Social Media

plasticshalloffame

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to David B

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to David Baker, Demis Hassabis, and John M. Jumper on being awarded the prestigious 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Your remarkable contributions to the field inspire us all!

At the Plastics Hall of Fame, we are proud to recognize five distinguished Nobel Prize winners in Chemistry among our members:

➕ 2000: Alan G. MacDiarmid - Recognized for the discovery and development of conductive polymers.
➕1974: Paul J. Flory - Honored for his fundamental achievements in the physical chemistry of macromolecules.
➕ 1963: Karl Ziegler and Giulio Natta - Celebrated for their groundbreaking work in the chemistry and technology of high polymers.
➕ 1953: Hermann Staudinger - Acknowledged for his pioneering discoveries in macromolecular chemistry.

To learn more about these esteemed members and their contributions to the field, visit their profiles:

🔗 Karl Ziegler: https://buff.ly/4f8yURw
🔗 Hermann Staudinger: https://buff.ly/4hunRnk
🔗 Alan G. MacDiarmid: https://buff.ly/4ebvxYQ
🔗 Giulio Natta: https://buff.ly/40v1V5M
🔗 Paul J. Flory: https://buff.ly/40v1Wqm

#NobelPrize #Chemistry #PlasticsHallofFame #Innovation #Science

Plastics Make Halloween Happen! As we enjoy the t

Plastics Make Halloween Happen!

As we enjoy the thrills and chills of Halloween, let’s take a moment to appreciate how advancements in the plastics industry contribute to our celebrations.

🎃 Weather-resistant costumes ensure that kids stay dry and warm while trick-or-treating.

🎃 Sealed candy wrappers help keep our Halloween hauls safe and fresh, allowing us to savor every bite.

🎃 One of our own, Richard Landis from Landis Plastics (Class of 2012) produced the iconic McDonald’s Happy Meal pumpkin buckets from 1980 - 1987 to save on single-use packaging. At its peak, they produced 28 million pumpkin buckets a year, beginning production in February, with shipping in September that required up to 40 trucks running daily!

This Halloween, let’s celebrate the innovative spirit of the plastics industry that enhances our festive traditions.

#Halloween #PlasticsIndustry #Innovation #Sustainability #Celebrate

Missed the 2024 Plastics Hall of Fame Induction Ce

Missed the 2024 Plastics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony? We've got you covered!

Click the link in our bio to catch up on this prestigious event and witness 17 industry pioneers being honored for their exceptional contributions.

Watch the full ceremony now to:
> Learn about each inductee's groundbreaking achievements
> Gain insights into PHoF's mission and impact
> Understand the importance of recognizing innovation in plastics

Curious about the nomination process? The search for the Class of 2025 has begun!

Visit www.plasticshof.org to:
> Explore nomination criteria
> Submit your candidates
> Be part of shaping the future of plastics innovation

Don't miss this opportunity to celebrate excellence and propel the industry forward.
Watch, learn, and nominate today!

#PlasticsHallOfFame #Innovation #IndustryCelebration

We regret to inform you of the passing of Robert S

We regret to inform you of the passing of Robert Schad, a distinguished 2006 Plastics Hall of Fame Inductee. His contributions to the industry were both innovative and far-reaching.

In 1953, Robert founded Husky Injection Molding Systems, initially a snowmobile manufacturing company producing the Huskymobile. Recognizing limitations in 1960s molding technology, he engineered a high-speed injection molding machine capable of fully utilizing Husky molds, demonstrating his commitment to advancing industry capabilities.

Beyond his professional achievements, Robert was a dedicated philanthropist and environmentalist. He established The Schad Foundation, focusing on environmental problem-solving initiatives. His active involvement with Earth Rangers, a wildlife conservation and education organization, further exemplified his dedication to nurturing environmental stewardship among youth.

Robert’s legacy encompasses both technological innovation and environmental consciousness, leaving an indelible mark on the plastics industry and conservation efforts alike. We extend our sincere condolences to his family, colleagues, and all those impacted by his remarkable life and work.

Read more about Robert and his achievements here: https://plasticshof.org/members/robert-schad/

#LegacyOfLeadership @huskyims @earth_rangers

🌟 Announcement 🌟 We are thrilled to announc

🌟 Announcement 🌟

We are thrilled to announce that nominations are now open for the esteemed Plastics all of Fame! This distinguished honor celebrates individuals whose profound contributions have significantly advanced the plastics industry.

We cordially invite you to nominate professionals whose exceptional achievements, innovative spirit, and steadfast leadership have left an indelible mark on our industry. Your nominations play a crucial role in recognizing those who have demonstrated outstanding dedication and expertise in shaping the future of plastics.

Don't miss this opportunity to acknowledge these exceptional individuals. Let us come together to celebrate excellence and innovation in the plastics industry.

📅 Nominations for the Class of 2025 will close on February 28, 2025.

For more details and to submit your nominations, please click the link in our bio.

#PlasticsHallOfFame #Innovation #Excellence #Leadership

We had a splendid time at the PHoF Gala! A heartfe

We had a splendid time at the PHoF Gala! A heartfelt thank you to all who graced us with their presence. Congratulations again to the remarkable class of 2024 Inductees!

A reminder to visit the Walk of Fame, which will be showcased at booth W2380 in the west hall of the Orange County Convention Center from May 6 through May 10. This is an event you won’t want to miss.

Visit https://npe.org and use the code PHOF to secure your complimentary pass to NPE 2024.

#PHoFgala2024 #NPE2024 #WalkofFame

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Robe

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Robert P. Kittredge, a true legend in our community and beyond. Known affectionately as Kit, he left an indelible mark as an entrepreneur, visionary business strategist, and dedicated philanthropist.

As a 2012 PHoF Inductee, Kit's contributions to the plastics industry were unparalleled. His founding of Fabri-Kal in 1950 set the stage for innovation and excellence within the sector. Today, Fabri-Kal stands as a testament to his foresight and leadership, proudly ranking as the eighth-largest thermoformer in North America.

Not only did Kit excel in business, but he also established the Fabri-Kal Foundation in 1969 to give back to worthy causes. Over the years, the Foundation's generous contributions have supported countless scholarships and community grants, enriching cultural and educational initiatives.

Kit's legacy lives on through his pioneering and philanthropic spirit and unwavering commitment to excellence. Join us in honoring his memory and celebrating a life well lived.

Read more about Kit and his achievements and legacy here: https://plasticshof.org/members/robert-p-kittredge/

#RememberingKit #LegacyOfLeadership

The prestigious PHoF gala is only a month away, an

The prestigious PHoF gala is only a month away, and you definitely don't want to miss out on this unforgettable event! Click on the link in our bio to discover more details and secure your spot today.

In addition, here's a special offer for you- make sure to register for NPE2024
(https://npe.org) using promo code PHOF to claim your complimentary pass. While
you're there, don't forget to visit the Walk of Fame at booth W2380 for a truly memorable experience. See you at the gala!

#PHoFgala2024 #NPE2024 #WalkofFame

Today, we commemorate the remarkable life and lega

Today, we commemorate the remarkable life and legacy of Jon Michael (Mike) Cude, an esteemed 2024 PHoF Inductee. Though his physical presence shall be missed at the upcoming Gala, his spirit will forever remain with us through his profound contributions to the world of plastics.

Mike was a driving force in the medical plastics industry for more than 40 years. His extensive interaction with customers produced numerous medical device innovations. He also led the startup and operation of nine medical plastics manufacturing plants in the US, Mexico, and Ireland.

Let's pause and reflect on Mike's outstanding achievements, as we carry forward his passion for innovation and excellence in all that we do. Join us in paying tribute to a visionary who will always have a special place in our hearts. Rest in peace, Mike.

Read more about Mike and his achievements and legacy here: https://plasticshof.org/members/j-michael-cude/

#RememberingALegend #2024PHoFInductee

We would like to introduce you to 2024 PHoF Induct

We would like to introduce you to 2024 PHoF Inductee Kurt Swogger.

Kurt Swogger was a key technology and business leader for Dow Chemical from 1972 to 2008. His leadership brought high-throughput catalyst research to Dow, which then spread across the plastics industry. The ripple effect of his work profoundly impacts our world today.

As Global R&D director for Dow’s polyolefin product business, Swogger led his team to link metallocene catalyst technology with materials science, process technology and marketing for new product innovations. Dow trademarked this as INSITE® Technology, resulting in many new high performance polyolefin plastics, plastomers and elastomers that provide extraordinary benefits to human lives and high commercial value to Dow.

He created the Speed Base R&D and business development philosophy, making Dow able to innovate new products up to three times faster using 40% less resources than the industrial average.

Swogger founded Molecular Rebar Design, a developer of carbon-nanotubes for plastics and rubber reinforcement and energy storage devices. Swogger holds over 130 World Patents.

Read more about Swogger's achievements here: https://plasticshof.org/members/kurt-swogger/

#ClassOf2024 #PlasticHallofFame #KurtSwogger

We would like to introduce you to 2024 PHoF Induct

We would like to introduce you to 2024 PHoF Inductee Dr. Nick Schott.

Professor Nick R. Schott made significant contributions to the advancement of plastics technology through his pioneering teaching, research, and consultancy at University of Massachusetts Lowell.

Dr. Schott played a pivotal role in educating and inspiring thousands of students, many of whom are now leaders in the field. His passion for teaching and mentorship shaped the future of the industry by cultivating a new generation of plastics engineers and scientists.

Schott established exchange programs for faculty and students in over a dozen countries. Notable examples include Technische Hochschule in Germany and Shenkar University in Israel.

Professor Schott was named a fellow of the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) in 1986 and is a founding member of the SPE Product Design and Development Division. He has authored or co-authored numerous papers and books about Plastics Engineering. He was extremely active in many engineering organizations and is a member of AICHE, ACS and ASEE.

Read more about Schott's achievements here: https://plasticshof.org/members/dr-nick-schott/

#ClassOf2024 #PlasticHallofFame #NickSchott

We would like to introduce you to 2024 PHoF Induct

We would like to introduce you to 2024 PHoF Inductee George Victor Sammet Sr.

G. Victor Sammet Sr. (1880 – 1958) was a pioneer in the early days of plastics, providing leadership and financial support to the new industry. He was a significant innovator and an instrumental leader in plastics, molding, and industry association.
Sammet fostered intellectual collaboration and social networking. He was a founding member and first president of MIT’s Senior Chemistry Society, established to share knowledge between faculty, students, and business leaders.

In 1907, Sammet co-founded Northern Industrial Chemical Company (NIC) in Boston. The company’s success allowed Sammet to fund plastics research and molding capacity expansions. Over the decades, Sammet and his employees automated and perfected many molding processes which began with hand-jack presses and 12-hour bake-times.

In 1937, Sammet established the Society of the Plastics Industry, later renamed the Plastics Industry Association. Sammet helped charter the Plastic Pioneers Association in 1942 to preserve the histories of people who contributed to the industry.

Read more abou Sammet's achievements here: https://plasticshof.org/members/dr-g-victor-sammet-sr/

#ClassOf2024 #PlasticHallofFame #GeorgeVictorSammet

We would like to introduce you to 2024 PHoF Induct

We would like to introduce you to 2024 PHoF Inductee Dr. Chris Rauwendaal.

Dr. Chris Rauwendaal invented new technologies and processes that significantly advanced the plastic extrusion industry. He published over 300 papers and taught seminars to thousands of people in 23 countries. Rauwendaal made significant contributions to extrusion theory. His “Polymer Extrusion” book is one of the most widely used books on extrusion.

Rauwendaal earned his doctorate in Mechanical Engineering at Twente University of Technology, the Netherlands. He worked as a development engineer with American Enka Company, in North Carolina. Rauwendaal later became Manager Process Engineering in Corporate R&D with Raychem Corporation (now Tyco) in California. He developed several patented screw designs, mixing elements, and extruder components and designed thousands of extruder screws for extrusion and injection molding.

Rauwendaal is currently President of REE, Inc., where he provides a wide range of services for the polymer processing industry. Rauwendaal holds nine patents and is a fellow of the Society of Plastics Engineers.

Read more about Rauwendaal's achievements here: https://plasticshof.org/members/dr-chris-rauwendaal/

#ClassOf2024 #PlasticHallofFame #ChrisRauwendaal

We would like to introduce you to 2024 PHoF Induct

We would like to introduce you to 2024 PHoF Inductee Wolfgang Meyer.

Wolfgang Meyer is a German mechanical engineer who served in the role of president at North American subsidiaries of three leading German equipment manufacturers.

Meyer began his career in 1970 at Bayer in Germany where he developed the polycarbonate structural foam molding process and applications. In 1975 he joined Schloemann-Siemag and moved to the US.

Schloemann-Siemag acquired Battenfeld Maschinenfabriken in 1977 and Meyer became Sales Manager for Europe at Battenfeld headquarters. He returned to the U.S. in 1980 and advanced to president of Battenfeld of America. Under Meyer’s leadership Battenfeld became a key supplier of small injection molding machines for precision parts and made the largest molding machine in North America.

As principal of Plastics Business Consultants, Meyer shares his experience with companies needing blow molding applications and machinery. Meyer earned Engineer of the Year Award from the Society of Plastics Engineers and was President of the Plastics Pioneers Association.

Read more about Meyer's achievements here: https://plasticshof.org/members/wolfgang-meyer/

#ClassOf2024 #PlasticHallofFame #WolfgangMeyer

We would like to introduce you to 2024 PHoF Induct

We would like to introduce you to 2024 PHoF Inductee Dr. Cato Laurencin.

Dr. Cato Laurencin is a brilliant engineer, surgeon, and leader whose groundbreaking discoveries set the stage for entire new fields of research and medicine.
Achieving breakthrough approaches in medical devices and drug delivery systems for musculoskeletal applications, he developed many products that improve human health.

Medical devices and biologics inspired by his research have benefited millions of patients. His papers and patents began an entire industry that utilizes polymer-ceramics for various uses. His work in the creation of soft tissues with polymers was highlighted in 2014 in National Geographics “100 Discoveries That Changed the World” edition.

Dozens of prestigious Academies and Societies in America have given their highest awards to Dr. Laurencin. Widely respected around the world, he has been elected to National Academies in Africa, Europe, and Asia.

Dr. Laurencin is a University Professor at the University of Connecticut and CEO of the The Cato T. Laurencin Institute for Regenerative Engineering.

Read more about Laurencin's achievements here: https://plasticshof.org/members/dr-cato-laurencin/

#ClassOf2024 #PlasticHallofFame #CatoLaurencin

We would like to introduce you to 2024 PHoF Induct

We would like to introduce you to 2024 PHoF Inductee Dr. Chihiro Kanagawa.

Chihiro Kanagawa (1926 – 2023) was a champion of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). He was the founder of Shintech, Inc., the world’s largest manufacturer of PVC. He dedicated his career to developing and promoting its excellent properties, and to preserving the environment.

Kanagawa graduated from the University of Tokyo in 1950. He joined Shin-Etsu Chemical Company to develop international business. Kanagawa moved to the US in 1973 to found Shintech, Inc. as a small-sized PVC manufacturer.

Shin-Etsu Chemical purchased Shintech in 1976, with Kanagawa as president. He achieved steady growth through large-scale expansions and improvements in productivity. Kanagawa’s management policy was “full production, full sales” and “lean organization run by well-trained employees.”

In 1990 Kanagawa became president of Shin-Etsu Chemical and grew the business from a medium-sized Japanese chemical company into a global leader.
Kanagawa worked hard on environmental measures and served as chairman of the Vinyl Environmental Council of Japan.

Read more about Kanagawa's achievements here: https://plasticshof.org/members/dr-chihiro-kanagawa/

#ClassOf2024 #PlasticHallofFame #ChihiroKanagawa

We would like to introduce you to 2024 PHoF Induct

We would like to introduce you to 2024 PHoF Inductee Dr. Walter Kaminsky.

In the early 1980s, Professor Dr. Walter Kaminsky pioneered major new families of catalysts at the University of Hamburg that made a global impact on plastics production. Kaminsky's breakthrough discoveries sparked a revolution that has been utilized by nearly every polyolefin producer in the world.

Kaminsky found that certain metallocenes could be activated using an aluminum compound called alumoxane. This new catalyst polymerized olefins with extraordinary high efficiency, generating millions of pounds of plastic for each pound of catalyst.

These catalysts enable plastic fabricators to develop new applications and higher-value products. The polyolefin industry regards Professor Kaminsky as the father of modern metallocene technology.

An educator and scholar for over 40 years at the University of Hamburg, Professor Kaminsky has more than 450 journal papers and patents and is one of the most active scientists in polymer science. Professor Kaminsky ranks among the top chemical engineering faculty in the world.

Read more about Kaminsky's achievements here: https://plasticshof.org/members/dr-walter-kaminsky/

#ClassOf2024 #PlasticHallofFame

We would like to introduce you to 2024 PHoF Induct

We would like to introduce you to 2024 PHoF Inductee Wendy Hoenig.

Wendy Hoenig is a results-oriented, global business and technology leader. Her direction, mentorship, and ability to choose winning technologies made major contributions to the plastics industry during her tenure at Dow Chemical Company from 1986 to 2010.

She and her global team launched new businesses and product lines that now contribute over $1 billion in sales to Dow. Hoenig led the commercialization of including INSPIRE™ Performance Polymers, Bluewave™ Polyolefin Dispersions, INCLOSIA which is now leveraged for solar panels, and INFUSE™ Olefin Block Copolymers for films and elastomeric applications. She holds 15 US patents and has been published in more than 20 industry publications.

As part of her mentoring, Hoenig has served in leadership roles on multiple engineering advisory boards and at organizations that provide scholarships to students.

Hoenig founded H&H Business Development in 2010, a consulting firm that provides technology and business assessments for private equity, venture capital, and start-ups.

Read more about Hoenig's achievements here: https://plasticshof.org/members/wendy-hoenig/

#ClassOf2024 #PlasticHallofFame #WendyHoenig

We would like to introduce you to 2024 PHoF Induct

We would like to introduce you to 2024 PHoF Inductee Arthur Haag.

Arthur P. Haag (1929 – 2023) was the “titanium man” of the plastics materials industry. His nearly 70 year career included creating specialty chemicals for the plastics manufacturing industry and later the plastics molding industry.

From 1957 to 1986 Haag invented methods and equipment to manufacture high purity titanium catalysts for manufacturing plastics. In 1966, he founded PureChem in California, making it a top manufacturer of Titanium (III) Chloride, an important catalyst for manufacturing polyolefins.

Haag sold PureChem to Dart Industries, where he operated and expanding their catalyst businesses, later acquired by Philips Petroleum.

After retiring from Phillips, he invented “Purgex” purging compounds for plastic molding machines. Haag founded Neutrex Incorporated, which produces and sells Purgex worldwide.

Haag was an inspirational leader and speaker who enjoyed mentoring protegees and was highly respected in the industry. He loved the plastics business so much he never retired. Haag was 93 when he died in 2023.

Read more about Haag's achievements here: https://plasticshof.org/members/arthur-p-haag/

#ClassOf2024 #PlasticHallofFame #ArthurHaag

We would like to introduce you to 2024 PHoF Induct

We would like to introduce you to 2024 PHoF Inductee H. Joseph Gerber.

H. Joseph Gerber (1924 – 1996) was a prolific inventor, entrepreneur, and engineer. He was an inventor of industries. His company’s innovative uses of plastics transformed apparel manufacturing, sign making, prescription eyeglass fabrication, commercial printing, and electronic products manufacturing. These advancements created significant new markets for plastic films and fostered a revolution in consumer and industrial products.

Gerber made exceptional contributions to the textile industry. His best known innovation uses plastic bristles to enable a computer controlled knife to cut large quantities of fabric and flexible material. It is considered the industry’s single most important advancement of the 20th century.

H. Joseph Gerber was chief executive and principal inventor at Gerber Scientific from its founding in 1947 until his death in 1996. Three of Gerber’s original engineering computation products and his cloth-cutting system are in the National Museum of American History. He had 648 U.S. and foreign patents issued in his name.

Read more about Gerber's achievements here: https://plasticshof.org/members/h-joseph-gerber/

#ClassOf2024 #PlasticHallofFame #JosephGerber

Load More Follow on Instagram