About the Plastics Institute of America
The Plastics Institute of America (PIA) is a not-for-profit educational and research organization dedicated to providing service to the plastics industries since 1961. PIA supports, fosters and guides plastics education and research at all levels to ensure the continued growth of the industry.

About UMass Lowell’s Department of Plastics Engineering
Established in 1954, UMass Lowell’s Department of Plastics Engineering houses the nation’s first accredited undergraduate program in Plastics Engineering. In addition to the bachelor’s degree, the department offers master’s and doctoral degrees in Plastic Engineering as well as a new online Graduate Certificate in Plastics Engineering Fundamentals. Staffed by internationally respected experts and authors of definitive plastics engineering texts, the department is a unique forum for discussing contemporary issues in the plastics industry.

About UMass Lowell’s Division of Continuing Studies, Corporate & Distance Education
UMass Lowell's Division of Continuing Studies, Corporate and Distance Education is one of the largest continuing education units in New England. It offers a wide-array of fully-accredited, part-time courses, degrees, and certificates to adult learners on campus and online. The unit also serves as an important educational resource for companies, offering professional development and employee training opportunities at companies worldwide.

Metabolix
Metabolix is commercializing a biobased, sustainable and totally biodegradable Natural Plastic as a clean alternative to petroleum-based plastics. The company is taking a systems approach from gene-to-end product, to integrate sophisticated biotechnology with current industrial practice to produce plastics, fuels and chemicals from renewable resources.