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The SPE Microplastics Forum takes place in Baltimore, Maryland, on Oct. 20–21, 2026, covering detection, regulation, and solutions.

Better collection systems can reduce contamination and improve the quality of recycled plastic feedstock before sorting, washing, and extrusion begin.

Digital tools bring real-time data, traceability, and automated updates to LCA, improving environmental decisions across the value chain.

Halogen-free flame retardants improve fire safety, but compounders still balance processing, durability, smoke, and electrical performance.

Sensory packaging uses sight, touch, sound, smell and taste to shape brand perception and create memorable product experiences.

PFAS restrictions are forcing plastics suppliers to reformulate high-performance materials without sacrificing heat, friction, or durability.

Healthcare foams face growing pressure from PCR adoption, PFAS restrictions, EPR policies, and circularity goals across medical supply chains.

Researchers are addressing polymer data scarcity through AI, high-throughput experiments, simulations, literature mining, and standardized databases.

LEGO is reducing emissions and expanding the use of renewable, recycled, and mass-balance plastics across its global toy portfolio and supply chain.

Early plastics recycling succeeded with clean, single-resin streams but struggled with contamination, weak markets, and systems not designed for scale.