SPE Global Cohort Initiative

On November 1st, 2024, SPE President Conor Carlin provided a briefing on the Society’s role in UNEP and INC-5. Representatives from seventy academic institutions, commercial businesses and NGOs participated.

Participants in the briefing strongly encouraged SPE to:

1. Coalesce the Society’s subject matter experts into Technical Cohorts, which would be willing and able to provide unbiased, science-based information in support of the UNEP Treaty’s development and eventual implementation;
2. Engage these Technical Cohorts with communities outside the plastics value chain, to include the general public, policymakers, etc.;
3. Leverage SPE’s existing curricula, including its many technical forums and classroom programs, as platforms for broader stakeholder collaboration.

As a first step, SPE is announcing its Global Cohort Initiative. Here, qualified subject matter experts may apply for membership in one or more of the following SPE Technical Cohorts:

• Polymer science and engineering
• Plastic product design
• Bioplastics
• Polymer modifiers, additives, colorants and coatings
• Plastics recycling
• Plastics awareness, education and research

Interested, qualified subject matter experts may apply for membership by clicking here. There is no cost or obligation. Applicants will be seated based on their CV and/or formal education on the topic.
 
Once seated, the SPE Technical Cohorts will be offered relevant opportunities to participate in the work of SPE in its role with UNEP. Participation is not an offer of employment or compensation – rather it is a professional opportunity to contribute to this global initiative impacting the plastics industry.
 
For questions, please contact SPE CEO Patrick Farrey at CEO@4spe.org.