Solutions for the Microplastics Challenge 2025 • Sept. 23-24, 2025 • Pittsburgh, PA | SPE-Inspiring Plastics Professionals
Solutions for the Microplastics Challenge 2025 • Sept. 23-24, 2025 • Pittsburgh, PA | SPE-Inspiring Plastics Professionals

Solutions for the Microplastic Challenge 2025

About the Event

This conference will convene industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers to explore forward-thinking strategies for addressing microplastic pollution from the perspective of the plastics industry.

The program will cover the evolving regulatory landscape and industry standards, offering expert guidance on compliance strategies and global policy developments related to microplastics. In addition, sessions on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) will examine the challenges and emerging solutions for integrating microplastics into product lifecycle evaluations, helping companies better understand and reduce their microplastic footprints.

Key topics will include advanced waste management and recycling solutions aimed at preventing microplastic pollution through improved handling practices and circular economy principles. Attendees will discover state-of-the-art filtration and capture technologies for removing microplastics from water, air, and industrial effluents. The event will also feature the latest advancements in detection, monitoring, and characterization technologies that enable accurate identification, quantification, and source tracking of microplastics across diverse environments.

Participants will gain valuable insights into sustainable material innovations, with a focus on biodegradable polymers and alternative materials designed to reduce microplastic generation. The agenda will also address mitigation strategies in manufacturing, sharing best practices and advanced technologies that minimize microplastic release during production and processing.

The conference will highlight the importance of collaboration and public awareness, fostering meaningful dialogue around industry partnerships, research initiatives, and educational efforts that drive long-term, systemic change.

This event offers a dynamic platform for professionals committed to developing impactful solutions to the microplastic challenge while promoting innovation, sustainability, and responsible practices across the plastics value chain.


  Who Should Attend?

This event is designed for professionals across the plastics value chain who are involved in addressing the environmental and regulatory challenges posed by microplastics, including:

  • Plastics manufacturers and processors- Interested in sustainable design, cleaner production, and compliance with microplastics regulations.
  • Material scientists and product developers - Working on biodegradable materials or alternative polymers to reduce microplastic generation.
  • Environmental and sustainability professionals - Focused on reducing the microplastic footprint through LCA, waste management, and circular economy strategies.
  • R&D and innovation leaders - Exploring new technologies for detection, filtration, and mitigation of microplastics in air, water, and industrial systems.
  • Regulatory and compliance experts - Navigating global policies and national regulations concerning microplastics and plastics production.
  • Academic researchers and students -Conducting studies on microplastic sources, behavior, impacts, and mitigation strategies.
  • Consultants and legal advisors - Providing strategic guidance on regulatory risk, product stewardship, and sustainability claims.
  • Water and wastewater treatment professionals - Implementing or researching filtration and separation technologies to manage microplastic contamination.
  • NGOs and advocacy groups - Driving public awareness, education, and community-level solutions.
  • Policymakers and public sector representatives Developing or enforcing legislation related to microplastics and environmental protection.

What Challenges Will This Conference Help You Solve?
How can we comply with rapidly evolving global regulations on microplastics in plastics manufacturing and product design?

→ Stay ahead of policy updates and compliance strategies from global and regional authorities.

What are the best methods to assess microplastic impacts through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)?
→ Understand current challenges and emerging solutions for integrating microplastics into LCA frameworks.

Which technologies are most effective for detecting, characterizing, and tracking the origin of microplastics?
→ Learn about state-of-the-art monitoring and characterization tools for air, water, and solid environments.

How can we redesign manufacturing processes to minimize microplastic release at the source?
→ Discover good practices and innovations in production and processing that prevent microplastic generation.

What are the most promising materials and design alternatives to reduce microplastic pollution?
→ Explore advances in biodegradable polymers, alternative materials, and sustainable product design.

How can waste management and recycling systems be improved to reduce microplastic leakage?
→ Examine systemic solutions that combine infrastructure, policy, and circular economy principles.

How can we foster collaboration across industry, academia, and policy to accelerate progress?
→ Connect with a diverse community of stakeholders to share strategies, research, and innovations.

  Why Should You Attend?

Solutions for the Microplastic Challenge offers a unique platform to connect, learn, and lead in the growing global effort to address microplastic pollution from the plastics industry’s perspective. As regulations tighten, public concern rises, and innovation accelerates, this event equips you with the knowledge, tools, and partnerships to stay ahead.

By attending, you will:

  • Gain clarity on global regulations and compliance strategies affecting your operations and products.
  • Discover breakthrough technologies in filtration, monitoring, detection, and material innovation.
  • Explore practical approaches to Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and how to integrate microplastics into your sustainability evaluations, including key challenges and solutions.
  • Understand the latest characterization methods to trace microplastic sources and inform reduction strategies.
  • Learn about good practices in manufacturing and processing to prevent the generation and release of microplastics at the source.
  • Engage with industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers shaping the future of plastics and sustainability.
  • Contribute to collaborative solutions that go beyond compliance—driving innovation, reputation, and long-term value.

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 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

Full refund 30 days prior to the event start date. 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.
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