Published 5/6/2024

Honoring Excellence at NPE 2024: Plastics Hall of Fame

Yesterday, the Plastics Hall of Fame celebrated a legacy of innovation and vision for the plastics sector with 17 new members. Discover how these pioneers have helped shape the future of plastics.

María Natalia Ortega Leyva

Directora Editorial, Plastics Technology México

In the vibrant landscape of the plastics industry, where innovation meets possibility and where plastics help resolve a myriad of life’s challenges, there exists a prestigious institution that stands as a beacon of excellence and achievement: the Plastics Hall of Fame. Founded in 1972 by Sid Gross — the then editor-in-chief of Modern Plastics magazine, in collaboration with the Society of the Plastics Industry (now known as the Plastics Industry Association - PLASTICS) — this distinguished Hall of Fame has been an evidence trail from the remarkable individuals who have shaped our industry.

Doctor Maureen R. Steinwall, president of Plastics Hall of Fame, works with a committee of volunteers in events, communication and nominations for the Plastics Hall of Fame. Source: Plastics Hall of Fame

Since its inception, the Plastics Hall of Fame has held ceremonies every three years, honoring both living legends and posthumously those who have left an indelible legacy. With a current roster boasting 216 inductees, including 42 living legends, this Hall of Fame stands as a testament to the enduring impact of these visionaries.

For years, the Plastics Hall of Fame was overseen by the Plastics Academy under the leadership of Jay Gardiner, who is also an esteemed inductee. Following Gardiner’s passing in October 2022, Dr. Maureen Steinwall, a distinguished Hall of Famer from injection molder Steinwall Inc., now leads the board with a team of dedicated volunteers. Among them is Jim Callari, editorial director of Plastics Technology magazine.

Looking ahead, the Plastics Hall of Fame will hold induction ceremonies every 18 months, with the upcoming ceremony set to take place in Orlando, Florida, just before NPE2024. The board is also dedicated to expanding the global reach of the Plastics Hall of Fame, recognizing that excellence knows no borders.

The Plastics Hall of Fame stands as a pinnacle of recognition for individuals whose lifelong dedication and exceptional achievements have significantly advanced the global plastics industry. This prestigious institution pays homage to these visionaries, serving as an inspiration for future generations. Their impact resonates across a spectrum of vital areas, including communications, electrical safety, food preservation, clean water, public health, reduction of carbon emissions and enhancement of personal safety.

In 2024, the Plastics Hall of Fame proudly welcomed 17 new members into its esteemed ranks, further enriching this honor roll of pioneers and innovators. As the industry continues to evolve, the contributions of these remarkable individuals are not merely historical they serve as guiding lights for the future of plastics.

The members of the Class of 2024 are:

Rainer Armbruster, FOBOHA GmbH (Germany). Source: Plastics Hall of Fame

Rainer Armbruster, FOBOHA GmbH (Germany):

Recognized as the foremost innovator in moldmaking globally, he spearheaded the conception and advancement of cube molds. This automated process for injection molding not only enhances quality but also achieves substantial cost reductions and significantly accelerates cycle times when compared to separate injection molding and installation processes.

Luigi Bandera, Italy. Source: Plastics Hall of Fame

Luigi Bandera, Costruzioni Meccaniche Luigi Bandera SpA (Italy):

Esteemed founder and pioneer in extrusion equipment, he is credited with inventing the first extruder: a 60-mm screw specifically designed for PVC pipes and profiles. Guided by his vision, the company he established rose to prominence as a global leader in the design and production of plastic material extrusion lines.

Dr. Joseph Biesenberger, PTI (USA). Source: Plastics Hall of Fame

Dr. Joseph Biesenberger, Polymer Processing Institute (USA):

Recognized as the top expert in devolatilization of polymers, he stands as a distinguished educator, accomplished research scientist, and co-founder of PPI at the Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey.

Professor Biesenberger’s most important contribution to his profession is the creation of the field of reactive polymer processing.

Dr. Jacque Brandenberger, La Cellophane SA and DuPont (France). Source: Plastics Hall of Fame

Dr. Jacque Brandenberger, La Cellophane SA and DuPont (France):

Esteemed chemist and textile engineer, he is credited with the invention of cellophane in 1908. His patents for the machinery and processes paved the way for the industrial production of cellophane, which commenced in 1920.

For years after World War I, cellophane was the only transparent plastic film used for daily applications, like food wrap and adhesive tape.

Michael Cude, Cude Advising (USA). Source: Plastics Hall of Fame

Michael Cude, Cude Advising (USA):

An innovator in medical applications, he holds 19 patents in the field. He played a pivotal role in the development of a family of plastic container products that supplanted reusable stainless steel and glass in American operating rooms.

Cude has a unique ability to translate a customer need into a tangible product design and then to develop the tooling, automation and manufacturing processes needed to repeatably produce the product at a low cost while meeting regulatory requirements.

Dr. Arthur Eichengrun, Cellon-Werke (Germany). Source: Plastics Hall of Fame

Dr. Arthur Eichengrun, Cellon-Werke (Germany):

Chemist, materials scientist and inventor, he is renowned for several groundbreaking achievements. Notably, he developed the highly successful drug Protargol, co-discovered aspirin, and made pioneering contributions in plastics. His innovative work included developing the processes for manufacturing cellulose acetate.

H. Joseph Gerber, Gerber Scientific Inc. (USA). Source: Plastics Hall of Fame

H. Joseph Gerber, Gerber Scientific Inc. (USA):

Gerber and his team of engineers revolutionized various industries with their innovative applications of plastics. Their work transformed apparel and furniture production, sign making, prescription eyeglass fabrication, commercial printing and electronic products manufacturing. Gerber holds an impressive 648 patents in the U.S. and abroad.

Arthur Haag, PureChem and Neutrex (USA). Source: Plastics Hall of Fame

Arthur Haag, PureChem and Neutrex (USA):

He is acclaimed for his pioneering work in developing, producing and commercializing titanium and organic catalysts which are crucial for the manufacturing of plastics. His innovative methods and equipment led to the creation of high-purity titanium catalysts, resulting in the acquisition of four U.S. patents. In 1966, he founded PureChem in California, solidifying his legacy as a leader in catalyst technology for plastic production.

Wendy Hoenig, Dow and H&H Business Development. Source: Plastics Hall of Fame

Wendy Hoenig, Dow and H&H Business Development (USA):

Global business and technology leader, her strategic direction and keen eye for successful technologies made significant contributions to the plastics industry during her tenure at The Dow Chemical Co. In 2010, she founded H&H Business Development, a consulting firm offering technology and business assessments for companies. Her expertise continues to shape the landscape of the industry.

Dr. Walter Kaminsky, University of Hamburg (Germany). Source: Plastics Hall of Fame

Dr. Walter Kaminsky, University of Hamburg (Germany)

He pioneered major new families of catalysts, and Kaminsky's breakthrough discoveries ignited a revolution that has been adopted by nearly every polyolefin producer worldwide. In recent years, his focus shifted toward plastic waste recycling technologies, which have been instrumental in the development of new pyrolysis plants.

Dr. Chihiro Kanagawa, Shin-Etsu (Japan). Source: Plastics Hall of Fame

Dr. Chihiro Kanagawa, Shin-Etsu (Japan)

A fierce champion of the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) industry, Kanagawa was unwavering in his belief in the excellence of PVC as a material and its potential for growth. He recognized its superb properties and its significant contributions to environmental preservation. Kanagawa's dedication to promoting PVC as a sustainable and versatile material has left a lasting impact on the industry.

Dr. Cato Laurencin, University of Connecticut (USA). Source: Plastics Hall of Fame

Dr. Cato Laurencin, University of Connecticut (USA)

An engineer, surgeon and visionary leader, his pioneering work has resulted in groundbreaking discoveries at the intersection of plastics, nanotechnology, biomedical engineering and surgery. His innovative use of polymers for medical applications has yielded numerous products that significantly enhance human health. His contributions continue to drive advancements in medical technology and patient care.

Wolfgang Meyer, Plastics Business Consultants LLC. Source: Plastics Hall of Fame

Wolfgang Meyer, Plastics Business Consultants LLC (USA)

An expert in extrusion blow molding applications and machinery, he has dedicated much of his career to serving as president at North American subsidiaries of three renowned German equipment manufacturers, each a recognized leader in their respective fields of technology. Having amassed a wealth of knowledge and experience, he now shares his expertise as a consultant, offering valuable insights and guidance to the industry.

Dr. Chris Rauwendaal, Rauwendaal Extrusion Engineering Inc., (USA). Source: Plastics Hall of Fame

Dr. Chris Rauwendaal, Rauwendaal Extrusion Engineering Inc. (USA)

Apart from inventing new technologies and processes that propelled the industry forward, Rauwendaal has also shared his knowledge by conducting seminars on extrusion and related subjects for thousands of individuals in the U.S. and 22 other countries globally. His contributions extend to extrusion theory, where he holds nine patents that have made a significant impact in the field.

Dr. G. Victor Sammet, Sr., Plastics Industry Association. Source: Plastics Hall of Fame

Dr. G. Victor Sammet Sr., Plastics Industry Association (USA)

A visionary innovator and pivotal leader in the plastics and molding industry, he was instrumental in founding the Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI), now recognized as the Plastics Industry Association. His dedication and funding of this association have played a crucial role in advancing the industry and fostering collaboration among its members.

Dr. Nick Schott, University of Massachusetts Lowell. Source: Plastics Hall of Fame

Dr. Nick Schott, University of Massachusetts Lowell (USA)

He played a central role in educating and inspiring thousands of students, many of whom are now leaders in the field of plastics.

Under his guidance, UMass Lowell's Plastics Program achieved international recognition, cementing its reputation as a hub for excellence and innovation in the industry.

Kurt Swogger, Dow Chemical and Molecular Rebar Design Inc. (USA). Source: Plastics Hall of Fame

Kurt Swogger, Dow Chemical and Molecular Rebar Design Inc. (USA)

His leadership introduced high-throughput catalyst research to Dow, a breakthrough that quickly disseminated throughout the plastics industry.

The Insite Technology yielded numerous new families of high-performance and high-value polyolefin plastics, plastomers and elastomers, offering remarkable benefits to human lives with greater access to fresh foods, safe drinking water and medicines.