Polymer Industry Cluster

Stay informed about the latest in the polymer industry with our new "Cluster Update" newsletter! Get the most important news, updates, upcoming events, and insights into the work we're doing with our partners to drive innovation in Greater Akron’s polymer sector. Don't miss out—fill out our "Get in Touch" form to get your name on our distribution list: https://ow.ly/n5Oh50TLN2w Check out our first edition here: https://ow.ly/6nMK50TLN2u

?? We’ve reached 1,000 followers! ?? Thank you to everyone who has supported the Polymer Industry Cluster in our mission to foster innovation and growth in our region - in just one year we have organically tripled our follower count! This exciting achievement means we are continually growing in our reach and informing even more people about the impactful, collaborative work we’re doing to drive cross-sector collaboration in R&D, workforce development, startup support, and infrastructure projects. This milestone marks another step forward in bringing transformative investment and opportunities to our region. #PolymerInnovation #SustainablePolymers #AkronTechHub #PolymerIndustry #ThankYou

Yesterday, Akron Rubber Development Laboratory, Inc., hosted Junior Leadership Akron students for an engaging, hands-on session on careers in polymer manufacturing as part of their Environmental Day at The Well Community Development Corporation! These high school juniors are gaining valuable leadership skills and insight into Akron’s industries through this nine-month program modeled after Leadership Akron’s Signature Program. ARDL's interactive presentation highlighted the importance of polymers in shaping our future, sparking curiosity about career opportunities in this vital sector. Great to see our local youth exploring careers in polymer innovation! #LeadershipAkron #JuniorLeadershipAkron #PolymerIndustry #ARDL #FutureLeaders #PolymerCareers

It's Manufacturing Month, Ohio! Did you know that Ohio is one of the top manufacturing states in the nation? From automotive and aerospace to polymers and advanced materials, manufacturing drives innovation and economic growth in our state. Key Ohio Manufacturing Stats: - 14,000+ manufacturers employing over 660,000 workers - Manufacturing contributes $125B annually to Ohio’s economy - #3 in the nation for manufacturing jobs At ConxusNEO, we are proud to support the growth of Ohio’s manufacturing sector by developing the skilled workforce needed for the future. Together, we’re building the backbone of our economy! Learn more: https://ow.ly/czuN50TBrpR #ManufacturingMonth #OhioManufacturing #WorkforceDevelopment #OhioEconomy #FutureOfWork #Akron

Last weekend's Barberton Mum Festival features over 17,000 chrysanthemums hand planted to create a unique garden design of over a million blooms - it's a great event featuring free family entertainment, arts and crafts, and more! ConxusNEO & Greater Akron Chamber sponsored a Polymer Scavenger Hunt, along with support from Akron Rubber Development Laboratory, Inc., Akron SPE: Inspiring Plastics Professionals, Barberton Community Foundation, and Barberton City Schools. 85 kids participated and received "goody bags" that included a take home science experiment. A 2nd grader won the grand prize backpack that included an iPad, gift cards, a Boogie Board note pad, and candy. Thank you to our partners for supporting event that get the youth invested in the Polymer Cluster!

Boost Your Polymer Industry Skills with Akron Polymer Training Services (APTS)! APTS at the University of Akron is offering 1–3 day courses in September and October, designed for professionals in the polymer industry who want to expand their expertise. Whether you’re looking for hands-on training or online learning, APTS has you covered! A new injection molding certificate program has just been added to the catalog. With access to the School of Polymer Science and Engineering, APTS provides industry-leading workforce training, offering on-site, hands-on learning or online courses tailored to your business needs. Ready to advance your career? https://lnkd.in/gQfejHxE #PolymerTraining #WorkforceDevelopment #STEM

?? New Investor Spotlight: Braskem ?? Founded in 2002, the company is the largest producer of plastics in the Americas and ranks as the sixth largest worldwide for thermoplastic resins. Braskem serves customers in over 71 countries, offering a diverse range of products, including polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), PVC, and pioneering biopolymers made from renewable materials. Their innovative materials are used in everyday items, from food packaging to automotive components, helping shape a more sustainable future. We extend our gratitude to Braskem for their dedication to sustainability and innovation. As a company committed to the circular economy and carbon neutrality, Braskem continues to invest in creating sustainable solutions through chemicals and plastics. https://ow.ly/ZwtO50TvG2Y

The PIC team recently traveled to Houston to review Huntsman Corporation's Tech Hub project that they’re leading and introduce the Ohio Innovation Hubs award. Huntsman is working to scale a high-performance carbon nanotube material with applications in automotive, batteries, aerospace, and more.

Join us at the Barberton Mum Festival for a Fun-Filled Polymer Scavenger Hunt! Bring your family and kids to the Barberton Mum Festival on September 28th & 29th from 12pm - 4pm and dive into the world of polymers! Explore 6 interactive stations to discover how polymers are everywhere—from clothing and cars to sporting gear. The first 50 participants each day will score a free Polymer Industry Cluster t-shirt! Don’t miss this exciting, educational adventure and opportunity to connect the youth with our region! ConxusNEO Akron Rubber Development Laboratory, Inc. Barberton City School District #BarbertonMumFest #PolymerPower #FamilyFun #STEMKids

September is Workforce Development Month! Established by the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP), this month highlights the importance of connecting job seekers with businesses through training, education, and support. In the Akron area, the Polymer Industry Cluster is dedicated to fostering a skilled workforce that strengthens our community and supports industry growth. To celebrate, explore NAWDP's toolkit and resources, and join us in promoting the impact of workforce development programs this month! https://ow.ly/N1ui50Trc7t #WorkforceDevelopmentMonth #PolymerIndustry #AkronJobs #NAWDP #SkilledWorkforce