Packaging Systems and Design

Brooks Center sculpture

WHY PACKAGING SYSTEMS AND DESIGN?

Packaging design includes many different aspects of the use of sustainable materials and biomaterials in packaging for transportation, storage and delivery of products that must withstand loads, and how all components of the “package” interact. The development of Sustainable, “Green” packaging and understanding of cradle to grave issues in the recycling and re-use of packaging materials is critical both to the environment as well as to business economics. Increasingly important in packaging is the development of new materials that can be used with foods and drugs for storage and delivery. If you are looking for a creative, interesting and always-changing field, where design is the key to making products that are easily recycled and re-used to reduce waste for a greener planet, then you are needed in Packaging Systems and Design.

Where are packaging systems used? Just about everywhere - for protecting food, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, automobile and electronics. Large and small companies in these fields need well-educated people to design and produce creative packaging materials to transport and protect products from damage, to market those products to the public, and ultimately to allow the packaging materials to be re–used or recycled. Special expertise is also needed to make biodegradable packaging materials from natural polymers, and to make “smart” packaging that, for example, senses and provides a warning when food products go stale, or when pharmaceuticals are past expiration. Graduates from our program understand how to work with in these areas to make an impact in how renewable materials are used (and conserved) and in reduction in energy wasted in conventional packaging materials.

STUDENT LIFE

Students Packaging Systems and Design

Many of the packaging students at Virginia Tech have found it fun and interesting to be part of the Virginia Chapter of the Institute of Packaging Professional (IoPP). IoPP is a student driven organization where many activities are organized through the club each year. Packaging-related activities include participation in design competitions, travel to PackExpo, IoPP, chapter meetings and the IoPP Student Packaging Jamboree. Other activities include picnics, community service projects and guest speakers. Being an active member of the club adds a professional element to your résumé and is a good way to meet your fellow classmates and peers.

Hands-on Experience