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Rutgers University Receives New Digital Cutter Funded by ICPF

Students from the Packaging Engineering Program at the Rutgers University School of Engineering are using brand new equipment, provided by the International Corrugated Packaging Foundation (ICPF). The new Zünd Digital Cutter G3 L-2500 allows students to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.

Faculty has integrated this experiential learning equipment into lab modules, senior capstone design projects, industry design challenges and competitions, and student professional development.

ICPF President, Caitlin Salaverria said, “ICPF was delighted to secure this much needed equipment for Rutgers Packaging Engineering students. Students can now engage in real-world projects that reflect industry trends and challenges, fostering expertise in digital design, prototype development and advanced packaging manufacturing techniques, which will set them up with the knowledge necessary for success in future corrugated packaging industry careers.”

Rutgers University UG Director of the Packaging Program, Hao Lin said, “By facilitating hands-on exploration, immersive learning, and direct industry alignment, the cutting table introduces an interactive educational dimension that nurtures creativity, adept problem-solving, and a profound grasp of packaging design and manufacturing. This engagement fosters a deeper understanding of the industry’s intricacies and innovative possibilities, cultivating students into impassioned advocates for the art and science of packaging engineering.”

The Rutgers Packaging Engineering Program has witnessed rapid growth and rejuvenation over the past decade, thanks to the invaluable backing of organizations such as ICPF, PMMI, and the broader packaging industry. “Under the leadership of the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department, this program is rapidly advancing toward its full potential”, said Assimina Pelegri, Department Chair. “The Department’s engineering expertise, faculty and industrial partners have been pivotal in strengthening the technical aspects of the curriculum, driving the program’s transformation and positioning it for continued success. This strong foundation ensures that the program is on track to become a leading force in developing the next generation of packaging engineers with the advanced skills needed to shape the future of the industry.”

“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.”