3Dnatives’ Parent Company SPE to Merge with Plastics Industry Association

The Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE), which has been the parent company of 3Dnatives since 2023, announced today that their Board of Directors has voted to join forces and merge with the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS). This union of two long-standing non-profit organizations, both dedicated to connecting and advancing plastics professionals, marks a historic step forward. The merger is designed to provide SPE members with expanded opportunities, enhanced resources, and greater visibility than ever before.

For more than 80 years, SPE has been the home for plastics professionals at any stage in their careers. The organization helps those seeking technical knowledge, professional development, and a trusted network of peers. By combining SPE’s strengths with PLASTICS’ reach and resources, SPE will accelerate its ability to serve members, elevate its voice in the industry, and ensure that SPE remains relevant, impactful, and strong for years to come.

Photo Credit: PLASTICS

Why This Merger Matters for SPE Members

This decision was guided by one simple principle: How does this benefit the plastics professional? Patrick Farrey, SPE CEO answered, “This is about opportunity. By joining forces with PLASTICS, we are ensuring that SPE members benefit from broader access, stronger programs, and greater recognition. Our mission to serve the plastics professional remains unchanged – this merger allows us to fulfill it more effectively than ever before.”

Dr. Scott Eastman, SPE Board Chair, added: “The decision to move forward was not made lightly. Our Board considered the needs of students, early-career professionals, academics, researchers, and industry veterans alike. What became clear is that SPE members will have more opportunities – more doors opened, more pathways to leadership, and more ways to make an impact because of this merger. We are convinced this positions SPE not just to survive, but to thrive in the decades to come.”

SPE members will benefit from this merger in the following ways:

Continued and Enhanced Membership Benefits

• Individual membership continues. SPE’s tradition of directly supporting the plastics professional remains a core offering.
• Members will still access all of their current benefits, including technical papers, Journals, webinars, conferences, and local Chapters.
• The merger will open the door for new corporate-supported memberships, making it easier for employees of PLASTICS member companies to join SPE—broadening networks and engagement.

Stronger Events and Networking

• SPE technical conferences, including ANTEC©, will gain exposure to broader audiences through PLASTICS’ reach, including to the attendees of NPE, the largest plastics trade show in the Americas.
• SPE’s Technical Divisions and local Chapters will have greater support, sponsorship opportunities, and access to attendees from PLASTICS’ member companies.
• Members will benefit from the combination of both organizations’ event portfolios, creating richer experiences and better value for attendees’ investments of time and money.

Expanded Education and Workforce Opportunities

• SPE’s technical expertise will be amplified through PLASTICS’ reach, allowing it to expand programs like PolymerInsights.ai, conferences, online courses, workshops, and new certificate tracks.
• Students and early-career professionals will have greater visibility and access to corporate leaders, improving mentorship and employment opportunities.
• The SPE Foundation will gain access to new sponsorship channels, supporting scholarships, PlastiVan®, and NextGen programs with more stable, long-term funding.

Broader Industry Voice with Technical Credibility

• SPE members’ expertise will now have a larger stage in industry discussions, public outreach, and policy conversations.
• Combining SPE’s scientific and technical credibility with PLASTICS’ advocacy platform means the industry will speak with one voice – balanced, credible, and inclusive of the professional perspective.
• Research, presentations, and innovations will carry more weight when amplified by the combined organization.

Publications and Journals

• Plastics Engineering and other SPE publications will enjoy greater distribution and visibility, expanding their impact beyond our current member base.
• SPE’s peer-reviewed Journals will remain at the forefront of scientific credibility, now reaching more professionals and organizations across the industry.

Financial Strength and Member Value

• By sharing infrastructure and reducing duplication, more resources can be invested back into programs that serve SPE members directly.
• The combined scale ensures long-term financial stability, enabling us to expand services, scholarships, and technical programming without sacrificing quality.

What Happens Next

The merger is expected to be formally completed by the end of 2025, at which time SPE will become an operating division of PLASTICS. The unified organization will then move into its integration phase, beginning January 1, 2026. Throughout this process, SPE’s Divisions, Sections, and Chapters will continue their programs, events, and leadership activities. Members will also continue to receive their benefits without interruption. Additionally, there will be opportunities for new benefits – such as expanded training programs, combined membership packages, and access to larger industry events – which will begin to roll out gradually.

SPE remains committed to the mission that has guided us since 1942: advancing the plastics professional. By joining with PLASTICS, we are better positioned to deliver on that promise – today and into the future. Together, we are stronger. Together, we are better. Together, we are the future of plastics.

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