In this blog, we explore the packaging development plan (PDP) of Jose Rodriguez, Better Planet Packaging Engineer at Smurfit Westrock.

What is the Packaging Development Plan?

The packaging development plan (PDP) is a semester-long project that takes place in our online Certificate of Mastery in Packaging Management (CMPM) program. As the name suggests, the PDP is a project that exposes our students to the packaging development and management process—helping them develop a process for launching new packaging innovations through an iterative 10-stage process:

1. Project Kickstart

2. Project Management Essentials

3. Regulations & Sustainability

4. Materials I

5. Materials II

6. Package Labeling & Finishing

7. Packaging Development Workflow

8. Capital Equipment & Scale Plan

9. Supply / Distribution Plan

10. Human Factors (Ergonomics) in Packaging Design

The PDP starts as a 27-page template and is a fundamental part of our CMPM program—a program consisting of 14 online courses and 1-on-1 coaching from our very own Dr. Julie Rice Suggs.

To take a closer look at the PDP process, let's dive into a project from an alumni—Jose Rodriguez from Smurfit Westrock.

Jose's Packaging Development Plan (PDP)

Jose's experience in his own words . . .

The Project

"For my Packaging Development Plan (PDP), I chose a project centered around a local emerging health & beauty soap brand. The project aimed to redesign the brand's primary packaging to create a multi-functional package that would increase brand awareness and convey a premium feel."

The Strategy

Stakeholders and Goal:

"The primary stakeholders affected by this project were the brand's employees and end consumers. The project's goal was to meet the specific needs by streamlining the order assembly process and enhancing the end-user's unboxing experience."

Approach:

"The strategy for executing this project utilized a design thinking approach. As an emerging brand, it was important to consider how the primary package dimensions would affect future fulfillment needs through multiple sales channels. The project was developed to provide a path for scaling and to prevent costly packaging redesigns when larger purchase volumes are placed."

Resources and Support:

"To support the project, I utilized Smurfit Westrock Innotools and equipment to ensure successful implementation of the packaging."

Impact:

"The project consolidated packaging components by 33% and enhanced the brand's look and feel through its graphics."

The Results

Jose's Testimonial

"The PDP allowed me to refine my current design workflow and gain new skills in project management from concept to commercialization. The program provided valuable insights into how an emerging brand manages its packaging and the factors involved with launching a brand."

Learn more about the PDP and CMPM

Our CMPM program launched in 2017 in collaboration with the Clemson University Center for Corporate Learning—since then, we have trained hundreds of packaging professionals from organizations of all sizes.

The CMPM is cohort-based and led by our very own Dr. Julie Rice Suggs—learn more here.