Packaging Systems and Design
Dr. Laszlo Horvath and student.
Areas of Study
The world of packaging is diverse and multifaceted. Packaging comes in many types and uses many materials. Some packaging companies make these materials, some convert materials into packaging, some fill packaging with products, and some provide consulting or logistics services. Students in the Packaging Systems and Design degree acquire multi- and interdisciplinary knowledge to be successful in this exciting career.
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Packaging Science and MaterialsPackaging science focuses on development and selection of packaging materials that can increase the shelf-life and safety of food and medical products, and create packaging solutions that reduce the environmental footprint of plastic packaging using novel materials such as bio-based plastics.
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Packaging Design and BusinessThe packaging design area focuses on understanding how customers make their purchasing decisions, how colors, graphical elements and text affect their perception of the packages in order to create packages that effectively attract the customers and sell the product.
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Packaging Engineering and TechnologyThe packaging engineering area focuses on designing packages that can protect the goods throughout their travel across the global supply chain. This area covers the different distribution channels, design for shock, vibration, compression, and how to create safe and stable unit loads.
Our Program
Dr. Laszlo Horvath teaching class.
Small Class Sizes = Personal Connection
Our small class sizes provide an opportunity to our students to build more personal connections with our faculty. In addition, our unique mentoring program assigns a faculty member to every packaging student to provide industry connections and career guidance throughout their time at Virginia Tech.
Student talking to employer
Industrial Connections
Our close collaboration with industry allows our students to find internships, Co-ops, and employment after graduation. Our extensive network includes major packaging companies such as PCA, International Paper, Smurfit Kappa, Newell, and CHEP as well as packaging users such as Amazon, L'Oreal, Coca-Cola, and Tesla among many others.
Students getting hands on experience
Hands-On Experience
The best way to translate the knowledge obtained in the class to real life is to use them to solve real-life packaging problems. Thus, all of our packaging students have a chance to be involved in hands-on packaging projects even during Freshman year including working in our packaging research center, undergraduate research in our chemistry labs, internal summer internships, and industry sponsored senior design projects.
Our Alumni
Alyshia Moyer
Alyshia Moyer
Tesla - Packaging Engineer
I have always been drawn to the field of science, particularly natural sciences as a vehicle to promote environmental sustainability. I knew my place in the scientific community was where I could pursue my goal of creating an environmentally resilient and healthier planet. As I progressed with my studies at Virginia Tech, I became aware of the many impactful and environmentally beneficial career opportunities the College of Natural Resources and Environment provided through its Department of Sustainable Biomaterials, Packaging Systems and Design program.
Under the mentorship of its experienced faculty, in conjunction with its innovative curriculum and, laboratory research environment available to me I was provided with the foundation to pursue a career at Tesla which promotes a more sustainable planet through applied scientific research and sound engineering practices in the highly complex and demanding electric vehicle industry. At Tesla, my packaging team and I continuously strive to source only the most responsibly produced material in our commitment towards ensuring that Tesla is at the cutting edge of an environmentally responsible and socially sustainable manufacturing process.
After Graduation
Choosing to be part of the Packaging Systems and Design program is not only about the time here, but the opportunities that will be presented to you after graduation. There are abundant career opportunities in the packaging industry. Our program has a 90% employment rate, and our graduates earn on average between $65,000 and $85,000 per year upon graduation. Companies who hire our students cover a wide range of sectors from beauty products to defense companies including Amazon, International Paper, Packaging Corporations of America, HP, Northrop Grumman, L’Oreal, and many others.
Recent job titles for our graduates
Recent employers for our graduates
Word cloud of positions our alumni hold.
Company logo cloud
Like to find out more?
If you would like to learn more about the Packaging Systems and Design degree, contact our academic advising center.
Dana McGuire
Dana McGuire
Academic Advisor for Sustainable Biomaterials and Assistant Director of Academic Advising
540-231-8032
dana.mcguire@vt.edu
138 Cheatham Hall