Discover upcoming Happy Hour Speaker Series on hot topics that deliver practical insights, emerging trends, and real-world strategies. Our goal is to spark new ideas and encourage meaningful discussions.This summer is the perfect time to sharpen your skills, expand your network, and stay current with the latest developments in medical plastics and device manufacturing.
Take advantage of the summer months to:
Attend webinars and technical presentations
Read case studies and application stories
Explore emerging materials and processing technologies
Connect with industry peers and mentors
Share your expertise through posters, talks, and articles
UPCOMING EVENTS
“Medical Grade Polymers for Non-Implantable Applications”
Scott Taylor’s briefing on a proposed ASTM guide to “medical grade” terminology
for polymeric materials used in non-implantable devices.
SPE Medical Plastics Division Chair’s Message – 2026 Update
I am honored to begin my term as Chair of the Medical Plastics Division. I would like to thank the MPD membership and Board of Directors for the opportunity to serve in this role. Their leadership and commitment have made possible the division’s many accomplishments over the past year, and I am proud to contribute to that ongoing, collaborative effort. I would also like to extend my sincere appreciation to our Past Chair, Ned LeMaster, for his dedication, leadership, and mentorship throughout his two-year term.
As we move through the first quarter of 2026, I would like to take a moment to reflect on what we have accomplished so far this year and to share a look ahead at where I see opportunities for our division.
Strong Start to the Year
We finished off 2025 with an outstanding program at MD&M MidWest and have continued our momentum with a fantastic presence at MD&M West and ANTEC in 2026. These events continue to be a cornerstone for our division, and this year was no exception. Thank you to MD&M MidWest MiniTec chair Rob Klien, MD&M West MiniTec chair Trisha Cousteux, ANTEC programming chair Len Czuba, and the entire MPD technical programming committee for their outstanding efforts to create these programs.
At MD&M West, we hosted 29 speakers and welcomed over 100 attendees, creating valuable opportunities for technical exchange, networking, and community building. It’s encouraging to see continued enthusiasm and engagement around medical plastics. We’re grateful to everyone who contributed their time and expertise. Creating opportunities to exchange ideas, to educate, and to forge meaningful connections with our membership remains a top priority for the MPD. A special thank you to our sponsors for their continued support.
Investing in the Next Generation
One of the highlights of this year has been the launch of our scholarship program, developed in collaboration with our industry partners at IGS GeboJagema. After a rigorous review process, we awarded our first scholarship to highly deserving students at MD&M West. I’d like to thank our partners at IGS GeboJagema, the scholarship committee, and Chairman of our Student Outreach Committee Rob Klein for making this effort possible.
This initiative reflects our commitment to supporting emerging talent in our field and the enthusiasm our industry partners and sponsors have for generous giving to support education and outreach. Looking ahead, we see an opportunity to expand this program and continue reinvesting in the future of our industry.
Recognizing Excellence
I’d like to extend congratulations to Pierre Moulinié, our division secretary, who was recently named a Fellow of SPE at ANTEC. This is a significant honor and is a testament to Pierre’s longstanding contributions to both the Society and our division.
At MD&M West, emeritus Board of Directors member and former SPE President Len Czuba was recognized with the Glenn Beall Founders award as a testimony to his committed service to the Medical Plastics Division. Congratulations, Len!
Looking Ahead: Growth and Opportunity
As many of you know, SPE is moving forward with its merger with the Plastics Industry Association (PIA). We see meaningful opportunities in this collaboration.
PIA brings strong industry connections and corporate engagement, while SPE continues to serve as a technical authority. Together, this creates potential to:
Expand our membership base
Enhance the reach and impact of our technical programming
Increase corporate sponsorship and partnerships with technology advancement as the driving principle
We’re optimistic about what this means for the future of our division, and we will continue to put the advancement of science, engineering, technology, and sustainability first.
The well-deserved recognition honors his career defined by technical excellence, industry leadership, and unwavering service to the medical device community.
Watch Americhem’s free on-demand webinar: The PFAS-Free Future and the New Rules of Sustainable Design
As PFAS regulations accelerate, manufacturers need proven alternatives. This webinar explores PFAS replacement strategies and PFAS-free technologies at Americhem, highlighting internally lubricated compounds for medical and industrial uses and surface-modifying additives for nonwovens. WATCH NOW
