Chemical Safety in Plastics: PFAS & Beyond • October 20–21, 2026 · Baltimore, Maryland | SPE, a division of PLASTICS
Chemical Safety in Plastics: PFAS & Beyond • October 20–21, 2026 · Baltimore, Maryland | SPE, a division of PLASTICS

Chemical Safety in Plastics: PFAS & Beyond

Call for Speakers

SPE invites proposals from professionals with strong expertise and hands‑on experience related to chemical safety in the plastics industry, with a focus on PFAS and other emerging substances of concern such as silicones and siloxanes, benzotriazole UV stabilizers, and organophosphate flame retardants.  Ideal speaker profiles include:

  • Distinguished professors or consultants with recognized expertise in PFAS substances and their industrial applications.
  • Regulatory experts with extensive experience navigating international and local policies, including EPA, REACH, and other relevant frameworks.
  • Legal professionals or litigation experts who can address liability, litigation risks, and emerging legal strategies related to PFAS use and compliance.
  • Industry leaders and technical experts with in-depth knowledge of the fluoropolymer and PFAS markets and their substitutes, especially regarding technical and economic challenges in transitioning away from these substances.
  • Scientists and researchers from academia or industry involved in the development of alternative technologies to PFAS, including substitute materials and sustainable innovations.

Deadline Information

Abstracts Due: July 17, 2026
Presentations Due: September 30, 2026

NOTE: Chosen speakers will not pay a fee to attend the conference. Once you are selected as a speaker, you will be provided a discount code to register for the event.

Key Topics Include:

  • Substitution technologies and alternative material solutions for PFAS and other chemicals of concern in applications such as flame retardants, textiles, packaging, and durable plastic products
  • Regulatory and policy developments influencing material selection, innovation priorities, and substitution strategies in plastics
  • Legal, liability, and compliance considerations linked to chemical use and material transitions
  • Testing, detection, traceability, and supply‑chain transparency approaches that support informed substitution and risk‑management decisions
  • Transition planning, systems redesign, and performance validation in regulated or high‑visibility applications

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.

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