On May 5, 17 new members were inducted into the Plastics Hall of Fame at a gala event in Orlando, Fla., on the day before the start of NPE2024.
In this week's issue, senior reporter Jim Johnson tells their inspiring stories. He also did video interviews with most, so be sure to check out PlasticsNews.com, too.
One of the nice things about reporting on plastics for a long time is that I already know some of the new inductees. After reading Jim's profiles, I feel like I know the entire class. They come from all over the world and ended up in a diverse range key roles in the plastics industry.
What do they all have in common? Dedication, hard work and the ability to stick with a task until they solve the problem, even if it takes years.
Many started in entry-level positions and — thanks to their education, dedication and hard work — they achieved greatness. Plastics is still like that. It's a growing industry that still offers tremendous opportunities.
Just as important, many also spent untold hours in volunteer roles on behalf of the plastics industry. That includes working with the Society of Plastics Engineers, the Plastics Industry Association, the Plastics Pioneers Association, their universities and many other organizations.
I think that's a key part of having a career that ends up being Hall of Fame worthy. Find the time to get involved and meet like-minded people.
The Plastics Hall of Fame was founded in 1972 by Sid Gross, then-editor of Modern Plastics magazine. The hall is now administered by the newly formed Plastics Hall of Fame Inc., a Delaware 501(c)(3) corporation.
It has 20 volunteers — including me — from the United States, Germany and Japan.
Criteria for membership include significant invention or breakthrough; development of an outstanding product, market, end-use niche or business endeavor; long and valuable service to the plastics industry; and constructive, collaborative action with industry-related groups.
Nominations are valid for four cycles, or six years. More information and downloadable nomination forms are available at plasticshof.org.
The new Plastics Hall of Fame members made major contributions to the industry. Congratulations to all.
Don Loepp is the editor of Plastics News and author of the Plastics Blog.
