Two top U.S. plastics trade associations are joining forces to offer enhanced benefits for members.

The Society of the Plastics Industry Inc. and the Society of Plastics Engineers are offering a partnered membership program for plastics industry original equipment manufacturers and brand owner companies. The dual membership, available starting Jan. 1, automatically gives employees of companies on SPI’s Brand Owners Council a premium SPE membership as well.

The hybrid membership offers members of both groups access to SPI’s business, supply chain and advocacy programs and SPE’s educational, technical and networking opportunities.

SPE and SPI said the joint program will allow both organizations to leverage and showcase their respective strengths while building a stronger value proposition for their traditional membership base.

“We have been growing our brand owner membership over the last few years, and are hopeful that our new membership offering with SPE opens the door to more resources, including career development and educational opportunities,” said SPI President and CEO Bill Carteaux. “Our members who represent the other facets of the supply chain — including equipment, materials and processor companies — share the sentiment that brand owners, who reach consumers, must have a seat at the table to discuss concerns and share ideas about the plastics industry.”

The Brand Owners Council is one of four leadership councils within SPI. It focuses on zero-waste strategies and other sustainability and environmental issues, research and development, product safety and supply chain transparency.

The dual offering comes as SPE prepares to celebrate its 75th anniversary next year. SPE is planning a slew of new services and events, including the launch later this month of a web-based SPE Open Innovation Platform. It will link companies that have a development need with others that have a solution.

“I am proud to be able to offer this new program to the OEMs and brand owners of our great industry,” said SPE Managing Director Russell Broome. “This initiative will provide these key stakeholders strong engagement with SPE’s vast network of plastics industry experts across the entire supply chain. Having immediate access to the latest processing, material and equipment innovation is vital in order to maintain their reputation with the ultimate consumer.”

SPI and SPE have come together to offer membership deals before. At NPE 2015, the groups announced an agreement on student memberships for both groups. SPI covers a portion of the dues for student members of SPE and packages their SPE membership with an SPI electronic membership, in hopes of making it easier for students to take advantage of each organization’s educational and networking opportunities early in their careers and without making affordability an issue. The pair of trade groups also have a three-year agreement to work together producing technical information and co-producing the Re|focus Recycling Summit & Expo, which had its inaugural meeting in April.

 

Source : plasticsnews.com

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