Member Company News
PFNonwovens and Smart Plastic Technologies announce an exclusive partnership to develop nonwovens using SPTek ECLIPSE™ technology
This partnership aims to enhance the sustainability of hygiene and medical nonwovens, which are integral components of personal and professional health care products.
PFNonwovens and Smart Plastic Technologies announced that they have signed an exclusive joint development agreement for the use of Smart Plastic’s patent-pending SPTek ECLIPSE™ technology in PFNonwovens’ hygiene and medical nonwoven products.
Tonny de Beer, Chief Product, Technology and Sustainability Officer of PFNonwovens commented “We are very excited for this joint development partnership with Smart Plastic Technologies. Our initial work together has already shown that we can use the ECLIPSE™ bio-assimilation technology on pilot-scale equipment. Now, our focus is to optimize the formulation for nonwovens to ensure performance and meet end-of-life goals.” He added “Nonwoven fabrics have become a critical part of everyday life, and this technology has the makings of a breakthrough solution. Diapers, Fem Care and Adult Incontinence products are integral to how we care for ourselves and for each other. The pandemic has reinforced once again how nonwoven gowns and face masks save and protect lives. At the same time, it is imperative to find better solutions to deal with the post-use nonwoven waste and associated environmental problems. We envision that SPTek ECLIPSE™ enabled nonwovens will be a high-impact solution.”
Jay Tapp, President & COO of Smart Plastic, added “Smart Plastic and PFNonwovens are aligned on developing environmentally-responsible solutions as we transition to a more sustainable economy. SPTek ECLIPSE™️ bio-assimilation is a proven technology that has been used commercially across several industries both in the USA and around the world to significantly reduce the impact plastic has on the environment. Our strategic partnership with PFNonwovens represents an important step in Smart Plastic’s mission to reduce plastic waste and help prevent further damage to the environment.”
Smart Plastic’s SPTek ECLIPSE™ enables the bio-assimilation of polypropylene and polyethylene polymers at the end of a product’s guaranteed life span in terrestrial, marine, and landfill environments. The revolutionary ECLIPSE™ bio-assimilation technology steadily reduces and modifies the polymer chains to enable the assimilation of these molecules by microorganisms, transforming the material into biomass, CO2, and water. The technology is FDA approved, 100% recyclable, and has already been commercialized by Smart Plastic Technologies in various industries.
Tim Murtaugh, CEO & Founder of Smart Plastic Technologies, also commented “We are very pleased to join forces with leading companies like PFNonwovens on our journey to create a legacy of true global sustainability. We are delighted to have an opportunity to build a strong working relationship with one of the world’s leading manufacturers of sophisticated nonwovens.”
About PFNonwovens
PFNonwovens is a leading global producer of customized nonwoven fabrics. We make innovative products across multiple key markets:
Baby Care: delighting parents and babies alike
Medical: protecting medical professionals
Adult Incontinence & Fem Care: providing discreet protection and comfort
PFNonwovens is headquartered in Prague, Czech Republic, and operates five production plants worldwide: two in the Czech Republic, and one each in the United States, Egypt, and South Africa.
PFN’s mission is to lead in material innovation and break down barriers to sustainability. By combining state-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities with best-in-class quality and customer-service culture, we develop and commercialize superior nonwoven fabrics that improve quality of life, deliver exceptional value, and a brighter future for our planet. We continuously advance to create the future of nonwovens for personal care and healthcare industries. For more information, visit www.pfnonwovens.com
About Smart Plastic
Smart Plastic Technologies is based in Chicago, Illinois. Founded in 2016, Smart Plastic is revolutionizing the potential of plastic to improve the environment for future generations. Their flagship bio-assimilation technology, SPTek ECLIPSE™, enables polyolefins like polyethylene and polypropylene to completely bio-assimilate at the end of the guaranteed functional life span, resulting in zero microplastics. This represents a key and critical aspect of the company’s commitment to plastic lifecycle management. All Smart Plastic technologies are designed to alter the very nature of plastic for the benefit of both people and the planet. Proudly made in the United States, all Smart Plastic products are 100% recyclable, FDA approved, and purposely designed for the circular and regenerative economies. For more information, visit www.changetheplastic.com
Johnson College Enrolling Students in Pennsylvania State Vehicle Safety Inspectors Course
Johnson College’s Continuing Education Program is enrolling students in its next on-campus Pennsylvania State Vehicle Safety Inspectors course. Classes will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. starting March 15, 2022, through March 24, 2022, with hands-on testing beginning on Monday, March 28, 2022. To learn more or enroll, contact the Continuing Education Department at 570-702-8979 or
The Pennsylvania State Vehicle Safety Inspection course requirements include 12 classroom hours, a written test, and a two-hour tactile test scheduled independently with the instructor. Students must complete all requirements before receiving certification from PennDOT. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis according to the payment date. Class size is limited to 20 students, so participants are encouraged to register early. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and have a valid operator’s license for each class of vehicle they intend to inspect. Classes will be held in the Automotive Center of Weaver Hall on the Johnson College campus in Scranton, PA.
Johnson College provides real-world, hands-on learning in a supportive environment and prepares graduates to enter into or advance their careers. Johnson College degrees become essential careers. Johnson College was founded in 1912 and is the region’s only technical college, offering 18 associate degree and 4 academic certificate programs. A low student-to-instructor ratio supports an emphasis on hands-on learning. Located in Scranton on a 44-acre campus, the College is an accredited, private, non-profit, co-educational institution with a strong tradition of working with regional businesses and industries to ensure a skilled and qualified workforce. For additional information on Johnson College, please call 1-800-2-WE-WORK, email
Johnson College will host its second 3D Printing Competition for local high school students on Friday, March 11, 2022 (Snow date March 18, 2022). The competition is an opportunity for students to showcase their abilities and creativity using science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) techniques.
All students and groups must be registered by a school staff member who will also serve as an advisor while their students are on the Johnson College campus the day of the event. For more information and to register, please visit, johnson.edu/3DCompetition. Upon registration, a document will be emailed detailing additional information. Registration ends February 11, 2022. Prizes are to be announced.
This year’s competition requires high school students to compete individually to design and make an assembly to span 500mm (19.685”). The assemblies can only be made using 3D printed parts and must weigh no more than 2000 grams. Each assembly will be tested to the point of breaking. The student with the assembly that bears the most weight at the time of breaking will be declared the winner. Each competitor(s) must submit a complete technical drawing of all parts and assembly.
Johnson College provides real-world, hands-on learning in a supportive environment and prepares graduates to enter into or advance their careers. Johnson College degrees become essential careers. Johnson College was founded in 1912 and is the region’s only technical College, offering 18 associate degree and 4 academic certificate programs. A low student-to-instructor ratio supports an emphasis on hands-on learning. Located in Scranton on a 44-acre campus, the College is an accredited, private, non-profit, co-educational institution with a strong tradition of working with regional businesses and industries to ensure a skilled and qualified workforce. For additional information on Johnson College, please call 1-800-2-WE-WORK, email
Barley Snyder Affiliates with Wyomissing Law Firm Leisawitz Heller
In its biggest strategic transaction in more than 30 years, Barley Snyder has set a new course for growth by welcoming the attorneys and employees of Wyomissing, Pa.-based Leisawitz Heller to the firm.
The partners at both firms voted in favor of Barley Snyder’s affiliation with the law firm Leisawitz Heller. With the transaction, Leisawitz Heller’s 14 attorneys, 10 paralegals and eight staff members joined Barley Snyder, effective Jan. 1.
This deal represents the largest one-time combination for Barley Snyder since 1991 when firm leadership made the decision to pursue a regional model.
“Thirty years ago, we decided to move outside of our traditional markets in Lancaster, York and Harrisburg and introduce all of central Pennsylvania and beyond to Barley Snyder,” managing partner Jeff Lobach said. “We couldn’t have imagined having a better reception in each of our new markets than we’ve had and continue to have. We’ve been in the Reading market for more than 25 years. Adding this new office is only going to enhance our presence there. We are delighted to be adding these excellent and highly regarded practitioners to our team.”
The strength Barley Snyder has in the Reading market already – Barley’s downtown Reading office has 14 attorneys – is what helped attract Leisawitz Heller when it began to look for a new firm to partner with.
“Our cultures lined up very closely,” said Charles J. Phillips, now a partner at Barley Snyder and the former managing partner at Leisawitz Heller. “Barley Snyder shares the same values we do. We conducted an extensive search within our region looking for an opportunity like this. Barley Snyder exceeded our hopes for a firm to combine with. Joining forces with Barley Snyder enables our attorneys and staff to continue our reputation for excellent service, committed professionals, and an open and welcoming environment. The expanded services we can provide, as a part of Barley Snyder, are also appealing to our clients.”
The attorneys joining Barley Snyder, with their position and designation practice areas, are:
William R. Blumer, Partner, Trusts & Estates
Eden R. Bucher, Partner, Finance & Creditors’ Rights
Susanna M. Fultz, Associate, Employment, Employee Benefits
Thad M. Gelsinger, Partner, Litigation
Benjamin A. Leisawitz, Partner, Trusts & Estates
Stacey L. Lindsay, Associate, Trusts & Estates
Matthew M. Mayer, Partner, Business
Kevin A. Moore, Partner, Employment, Employee Benefits
Frederick M. Nice, Partner, Trusts & Estates, Business
Charles J. Phillips, Partner, Business
Latisha M. Bernard Schuenemann, Partner, Trusts & Estates
Allen R. Shollenberger, Counsel, Real Estate
John J. Speicher, Counsel, Litigation
Paul F. Troisi, Partner, Litigation
Ten paralegals also will be joining Barley Snyder. To view biographies for our professionals, visit Barley.com.
Since 2015, Barley Snyder’s attorney headcount has more than doubled. The firm has opened three new offices – one each in Harrisburg, Gettysburg and Schuylkill Haven – and completed transactions that twice added to its Hanover presence and once each to its Lancaster and York offices.
Barley Snyder now boasts 123 attorneys – 28 in the Reading area – at its 11 offices.
“For years, we’ve emphasized growth, but not ‘growth for growth’s sake,’” Lobach said. “Each of the expansion moves we’ve made have been calculated, studied with an abundance of due diligence and agreed upon as a group. This process has allowed us to grow quickly. But more importantly, we’re confident that we’re growing sustainably, benefiting our clients and staff.”
Lobach emphasized that the entire professional staff of Leisawitz Heller will be transitioning to Barley Snyder.
“Keeping all of our team intact and continuing to serve our long-term client base will definitely help ease the transition to Barley Snyder,” Phillips said.
The new employees will remain at Leisawitz Heller’s former office at 2755 Century Boulevard in Wyomissing. Barley Snyder’s long-time, downtown Reading office in the M&T Bank Building on Fifth Street also will remain open.
“We’re keeping both offices intact,” Lobach said. “Keeping teams together is a goal in every deal we make. Our clients count on recognizing and working with these groups of people. At Barley Snyder, our people, including clients and staff, are most important.”
About Barley Snyder
Barley Snyder is a law firm based in central Pennsylvania with more than 120 attorneys practicing from offices located in Lancaster, York, Reading, Harrisburg, Wyomissing, Malvern, Hanover, Gettysburg and Schuylkill Haven, Pa., and Hunt Valley and Columbia, Md. The firm serves businesses, individuals and organizations in all major areas of civil law including: business, employment, immigration, employee benefits, finance & creditors’ rights, intellectual property, litigation, estate planning and administration, real estate, tax, construction, environment and energy, health care, education, municipal authority, hospitality, senior living, cybersecurity and food and agribusiness. www.barley.com | @BarleySnyder
Johnson College to Hold District SkillsUSA Competition on December 14, 2021
Scranton, PA (December 8, 2021) – Johnson College will host over 130 high school students to compete in 27 areas for the district SkillsUSA competition on Tuesday, December 14, 2021, from 8 a.m. to noon. SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers, and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. SkillsUSA’s mission is to empower its members to become world-class workers, leaders, and responsible American citizens. SkillsUSA serves more than 300,000 students and instructors annually. This year marks the fourth year Johnson College will host the competitions.
SkillsUSA is a national organization serving teachers and high school and college students preparing for careers in technical, skilled, and service occupations, including health occupations and further education. SkillsUSA programs include local, state, and national competitions in which students demonstrate occupational and leadership skills.
Johnson College staff and faculty will host events in their respective areas on campus. Johnson College faculty were responsible for securing judges for the competitions, and these judges come mainly from the Program Advisory Committees and industry partners in Northeast Pennsylvania. “It is exciting to host our third SkillsUSA Competition on campus. Skills USA gives Johnson College a great opportunity to expose a new generation of technical students to our type of education. It is also an opportunity for the students competing to experience our campus and facilities first hand,” said Dr. Kellyn Williams, Chief Academic Officer at Johnson College, who had a large part in the planning of the event.
Students from the following schools will compete during the competition: Lackawanna CTC, Carbon County CTC, Delaware Valley High School, Hazleton Area CTC, Susquehanna CTC, Tunkhannock Area High School, Wallenpaupack Area High School, Honesdale High School, West Side CTC, and Wilkes-Barre CTC.
Johnson College provides real-world, hands-on learning in a caring environment and prepares graduates to enter into or advance their careers. Johnson College degrees become essential careers. Johnson College was founded in 1912 and is the region’s premier technical college, offering 18 associate degree and 4 academic certificate programs. A low student-to-teacher ratio supports an emphasis on hands-on instruction. Located in Scranton on a 44-acre campus, the College is an accredited, private, non-profit, co-educational institution with a strong tradition of working with regional businesses and industries to ensure a skilled and qualified workforce. For additional information on Johnson College, please call 1-800-2-WE-WORK, email
