SPE WORKSHOP: Plastic Additives

  SPE Workshop

Plastic Additives

  April 8, 10, 15 & 17, 2025
  11:00 AM to 1:00 PM EDT
  Online

Next Lesson: Session 1 

  Summary

Plastic additives are substances that are added to plastic prior to or during the manufacturing process to improve and modify its characteristics. This workshop will cover the different types of plastic additives, their functions, and their interaction with each other. These additives aid in the actual processing of the plastic end product (e.g., antioxidants, nucleating agents, mold release agents, lubricants) or improve the characteristics of the final product (antimicrobials, colorants, antistatic agents, impact modifiers, and UV-stabilizers).

The growth in use of these additives is relatively strong and continuous. However, environmental constraints have imposed rigorous performance requirements on many products, adding expenses to the development costs of these materials. Moreover, a new trend is the development of biobased additives for bioplastics.

The desire to create a circular society presupposes that plastics are recycled. This might require re-stabilization of the plastics for fulfilling plastic products properties. Conventional additives are mostly used in this case but new types of additives have been developed for ascertaining that recycled plastic can be given a new life.

The workshop starts with a presentation of different mechanisms for degradation of plastics of a very simple reason: If the degradation processes are not well known, it is difficult to propose an adequate stabilization package.

Further, the course will cover analytical tools (DSC, TGA and MS) and many other instrumental techniques for identification and structure elucidation of plastic additives. The participants will also learn which tools are available for trouble-shooting.


  Agenda

(Click each session to expand)
April 8, 2025
Duration: 2 Hours

  Outline

  • Why do we need plastic additives?
  • Mode of operation
  • Choice of additives
  • Primary antioxidants

Go to Session 1 

April 10, 2025
Duration: 2 Hours

  Outline

  • Secondary antioxidants
  • UV-stabilization
  • Acid scavengers and other additives

Go to Session 2 

April 15, 2025
Duration: 2 Hours

  Outline

  • Pigments
  • Nucleating agents and clarifying agents
  • Flame retardants

Go to Session 3 

April 17, 2025
Duration: 2 Hours

  Outline

  • Additives for recycling
  • Analysis of additives
  • Recommendations
  • Trends for additives

Go to Session 4 

 

If you can't attend one or several sessions live, or if you want to review some concepts, the recordings will be available after each session.

  Registration Information

SPE Premium Member $720
SPE Members $800
Nonmembers $1,000

  Register Now

Not an SPE member? Join today and attend this workshop at a discounted rate!


 
4 Sessions
 
Level: Intermediate
 
Total Hours: 8 Hours
 
Streaming access on desktop and mobile browsers

  Instructor

Lennart Johansson, Ph.D.
President

Polymer Support

Dr. Lennart Johansson is the manager for the Swedish Plastics Industry Association, SPIF. It consists of more than 100 small and medium size companies in Sweden. Presently he is a board member of Swedish Plastic Recycling, the biggest and most efficient plant for plastic recycling in Europe.

During his career Dr Johansson worked as the Manager of Process and polymer for Dyno Nobel; as Senior Scientist within the area of degradation and stabilization of plastics for ABB Corporate Research & Development, which resulted in five patents. Dr Johansson has given courses in more than seven countries during his carrier as a certified Instructor/Trainer during his position as manager for Polymer Support Sweden.


  Questions? Contact:

For questions, contact Iván D. López.

Who Should Attend?

This course provides an overview of all significant aspects and considerations of plastic additives for process engineers, scientists, chemists and laboratory personal who are involved in the selection, application and troubleshooting. Moreover, this course is important also for procurers, purchasers, sale & marketing engineers in the fields of plastics.

Why Should You Attend?

This course will provide participants with a comprehensive overview of plastic additives and equip them with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions when selecting and using additives in plastic manufacturing processes.

Are you struggling with low performance of your materials or you have problems processing them?
Plastic additives are essential for enhancing material characteristics and ensuring product quality. Understanding how to select and use these additives is crucial for achieving reliable, high-performing end products.

Are you struggling with degradation issues in plastics and looking for effective stabilization solutions?
Plastics degrade over time due to environmental factors, such as UV radiation, oxidation, and mechanical stress. Identifying the mechanisms of degradation is the first step toward selecting the right stabilization package to extend the lifespan of your products.

Are you involved in recycling plastics and want to ensure they meet performance requirements?
Recycled plastics often require re-stabilization to restore their properties and meet quality standards. This workshop will explore conventional and emerging additives that give recycled materials a second life while supporting circular economy goals.

Are you concerned about the environmental impact of the additives?
As the demand for bioplastics increases, the development of biobased additives has become a key trend. Learn how these additives are shaping the future of sustainable plastics.

Do you need to analyze and troubleshoot additive-related issues in your plastic materials?
From processing aids to performance enhancers, understanding the interaction and identification of additives is vital. Discover the analytical tools, such as DSC, TGA, and MS, that are used for additive identification, structure elucidation, and troubleshooting.

If these challenges align with your needs, this workshop is designed for you!


This educational program is provided as a service of SPE. The views and opinions expressed on this or any SPE educational program are those of the Speaker(s) and/or the persons appearing with the Speaker(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Society of Plastics Engineers, Inc. (SPE) or its officials, employees or designees. To comment or to present an opposing or supporting opinion, please contact us at info@4SPE.org.

Refund Policy

30 days prior to the event start date a full refund minus a $50 processing fee will be granted. No refunds after. Please contact customerrelations@4spe.org for assistance with registration.

Copyright & Permission to Use

SPE may take photographs and audio/video recordings during the conference, pre-conference meetings and receptions that may include attendees within sessions, networking areas, exhibition areas, and other areas associated with the conference both inside and outside of the venue. By registering for this event, all attendees are providing permission for SPE to use this material at its discretion on SPE's websites, marketing materials, and publications. SPE retains ownership of copyright to all photographs and audio/video recording obtained at this event and attendees may request copies of any material in which they are included.

Anti-Trust Statement

  1. No discussion among members, volunteers, or staff, which attempts to arrive at any agreement regarding prices, terms or conditions of sale, distribution, volume, territories, or customers;
  2. No activity or communication which might be construed as an attempt to prevent any person or business entity from gaining access to any market or customer for goods or services or any business entity from obtaining services or a supply of goods;
  3. No activity or communication which might be construed as an agreement to refrain from purchasing or using any materials, equipment, services or supplies of or from any supplier; or
  4. No other activity which violates anti-trust or applicable laws aimed at preventing unfair competition.
spe2018logov4.png
Welcome Guest!   Login