

The Plastics Industry Association and the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) have finalized the agreement announced in recent months and, effective 1 January 2026, have come together as a unified organization representing the entire plastics supply chain in North America.

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 the Plastics Industry Association, 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 the Plastics Industry Association. 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 the Plastics Industry Association President and CEO Matt Seaholm. “By formally aligning the Plastics Industry Association 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: 
- SPE will become a division of the Plastics Industry Association, governed by an Executive Committee modelled after SPE’s current leadership structure; 
- SPE members will retain their membership status, benefits, and professional identity within the new division; 
- Patrick Farrey will join the Plastics Industry Association as Executive Vice President of SPE and Chief Integration Officer, leading the transition and ensuring continuity for SPE programs, members, and stakeholders.