Virginia Tech’s Packaging Systems & Design Program will be using two new pieces of equipment this Fall provided by the International Corrugated Packaging Foundation (ICPF). A crush testing machine and a bursting strength tester will add experiential learning opportunities for students and significantly enhance the program’s ability to conduct cutting-edge research in paper and corrugated packaging.
The L&W crush tester was awarded through ICPF’s University Awards program, while the Messmer Büchel bursting strength tester was rehomed from a previous ICPF donation to Millersville University.
ICPF President, Caitlin Salaverria said, “ICPF was delighted to provide placement of these two pieces of equipment at Virginia Tech. The Packaging Systems & Design program at Virginia Tech has a strong focus on experiential learning in multiple packaging areas related to the paper and corrugated industry. Many students work directly in the paper and corrugated manufacturing industry post-graduation, and this donation will allow Virginia Tech to continue to develop talent with specific corrugated industry knowledge, preparing them for future careers in our industry.”
The Packaging Systems & Design program at Virginia Tech provides students with in-depth knowledge of the use of paper and corrugated fiberboard as important packaging materials. Students study the science behind these materials, learn to design and create prototypes, learn to test the mechanical properties of paper and corrugated board, as well as learning to design and evaluate paper-based packaging performance during distribution.
“Support from ICPF has been truly transformative in enhancing the teaching and research capabilities related to material characterization and paper and corrugated fiberboard testing at Virginia Tech’s Packaging program,” said Eduardo Molina, Assistant Professor of Packaging Systems and Design in the Department of Sustainable Biomaterials at Virginia Tech. “Students will now be trained on modern equipment and will take this knowledge to their future industry roles. The possibilities enabled by this upgrade, along with ongoing support from the foundation, are significant and exciting. We aim to continue this collaboration and prepare students for successful careers in paper, corrugated, and packaging sectors.”
The new machines upgrade older equipment, some more than 30 years old or not specifically designed for corrugated board testing.
“As an industry sponsored foundation, ICPF has worked for 40 years to advance student and faculty knowledge of the industry and to promote development of a highly trained workforce,” said Salaverria. “We’ve provided over $14 million in donations of equipment and grants to universities through our University Awards Program and look forward to continuing our efforts over the coming years.”