Extrusion International 4-2026-USA

28 Extrusion International 4/2026 28 INDUSTRY NEWS SPE's Microplastic Forum October 20-21, 2026, Baltimore, USA Whether you're evaluating how microplastics are gen- erated throughout the product lifecycle, exploring detec - tion and mitigation technologies, or preparing for evolving regulatory and customer expectations, organizations are under increasing pressure to understand and address mi- croplastics in practical, measurable ways. SPE's Microplastics Forum brings professionals from plas- tics manufacturing and processing, material development, environmental and sustainability programs, regulatory affairs, academia, water and wastewater treatment, con - sulting, and legal disciplines to nd solutions to one of the industry's most signi cant technical and regulatory chal - lenges. The forum focuses on practical strategies for understand- ing, detecting, reducing, and managing microplastics while supporting material performance, product innovation, and regulatory alignment. Topics include: • The evolving science and regulatory landscape surrounding microplastics • Detection, quanti cation, and characterization methods • Strategies to reduce and prevent microplastic generation and release • Capture, ltration, separation, and material recovery technologies • Product, material, and process innovations that support responsible plastics manufacturing SPE-Inspiring Plastics Professionals https://www.4spe.org/mpf26/ Call for 2026 Vinyl Week Presentations The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) and the Vinyl Sustainability Council (VSC) have announced a call for pre- sentations for 2026 Vinyl Week, the vinyl industry’s premier event for processors, suppliers and sustainability leaders. Vinyl Week brings together two agship industry events, the PLASTICS 36th Annual Vinyl Compounders Conference and the Vinyl Institute Sustainability Summit, into one dy - namic, collaborative forum. “The vinyl industry is constantly evolving, and Vinyl Week is the forum where many of the conversations driving that progress take place,” said Patrick Krieger, senior vice presi - dent of sustainability and policy at PLASTICS. “We’re look- ing for speakers who can share practical insights, emerging trends and innovative solutions that will help attendees prepare for what’s next.” “Vinyl Week has become the premier gathering for col- laboration across the vinyl value chain,” said Jay Thomas, executive director of the Vinyl Sustainability Council. “We’re excited to continue building momentum in 2026 and welcome another outstanding group of speakers and attendees.” 2026 Vinyl Week will be held December 8 to10 at the Omni Charlotte Hotel in Charlotte , North Carolina . PLASTICS and VSC welcome presentations that align with Vinyl Week’s commitment to innovation, market in - sight and sustainability, addressing topics of interest to leaders across the vinyl industry, including but not lim - ited to: • Sustainability in product design, manufacturing and re - sponsible sourcing • Emerging trends and applications in key exible vinyl end-use markets • Next-generation vinyl materials, renewable feedstocks and net-zero resin solutions • Global PVC and plasticizer market outlooks and busi- ness opportunities • Technology innovations shaping the future of exible vinyl Vinyl Week draws attendees from across the vinyl value chain, including resin and plasticizer producers, compound - ers, formulators, converters, recyclers and manufacturers of both industrial and consumer products. https://www.plasticsindustry.org/ newsroom/2026-vinyl-week-call-for-presentations/