Packaging School Grows in Popularity

Rochester Institute of Technology in one several schools across
the county to offer a degree program in packaging.

Product containment is a multi-billion dollar industry, so it's no surprise that Universities across the country are introducing comprehensive Bachelor and Masters of Science degrees in packaging.

Packaging sciences programs do vary slightly from school to school, but one thing is the same across the board – this is a sci-tech and core-class heavy degree.

Universities urge potential students to take as many advanced math, chemistry, writing, speech and computer courses as possible at the high school level in order to prepare for the demands of the packaging degree program.

Rather than focusing mainly on scientific studies or mainly on communication/marketing studies, a packaging science degree demands students become masters of both fields of study.

The University of Wisconsin – Stout says “Industry's packaging problems are not only technical. They are also social and economical.”

Students wishing to earn their BS in Packaging are required take courses in data analysis, public speaking, physics, micro- and macro- economics, marketing, microbiology and many more. Not to mention the eight or more packaging specific courses that are required.

Students must also complete internships or co-ops in order to develop real world skills and professional contacts.

The course work is intense, and certainly not for everyone, but the rewards can be impressive. The University of Wisconsin – Stout touts a 100 percent placement rate for the 2010-2011 class, with a median starting salary of $53,000 per year.

Obviously, hiring companies are paying close attention to the trends and challenges in the packaging industry – and they are looking for well educated and qualified individuals to help them navigate the future.

Below is a list of just some of the schools offering a Bachelor or Masters of Science in Packaging:

University of Wisconsin – Stout
Michigan State
Clemson University
Rochester Institute of Technology
University of Florida
Indiana State
Rutgers University

Ecologically Friendly and Economically Sound

Switch to recycled or biodegradable packing peanuts.

Customers today expect more than ever from the companies that they do business with.

With the rise of the Internet, consumers have the power of the global economy at their finger tips.

Online ordering and overnight shipping has put bakers in New Jersey in competition with bakers as far away as California, while local corner stores must compete with foreign candy distributors.

In order to stand out and stay ahead, business owners in every industry have to monitor the newest trends in consumer purchasing and adjust their business practices accordingly.

Currently, the trend in consumer purchasing revolves around “going green.”

Joining The Green Movement

Going green is easier for some companies than it is for others. Fortunately, even small changes count for big points with customers.

Making the switch to recycled and/or biodegradable packaging materials can make a big impression on end customers. After all, your packaging is the face of your company inside your customer's home.

Green Packaging Products

There are several good options in green packaging, any of which will help your company stand out in the crowd.

• Recycled cardboard boxes and cartons. Use boxes and cartons that are already recycled and include a small note to your customers to encourage them to reuse or recycle the box or carton again.

• Cornstarch packing peanuts. These packing peanuts dissolve in water, are chemical free and naturally anti-static. Cornstarch peanuts are completely biodegradable and can be easily mixed in to a customer's yard or garden.

Ranpak kraft paper packaging.

• Recycled polystyrene packing peanuts. These peanuts are made from recycled polystyrene plastic and can be recycled again. Be sure to include a note to your customer letting them know to recycle the peanuts.

• Cellulose wadding. Instead of using packing peanuts, why not switch to wadding. Cellulose wadding is made from recycled cellulose fiber and is completely biodegradable.

• Kraft paper. Like the cellulose wadding, kraft paper is made from recycled materials and is completely biodegradable.

• Pallets. If you have larger shipping needs, why not switch to pallets made from recycled plastic. As an added bonus, the pallets are resistant to water and insect damage.

World Protective Packaging Report

Protective packaging, such as polystyrene
packing peanuts are projected to rise in
price over the next three years.

Modern Materials Handling reports that Cleveland-based market research firm The Freedonia Group, Inc. has released a report citing an expected 6.3 percent growth in the global demand for protective packaging through 2016.

The report, entitled "World Protective Packaging," outlines the excepted growth in demand for protective packaging (including polystyrene) in six different global regions, North America, Western Europe, Asia/Pacific, Central and South America, Eastern Europe and Africa/Mideast.

Global demand for protective packaging is expected to top $24 billion by 2016 with North American demand reaching $6.9 billion.

What this means to the end user

Well, as Alfred Marshall explained in his 1890 publication of "Principles of Economics," when demand for a product or service goes up - so does the price.

The increase in urbanization and Internet commerce in the coming years will, according to the study, drive the demand for both traditional polystyrene packaging and newer eco-friendly packaging products.

Preparing for cost increases

The old adage, "knowledge is power," still holds true. By understanding the market and planning ahead, business owners can help take the sting out of future cost increases.

Plan ahead for future costs by closely monitoring your packaging needs today and comparing them to your past needs. Take a look at the last three years. How did your needs change?

There is a good chance that you will have similar changes over the next three years. Armed with this knowledge, you can create a plan of action.

How to keep costs down

• Don't wait until you are low on or out of your packaging materials before you order more. If you wait until the last minute, you don't have any time to negotiate for a better deal.

• Buy in bulk. When you find a great deal on a product that you use a lot of, don't be afraid to buy double or triple your normal order. The upfront costs will be higher, but the long term savings will be worth it.

• Talk to your packaging supply salesperson. Since your salesperson is directly involved in the packaging business, he or she can help you look at your needs and develop a solid plan for the future.