The International Corrugated Packaging Foundation (ICPF) has approved funding to support two new initiatives within the packaging and graphic media science program at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), reinforcing its long-standing commitment to hands-on education, industry-aligned curriculum, and innovation in corrugated and sustainable packaging.
ICPF has funded the acquisition of advanced corrugated, paper, and print quality testing equipment for RIT’s Food Packaging and Shelf Life Testing (FPSL) lab, Hammer Family Packaging and Graphic Media Center and instructional laboratories. The investments will enhance laboratory capabilities, expand research opportunities, foster collaboration with industry partners, and provide students with direct experience using tools commonly found in today’s packaging and printing environments.
One award will support the purchase of essential corrugated and paper testing equipment for the Food Packaging and Shelf life (FPSL) Lab, including a manual circular sample cutter needed for precise preparation and evaluation of coated paper and corrugated specimens. The lab, housed within RIT’s Department of Packaging and Graphic Media Science, focuses on developing innovative and sustainable food packaging solutions, with research areas spanning barrier performance, corrugated functionality, and bio-based materials derived from agro-waste. Funding will also support professional development for lab personnel, further strengthening the lab’s technical expertise.
“These investments allow us to complete a critical piece of our analytical setup and expand our ability to evaluate coating performance in paper and corrugated packaging,” said Sneh Bangar, Assistant Professor in the Department of Packaging and Graphic Media Science (PGMS). “With ICPF’s support, we can continue advancing sustainable packaging research while preparing students for the next generation of industry challenges.”
In addition, ICPF approved funding for the acquisition of four state-of-the-art instruments from Beta Screen that will be located at the Hammer Family Packaging and Graphic Media Center to enhance print and packaging quality control instruction within the packaging and graphic media science program. New equipment will include a corrugated analyzer, folding carton crease and fold analyzer, braille dot print analyzer, and microdottie-3 CMYK Color Separation USB video microscopes. These tools will fill critical gaps in corrugated testing, converting analysis, tactile accessibility verification, and microscopic print inspection.
“This funding enables us to elevate how we teach print quality, converting performance, and accessibility in packaging. By integrating advanced corrugated analysis, braille verification, microscopic print inspection, and foundational evaluation methods relevant to printed and functional electronics, students gain hands-on experience that mirrors real production environments. ICPF’s support directly enhances the skills our graduates bring to the packaging industry.” said Dr. Bilge Nazli Altay, Assistant Professor.
The new equipment will be integrated into core courses such as Gravure and Flexography, Packaging Printing, and Packaging Materials, Processes and Applications, and will support lab activities, student assignments, thesis work, and capstone projects. The instruments will also open new research and outreach opportunities while increasing visibility for ICPF through acknowledgment in publications, conference presentations, and external communications.
“ICPF is proud to support Rochester Institute of Technology as it continues its packaging and graphic media education,” said Caitlin Salaverria, President of ICPF. “By investing in advanced testing and quality control technologies, we’re helping ensure that students graduate with the hands-on experience, technical skills, and industry awareness needed to succeed in corrugated packaging and related fields. These projects exemplify how targeted investments can elevate education, research, and workforce readiness.”
As an industry-sponsored foundation, ICPF has worked for four decades to advance student and faculty knowledge of the corrugated packaging industry and to promote the development of a highly trained workforce.