On this page, we highlight the Packaging Development Projects (PDP) of alumni from our online Certificate of Mastery in Packaging Management (CMPM) program. The PDP is a semester-long project that guides the student through the packaging management and development process—from concept to end of life—in 10 iterative phases.

CMPM Case Studies: The Packaging Development Plan (PDP)

Are you new to the packaging industry? Are you an industry veteran looking to level up your career?<a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="https://packagingschool.com/">The Packaging School</a> might be right for you. Watch <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="https://youtu.be/Xz1nkZfD83c?si=7hEIVnjMIU_HlZkO">this brief animation</a> to learn more about what the Packaging School is all about!Explore our 40+ packaging courses spanning disciplines including design, sustainability, regulations, and materials here: <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="https://packagingschool.com/all_courses">https://packagingschool.com/all_courses</a>Aside from our courses, we offer four certificate programs, including:<ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="https://packagingschool.com/certifications/get-to-know-cps">The Certificate of Packaging Science</a> (CPS)</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="https://packagingschool.com/certifications/get-to-know-cmpm">The Certificate of Mastery in Packaging Management</a> (CMPM)</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="https://packagingschool.com/certifications/get-to-know-csp">The Certificate of Sustainable Packaging</a> (CSP)</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="https://packagingschool.com/certifications/get-to-know-apc">The Automotive Packaging Certificate</a> (APC)</li></ul>Explore our four certificate programs <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="https://packagingschool.com/certifications">here</a>!We also offer B2B solutions and partnerships! Interested in training your team or developing custom learning / training solutions? Reach out to us at <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="mailto:info@packagingschool.com">info@packagingschool.com</a>

What is The Packaging School?

<h3 class="font-bold">Recycling Innovation in the Packaging Industry</h3>Introducing the Packaging School’s <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="https://www.packagingschool.com/packaging-innovation-dashboard">Packaging Innovation Dashboard</a> series! We will be highlighting stories from how the top brands are innovating in different areas related to packaging—starting with recycling innovation.&nbsp;In this edition, we highlight how West Virginia University, Glacier AI, and Taco Bell are working to implement innovative solutions in the realm of recycling.&nbsp;<h3 class="font-bold">West Virginia University | Polypropylene (PP) Recycling</h3><img src="https://packmedia54032-staging.s3.amazonaws.com/public/YuxinWangJohnHuLabsA-1200x800.jpg">Photo from West Virginia University<a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/yuxin-wang-6b810444/">Yuxin Wang</a> and researchers at West Virginia University (WVU) have developed a groundbreaking method to recycle polypropylene (PP) plastic using microwave technology—allowing the team to recover the chemical compound (propylene) and enable use beyond “recreating the original item.”According to Packaging Gateway, WVU’s technique involves “using microwaves to heat a catalyst material that then transfers the heat to the PP waste, breaking it down into its original chemical components.” Wang emphasizes that this method allows “precise control over heating” and runs at lower temperatures compared to conventional recycling (300 degrees Celsius vs. 600–700 degrees Celsius).Wang stated:&nbsp;“In recycling, you crush a water bottle into small pieces and then use those pieces to build a bottle again. Recycling limits your utilization. We want to generate chemicals that not only can be used to manufacture polypropylene again but also can be valuable in other reactions.”Read more on the innovative PP recycling process <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="https://www.packaging-gateway.com/news/west-virginia-university-polypropylene-recycling/?utm_source=&amp;utm_medium=16-111700&amp;utm_campaign=&amp;cf-view">here</a>.&nbsp;Story from Packaging Gateway<h3 class="font-bold">Glacier | Vision-Based AI to Boost Recycling</h3><img src="https://packmedia54032-staging.s3.amazonaws.com/public/GlacierAIHEROCMPSRD.png">Those in the packaging and supply chain world know that one of the largest challenges facing recycling and waste management is data availability—Rebecca Hu and <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="https://endwaste.io/">Glacier</a> are working to change that through the power of artificial intelligence (AI).At a recent Packaging Recycling Summit hosted by Packaging World, Hu joined the stage with Nicholas Ellis of Amazon and Greg Corra of Colgate-Palmolive to explain how these firms are using Glacier’s AI software to collect recycling related data for tubes, bioplastic packaging, and more.Glacier’s work with Colgate-Palmolive includes developing a “first-of-its-kind vision-based AI model capable of identifying and sorting both toothpaste tubes and non-toothpaste tubes in real-time.” This technology was installed in Colgate’s partner MRFs and uses AI cameras to capture continuous images of the tubes on conveyor belts. Hu explains that, “Colgate and partner MRFs can log in to a dashboard and learn what’s happening on a given belt over the last year, or even the last minute.”Hu stated:&nbsp;“I know it can be really hard to tell what’s real and what’s just hyped when it comes to AI. There’s a lot of news out there, and as someone who’s worked in this space for many, many years, I can tell you what I’m seeing on the front lines. The type of AI progress we’re sharing here today is really impactful and probably a little bit history making. And it’s the result of many, many months of really hard, invisible work and collaboration between Glacier and Colgate and our MRF partners. So this work, I have to say, at the end of the day, is worth it.”Read more about how Glacier is transforming the availability and quality of recycling data at MRFs with AI and their work with Colgate and Amazon <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="https://www.packworld.com/sustainable-packaging/recycling/article/22921822/glacier-ai-works-with-colgate-amazon-on-recycling">here</a>.Story from Packaging World<h3 class="font-bold">Taco Bell x TerraCycle | Sauce Container Recycling Program</h3><img src="https://packmedia54032-staging.s3.amazonaws.com/public/web-mlp-ogimage-2024-E4-Terracycle-jpg.webp">Photo from Taco BellDid you know that Taco Bell and TerraCycle have been working to increase the amount of fast food packaging that is recycled since 2021?&nbsp;In 2021, Taco Bell and TerraCycle came together to create the Taco Bell Sauce Container US Recycling Program—an initiative to boost fast food packaging, particularly sauce packets.&nbsp;The partnership came after the realization that Taco Bell was responsible for ~8.2 billion hot sauce packets entering landfills each year, as small sauce packets are traditionally harder to process and recycle in many MRFs. The program boosted Taco Bell’s recycling rates, and they began accepting all sauce packets in 2022.&nbsp;In April of this year, Taco Bell and TerraCycle announced that the program will now accept items like, “sauce dipping cups, souffle cups and lids, and coffee creamer pods.”&nbsp;You might be wondering . . . how does it work? Plastics Today lays it out in four steps:&nbsp;<ol><li>Any entity (individual, school, institution, etc.) signs up online at the “Taco Bell Sauce Container US Recycling Program” landing page on TerraCycle’s website.&nbsp;</li><li>Participating entities collect used sauce packets and other accepted items in a recyclable box.&nbsp;</li><li>When a participant's box is full, they “log in to their TerraCycle account to download and print a free UPS shipping label and then ship the labeled package to TerraCycle for recycling.”</li><li>Once TerraCycle receives the box, the organization separates and organizes the waste by material type and cleans the waste. Next, “the materials are then melted into hard plastic pellets that can be remolded into new products, such as picnic tables.”&nbsp;</li></ol>Read more on how Taco Bell and TerraCycle are collaborating to boost sauce packet recycling in this Plastics Today <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="https://www.plasticstoday.com/packaging/taco-bell-and-terracycle-make-recycling-saucier">article</a>.Story from Plastics Today&nbsp;<h3 class="font-bold">Learn more about Sustainable Packaging</h3>Ensuring packaging is recyclable, contains recycled content, and boosts collection and sorting infrastructure (hopefully through <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="https://packagingschool.com/lessons/exploring-epr-for-packaging-in-north-america">EPR programs</a>) is an important part of the push for more sustainable packaging, but it is just one piece of the puzzle.Learn how to evaluate the full life cycle of a packaging system in our online Certificate of Sustainable Packaging (CSP) promo, which includes a module that teaches you how to conduct a life cycle assessment of a provided packaging system. Learn more <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="https://packagingschool.com/certifications/get-to-know-csp">here</a>.

Recycling Innovations from WVU, Glacier, and Taco Bell

<h1 class="font-bold">Intro to Deposit Return Schemes (DRS) &amp; Bottle Bills</h1>Deposit Return Schemes (DRS) are systems designed to minimize waste and promote recycling of beverage containers through the addition of a deposit (typically three to ten cents USD) on beverage containers at the point of sale. Consumers are encouraged to reclaim the deposit by returning empty containers to a reverse vending machine or designated collection point in participating stores or marketplaces.DRS systems and bottle bills are present in forty-plus countries and territories around the world, with <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="https://www.eastcham.fi/finnishwastemanagement/municipal-solid-waste/history-of-waste-management/#:~:text=In%201950s%20a%20deposit%20system,recycled%20through%20a%20return%20system.">origins in Finland in the 1950s.</a> Finland’s initial deposit return scheme was focused on glass bottles, which has been expanded to other beverage packaging materials like aluminum, PET, and more.On the North America continent, the Canadian province of <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="https://www.bottlebill.org/index.php/current-and-proposed-laws/canada/british-columbia#:~:text=British%20Columbia's%20beverage%20container%20recovery,landfilled%20or%20incinerated%20%5B18%5D.">British Columbia</a> was the first to introduce a DRS system, in the year 1970. British Columbia is also a pioneer in extended producer responsibility (EPR) legislation for packaging and paper products; you can read more about their program and the programs of other Canadian provinces in our blog <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="https://packagingschool.com/lessons/extended-producer-responsibility-for-packaging-in-canada">here</a>.Before we dive into the DRS systems in ten US states in subsequent blogs, let's walk through an illustrative example of how DRS works (in most cases).<h3 class="font-bold">How Deposit Return Schemes (DRS) Work</h3>DRS programs often have different deposit rates for materials, but most follow a similar structure. Here is an example with a glass bottle with a ten cents USD deposit.<ol><li>The beverage company fills the bottle and sells it to a retailer at the normal cost plus a refundable ten cents USD deposit per bottle.</li><li>The beverage company takes the ten cents per bottle deposit and gives the collected funds to a system administrator—a non-profit organization who manages DRS.&nbsp;</li><li>The consumer purchases the beverage bottle and a ten cent deposit is added to the sticker price (displayed on label).</li><li>The consumer drinks the beverage and decides to return the bottle to the store or in a reverse vending machine to reclaim their deposit and keep the bottle in the loop.</li><li>The system administrator picks up bottles for processing, and the initial ten cent deposit paid by the store to the beverage company in stage two is returned back to the store completing the flow. It is also common for the system administrator to pay the retailer additional handling fees for each container collected (usually one cent to three cents).</li><li>The system administrator takes bottles to counting and sorting and the recycling process starts—being refilled or turned into new raw materials.</li></ol>Deposit Return Schemes (DRS) are heavily reliant on consumer participation, as bottles can exit the closed-loop system in stage four if they decide reclaiming the deposit is not worth their time. When consumers participate, DRS can be an efficient system to reduce waste and preserve natural capital, recirculate materials and retain economic value, and increase state and nationwide recycling rates.In the articles covering state programs, we will compare the recycling rates of PET, aluminum, and glass in the US states with DRS and those with no programs—the differences might surprise you!<h3 class="font-bold">Bottle Bills in the US</h3><img src="https://packmedia54032-staging.s3.amazonaws.com/public/DRS___EPR_in_the_USFINAL.png">The map above shows the states in the US that have DRS programs, denoted in green and orange. States in orange are those that have passed EPR for packaging programs and also have deposit return schemes, including Oregon, California, and Maine; you can read more about these programs in our research article <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="https://packagingschool.com/lessons/exploring-eco-modulated-fees-in-epr-for-packaging-in-the-usa">here</a>.The ten US states that have DRS programs include:&nbsp;<ul><li>Oregon&nbsp;</li><li>California</li><li>Maine&nbsp;</li><li>New York&nbsp;</li><li>Iowa&nbsp;</li><li>Connecticut&nbsp;</li><li>Vermont&nbsp;</li><li>Hawaii</li><li>Michigan&nbsp;</li><li>Massachusetts</li></ul>Now that you have a grasp on how DRS works, explore the ten DRS systems in the US in our <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="https://www.packagingschool.com/DRS-in-the-US">Deposit Return Schemes (DRS) in the United States index page</a>.

Introduction to Bottle Bills in the United States

In past Packaging Regulation of the Month articles, we have covered an array of US-based emerging and established packaging regulations.As our research articles have illustrated, packaging regulations at the state and federal level are extremely complex in their creation, implementation, evolution, etc.&nbsp;Now imagine undertaking the organization of a packaging directive that covers 27 nation states in a continent; this is the goal of the European Union’s (EU) <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/BRIE/2023/745707/EPRS_BRI(2023)745707_EN.pdf">Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (PPWD)</a>, also referred to as the PPWR.&nbsp;<img src="https://packmedia54032-staging.s3.amazonaws.com/public/Screenshot 2024-04-04 at 4.25.51 PM.png">The EU’s PPWD (<a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex%3A31994L0062">94/62/EC</a>) acts as a set of regulations and guidelines covering packaging throughout its entire lifecycle—from design concept to end-of-life disposal. The first draft was published December 20, 1994, but the directive has seen numerous revisions and additions since then. The timeline below illustrates the changes to 94/62/EC since its launch:<h2 class="font-bold">Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (PPWD) Timeline&nbsp;</h2><ul><li>December 20, 1994: European Parliament and Council introduce <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:31994L0062:EN:HTML">94/62/EC of 20 December 1994 on packaging and packaging waste</a>.&nbsp;</li><li>May 30, 2018: The European Parliament and Council introduce a revision focused on raising overall packaging recycling targets, and at material level, titled <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32018L0852">Directive 2018/852 on packaging and packaging waste</a>.</li><li>June 5, 2019: The European Parliament and Council introduce <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2019/904/oj">2019/904 of 5 June 2019 on the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment</a>.</li><li>July 3, 2021: The European Union bans single-use plastic items including plates, cutlery, straws, balloon sticks and cotton buds, polystyrene for cups and containers, and more with <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/plastics/single-use-plastics/eu-restrictions-certain-single-use-plastics_en">restrictions on certain single-use plastics</a>.&nbsp;</li><li>November 2022: The European Commission released a revised version of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive that sparks an initiative to “<a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/BRIE/2023/745707/EPRS_BRI(2023)745707_EN.pdf">ensure that all packaging is reusable or recyclable in an economically feasible way by 2030</a>.” Proposed targets for minimum recycled content, reuse and recycling, and more.</li><li>November 2023: The European Parliament introduced a proposed revision of 94/62/EC that is focused on <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="https://packagingeurope.com/news/european-parliament-revises-ppwr-to-reduce-waste-enhance-safety-and-more/10648.article">limiting unnecessary packaging waste, banning PFAS in food packaging, and enhancing packaging reuse and recycling schemes</a>. Proposed targets for minimum recycled content, reuse and recycling, and more.</li><li>December 2023: The European Council introduced a proposed amendment to 94/62/EC that works to <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="https://packagingeurope.com/news/european-council-reveals-negotiating-position-in-further-development-for-ppwr-legislation/10801.article">introduce a "general approach"</a> focused on packaging safety, end-of-life, reducing waste, enhancing reusability and return schemes, and more. Proposed targets for minimum recycled content, reuse and recycling, and more.</li></ul>As packaging is a broad topic, you might be wondering—how exactly does the EU classify packaging? And what falls under the requirements of the PPWD?&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/BRIE/2023/745707/EPRS_BRI(2023)745707_EN.pdf">Directive 94/62/EC</a> defines packaging as “products made of any materials of any nature to be used for containment, protection, handling, delivery and presentation of goods, from raw materials to processed goods, from the producer to the user or or the consumer.”&nbsp;All three EU governing bodies (EU Commission, EU Parliament, and EU Council) agree on this definition, however, they are negotiating the appropriate reuse, refill, and recycling targets for different packaging materials. According to <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="https://www.reloopplatform.org/advancing-packaging-laws-in-the-eu/">Reloop</a>, the three parties will meet in January 2024 to begin negotiations.&nbsp;For example, when it comes to minimum recycled content targets for 2030, the three governing bodies agree on targets for contact sensitive PET—<a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="https://www.reloopplatform.org/advancing-packaging-laws-in-the-eu/">30% minimum recycled content</a>. However, when it comes to minimum recycled content targets for contact sensitive PET for 2040, the Commission and Council have a target of 65% whilst Parliament maintains the target of 30%.&nbsp;When it comes to reuse and refill targets for 2030 and 2040, there is even more variation in targets amongst the three EU governing bodies. For example, for household appliance packaging reuse targets for 2030, the Commission, Parliament, and Council all have different proposed targets—<a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="https://www.reloopplatform.org/advancing-packaging-laws-in-the-eu/">90%, 50%, and 10% respectively</a>.&nbsp;The directive also sets r<a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/BRIE/2023/745707/EPRS_BRI(2023)745707_EN.pdf">ecycling target deadlines</a> for different packaging materials for December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2030. For paper and cardboard, there is a 75% recycling target for the end of 2025 and an 85% recycling target by the end of 2030. For plastic packaging, the targets are 50% by the end of 2025 and 55% by the end of 2030.It is also essential to note the scope of the directive and its potential impact on the US and other international organizations that sell products and packaging in any of the <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="https://european-union.europa.eu/principles-countries-history/country-profiles_en">27 countries in the EU</a>.&nbsp;For instance, if you have a US-based beverage company that sells products in contact sensitive PET bottles in Austria, Belgium, and Germany, you would have to comply with proposed targets for minimum recycled content, reuse and refill, and more in order to keep selling into EU markets.&nbsp;The legislative cycle of the European Union is far different than that of the United States—at both the federal and state level. The graphic below provided by the <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/BRIE/2023/745707/EPRS_BRI(2023)745707_EN.pdf">European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS)</a> illustrates the current state of the PPWD starting with the Commission proposal in November 2022.&nbsp;<img src="https://packmedia54032-staging.s3.amazonaws.com/public/rotm-arrow.png">image credit: MDart10 / <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="http://Shutterstock.com">Shutterstock.com</a>At this point, you might be wondering how you can prepare your company for packaging regulations and directives in other continents, like the PPWD, that still cover your operations based on their provisions. Here at The Packaging School, we offer an array of online courses and certificate programs to help packaging professionals and organizations prepare for monumental changes in the industry and regulatory environment, like the EU’s PPWD.&nbsp;Check out these online micro-learning courses to ready your company for emerging packaging regulations:<ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="https://packagingschool.com/courses/packaging-laws-and-regulations">Packaging Laws and Regulations — CPS-C10</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="https://packagingschool.com/certifications/get-to-know-csp">The Certificate of Sustainable Packaging — CSP</a>&nbsp;</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="https://packagingschool.com/courses/sustainable-packaging">Sustainable Packaging — CPS-C11</a></li></ul>

The Evolution of the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (PPWD)

Food packaging is something we all use, most likely, every single day. In this episode, we talk about recent news regarding food, food packaging, and COVID-19. We also talk about the ways the packaging industry is addressing the needs in the uptick of food delivery services.

Food Packaging in the Time of COVID-19

Packaging Development Plan (PDP) Case Studies

In this blog, we explore the Packaging Development Plan (PDP) of <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/garrett-patrick-93/">Garrett Patrick</a>, Senior Manager of Packaging Engineering at <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="https://gorillatough.com/">The Gorilla Glue Company</a>. And if you're not sure what a PDP is, read on!<h3 class="font-bold">The Packaging Development Plan</h3>Our online <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="https://packagingschool.com/certifications/get-to-know-cmpm">Certificate of Mastery in Packaging Management</a> (CMPM) is a 12-week, PhD-led certificate program designed for professionals seeking to advance their career in the packaging industry. Through 14 comprehensive courses, personalized 1-on-1 coaching from <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-rice-phdfoodtechnology/">Dr. Julie Rice Suggs</a>, and the PDP, students who take part in the CMPM program develop a deep understanding of a package's entire value chain—from cradle to grave.The PDP begins as a 27-page template containing 10 phases that mirror the packaging development and management process. For many CMPM students, this template often morphs into something much larger—some PDPS break over 200+ pages, producing a valuable resource that benefits both the student and their organization.<h3 class="font-bold">10 Phases of the PDP</h3><ul><li>Project Kickstart</li><li>Project Management Essentials</li><li>Regulations &amp; Sustainability</li><li>Materials I</li><li>Materials II</li><li>Package Labeling &amp; Finishing</li><li>Packaging Development Workflow</li><li>Capital Equipment and Scale Plan</li><li>Supply / Distribution Plan</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="https://packagingschool.com/courses/leveraging-human-factors-in-packaging-design">Human Factors</a> in Packaging Design</li></ul><h3 class="font-bold">Garrett's PDP Project</h3><img src="https://packmedia54032-staging.s3.amazonaws.com/public/image002v2.jpg">For Garrett's PDP project, his role was that of a packaging designer at a consumer packaged goods brand.<h3 class="font-bold">The Project</h3>Garrett chose to pursue a concentrated soap brand:The intent of the project is to provide a sustainable direction for an established eco-friendly brand looking to compete in today's market. This would be a complete reconstruct of existing packaging + R&amp;D formulation, in order to better align with the brand identity and truly appeal to the targeted consumer.<h3 class="font-bold">The Strategy</h3>In Garrett's words:The end objective is to offer consumers an ethical alternative while providing a value at the register. To achieve this, we are proposing a concentrated cartridge system across all soap extensions, and moving away from the single-use products we sell today.We will offer aluminum bottles for first purchase, that will then be refilled using tap water + concentrate. The consumer will no longer be purchasing excessive packaging and water, and will see direct savings with each refill purchase.This will also accomplish internal efficiencies / savings for purchasing less component material as well as storage / logistical demands. In an emerging e-commerce market, offering a subscription service for refills will also provide a direct-to-consumer savings, while nurturing consistent sales for the business.<h3 class="font-bold">Garrett's Testimonial</h3><blockquote>The Packaging Development Plan process provided a comprehensive roadmap for how to complete a high-level packaging project, from initial conception all the way through the final implementation phase. The structured framework will be something I can implement moving forward, no matter the project or where I am in my career.</blockquote><h3 class="font-bold">Learn more about the CMPM</h3>Since we launched the Certificate of Mastery in Packaging Management (CMPM) alongside <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="https://www.clemson.edu/centers-institutes/thinkclemson/index.html">Clemson University's</a> Center for Corporate Learning in 2017, we have trained hundreds of packaging professionals across the industry—from Fortune 500 companies to small family-owned packaging operations.The CMPM is cohort-based, led by our very own Julie Rice Suggs, PhD! Learn more about the program here: <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="https://packagingschool.com/certifications/get-to-know-cmpm">https://packagingschool.com/certifications/get-to-know-cmpm</a>

Student Stories: The Packaging Development Plan (PDP)

In this blog, we explore the Packaging Development Plan (PDP) project of Yesenia Marili Mazariego, Packaging Engineer at <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="https://www.smurfitwestrock.com/">Smurfit Westrock</a>, El Salvador.<h1 class="font-bold">Packaging Development Plan (PDP)</h1>The Packaging Development Plan (PDP) is a 27-page template that guides students in our online <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="https://packagingschool.com/certifications/get-to-know-cmpm">Certificate of Mastery in Packaging Management</a> program through the packaging development and management process, from ideation to implementation.We have offered the CMPM since 2017, empowering packaging professionals to advance their careers through a PhD-led program that spans 14 online courses and includes personalized 1-on-1 coaching from our Academic Director, <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-rice-phdfoodtechnology/">Dr. Julie Rice Suggs</a>.<h3 class="font-bold">The Structure of the PDP</h3>The PDP starts as a 27-page template and transforms into a document that can span 200+ pages as students progress throughout the program. The project mirrors the packaging development process, including 10 key stages:<ol><li>Project Kickstart</li><li>Project Management Essentials</li><li>Regulations &amp; Sustainability</li><li>Materials I</li><li>Materials II</li><li>Package Labeling &amp; Finishing</li><li>Packaging Development Workflow</li><li>Capital Equipment and Scale Plan</li><li>Supply / Distribution Plan</li><li>Human Factors in Packaging Design</li></ol>To gain a better understanding of the how the Packaging Development Plan works, let's explore a case study from Yesenia—a Packaging Engineer at Smurfit Westrock, El Salvador.<h1 class="font-bold">Yesenia's PDP Project</h1><img src="https://packmedia54032-staging.s3.amazonaws.com/public/Yesenia.pdpblog.v2.jpg">Yesenia's experience in her own words . . .<h3 class="font-bold">The Project</h3>"For my Packaging Development Plan (PDP), I selected a project that would benefit the customer and my learning using the PDP methodology. Specifically, the project aimed to offer an innovative art for the customer's graphic line and improve the structural form of their operation."<h3 class="font-bold">The Strategy</h3>Target Audience / Stakeholders:"The main stakeholders impacted by this project include operators in the warehouse, consumers, and employees. The project aimed to improve the graphic image of a specific package to identify it more quickly and easily for both consumers and warehouse workers. It was also necessary to offer a packaging solution so that it could be better displayed in the store."Approach:"The strategy used to execute this project involved a design thinking approach, graphic design, and better in-store visualization. This was important because the current box was not attractive to customers and the main reason was the extensive text that it had, which made it difficult to identify the product.In addition, operators needed a better solution to open the boxes in stores and display the products. So, I started to create a graphic line with a specific color for a product and a perforated window in the packaging. This helped the main problem of identifying the packaging and its display in the store, as well as empathizing with its operators to recognize each product when handling it."Resources &amp; Support:"To support the project, I leveraged all the tools that I used in Smurfit Westrock, and I talked with the sales advisor that knows the customer because he knew all the specifications about their operations. Besides, I implemented the design techniques that I learned in SW along with teaching in the CMPM."Impact / Expected Outcomes:"The expected impact of this project was a 100% increase in the identification of each product in the warehouse, innovation in 50% of all customer packaging, and a better relationship with the client thanks to our interest in improving their products.This would contribute to the work between Smurfit Westrock and the customer being more solid and continuing for longer, as SW has been the packaging supplier for more than 10 years."<h3 class="font-bold">The Results</h3><img src="https://packmedia54032-staging.s3.amazonaws.com/public/yeseniaPDPfinal.v1.jpg"><h1 class="font-bold">Yesenia's Testimonial</h1>Yesenia's testimonial on the PDP was provided in three parts—Key Learnings, Impact on My Role, and Future Opportunities:<h3 class="font-bold">Key Learnings</h3>"Through the development of the PDP project, I have expanded my knowledge of how to approach a project that requires identifying an existing problem regarding a customer's process or product and how to best complete it with an ideal packaging solution for it. This helped me to investigate more deeply the details and specifications of a specific product, helping me to recognize that for an ideal packaging solution, the entire project landscape must be known."<h3 class="font-bold">Impact on My Role</h3>"The development of the PDP helped me look for more improvement or innovation projects within our client portfolio, with the key factor being the research of each one in order to offer a solution that is attractive to clients. This opportunity will continue to help me to improve in my current position and to grow within Smurfit Westrock."<h3 class="font-bold">Future Opportunities</h3>"The best thing about being part of the packaging engineering team at Smurfit Westrock is the extensive communication we can have with our clients, which is a way of applying what I have learned in the CMPM and advising other people on my team. Also, I know that with the sales team I can contribute greatly to provide ideas and solutions for different projects."<h3 class="font-bold">Learn more about the PDP and CMPM</h3>Since launching the <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="https://packagingschool.com/certifications/get-to-know-cmpm">Certificate of Mastery in Packaging Management</a> in 2017, we have trained hundreds of professionals in the packaging industry at organizations of all sizes—from Fortune 500 companies (like Smurfit Westrock) to small packaging operations. Our CMPM is cohort-based and led by Dr. Julie Rice Suggs, the Academic Director of the Packaging School—learn more <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="https://packagingschool.com/certifications/get-to-know-cmpm">here</a>!

CMPM Stories: Packaging Development Plan (PDP) Project

In this blog, we explore the packaging development plan (PDP) of Jose Rodriguez, Better Planet Packaging Engineer at <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="https://www.smurfitwestrock.com/">Smurfit Westrock</a>.<h1 class="font-bold">What is the Packaging Development Plan?</h1>The packaging development plan (PDP) is a semester-long project that takes place in our online <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="Certificate of Mastery in Packaging Management">Certificate of Mastery in Packaging Management</a> (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:<ol><li>Project Kickstart</li><li>Project Management Essentials</li><li>Regulations &amp; Sustainability</li><li>Materials I</li><li>Materials II</li><li>Package Labeling &amp; Finishing</li><li>Packaging Development Workflow</li><li>Capital Equipment &amp; Scale Plan</li><li>Supply / Distribution Plan</li><li>Human Factors (Ergonomics) in Packaging Design</li></ol>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 <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-rice-phdfoodtechnology/">Dr. Julie Rice Suggs</a>.To take a closer look at the PDP process, let's dive into a project from an alumni—Jose Rodriguez from Smurfit Westrock.<h1 class="font-bold">Jose's Packaging Development Plan (PDP)</h1><img src="https://packmedia54032-staging.s3.amazonaws.com/public/jose.PDP.hero.v1.jpg">Jose's experience in his own words . . .<h3 class="font-bold">The Project</h3>"For my Packaging Development Plan (PDP), I chose a project centered around a local emerging health &amp; 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."<h3 class="font-bold">The Strategy</h3>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."<h3 class="font-bold">The Results</h3><img src="https://packmedia54032-staging.s3.amazonaws.com/public/20250131_105810.jpg"><h1 class="font-bold">Jose's Testimonial</h1>"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."<h3 class="font-bold">Learn more about the PDP and CMPM</h3>Our CMPM program launched in 2017 in collaboration with the <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="https://www.clemson.edu/centers-institutes/thinkclemson/index.html">Clemson University Center for Corporate Learning</a>—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 <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="https://packagingschool.com/certifications/get-to-know-cmpm">here</a>.

The Packaging Development Plan: Alumni Stories

In this article, we dive into the packaging development plan (PDP) of <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/yajssel-gudi%C3%B1o-vigil-b5bb4a196/">Yajssel Gudiño</a>, Technical Account Manager at <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="https://www.smurfitwestrock.com/">Smurfit Westrock</a>.<h1 class="font-bold">Packaging Development Plan (PDP)</h1>Since 2017, the Packaging School has offered the 100% online <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="https://packagingschool.com/certifications/get-to-know-cmpm">Certificate of Mastery in Packaging Management</a> (CMPM)—a program created in collaboration with Clemson University's Center for Corporate Learning. The CMPM is a <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-rice-phdfoodtechnology/">PhD-led</a> professional development program that spans 12 weeks and covers 14 courses focused on the packaging management process—from ideation to disposal and everything in between.A key component of the CMPM is the packaging development plan (PDP), a semester-long project that mirrors the packaging development process.<h3 class="font-bold">The PDP</h3>The PDP is a 12-week project that begins as a 27-page template and directs students in the packaging management process through a hypothetical (but sometimes implemented!) packaging innovation project. The 10 phases of the PDP include:<ol><li>Project Kickstart</li><li>Project Management Essentials</li><li>Regulations &amp; Sustainability</li><li>Materials I</li><li>Materials II</li><li>Package Labeling &amp; Finishing</li><li>Packaging Development Workflow</li><li>Capital Equipment and Scale Plan</li><li>Supply / Distribution Plan</li><li>Human Factors in Packaging Design</li></ol>As students learn from the lessons in the CMPM and apply that knowledge to their PDP, they gain a clear understanding of the packaging development process and how to manage packaging systems from design, operations, and sustainability perspectives. Past PDP projects have turned into valuable resources for both the student and their organizations.Let's dive into an example of a PDP project, including a testimonial from Yajssel Gudiño of Smurfit Westrock.<h1 class="font-bold">Yajssel's PDP Project</h1><img src="https://packmedia54032-staging.s3.amazonaws.com/public/Yajssel.pdp.hero.v1.jpg">Yajssel's experience in his own words . . .<h3 class="font-bold">The Project</h3>"For my packaging development plan, I decided to work on a project that included a trending technological advancement with presence on the market—Augmented Reality. The project aimed to promote brand awareness, engage consumers in a fun and interesting way just by adding a simple graphical feature to the artwork—with a more complex function and eye-catching display."<h3 class="font-bold">The Strategy</h3>Target Audience / Stakeholders:"The main stakeholders impacted by this project included the marketing department, the design team, and packaging provider. The target audience was all consumers and shoppers at the different points of sale. The project aimed to provide both consumers and shoppers a fun experience by interacting with the packaging and promote the brand website."Approach:"The strategy used to execute this project involved the use of Augmented Reality (AR) as a feature that would improve the experience with the brand and packaging, displaying different ways of using the product for an every-day snack or meal, showcasing the application of modern technology on packaging.""To engage this project, I made some research on the development of AR experiences, including what applications does it have on the industry and the boost effect it can have on different experiences. I developed the AR experience with the use of Adobe software and tested implementation with packaging design software."Impact / Expected Outcomes:"The expected impact of the project was the increase of user engagement by 20–30%, prolonging the time a user interacts with packaging, building up greater presence in the mind of consumers. This contributes to the brand awareness by leaving a fun impression on consumers and by awakening their curiosity, leading them to the brand website."<h3 class="font-bold">The Results</h3><img src="https://packmedia54032-staging.s3.amazonaws.com/public/Screenshot 2025-01-27 at 4.27.22 PM.png">Yajssel redesigned Nature's Bakery packaging to include a QR code that launches an Augmented Reality (AR) experience once scanned . . .<img src="https://packmedia54032-staging.s3.amazonaws.com/public/Screenshot 2025-01-27 at 4.27.50 PM.png">These AR experiences serve as a way to engage consumers and drive folks to the website to find recipes that involve the brand's fig bars.<img src="https://packmedia54032-staging.s3.amazonaws.com/public/Screenshot 2025-01-27 at 4.28.17 PM.png"><h1 class="font-bold">Yajssel's Testimonial</h1>"The CMPM and PDP experience made me aware of everything that's behind any type of product development project and the crucial role that packaging plays in it. The PDP provides a solid foundation for beginning any project, from identifying stakeholders to build the team and planning ahead.""As you advance further in, you start unveiling other factors that you might not consider at an earlier point, however that's part of the learning experience; to adjust or correct parts of your project, and that is one of the key learnings of the PDP—the path of the project is not set in stone, if still at a proper stage, you can always go back and improve."<h3 class="font-bold">Learn more about the CMPM and PDP Project</h3>The CMPM and the PDP have helped hundreds of packaging professionals, like Yajssel and <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="https://packagingschool.com/lessons/cmpm-stories-packaging-development-plan-pdp-project">Yessenia</a>, expand their knowledge of the packaging development and management process. The Packaging School has been lucky to train folks at organizations of all sizes—from family-owned packaging operations to Fortune 500 CPG brands.Learn more about the CMPM and PDP <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="https://packagingschool.com/certifications/get-to-know-cmpm">here</a>!

CMPM Case Studies: The Packaging Development Plan (PDP)

Packaging Development Plan (PDP) Case Studies

Student Stories: The Packaging Development Plan (PDP)

CMPM Stories: Packaging Development Plan (PDP) Project

The Packaging Development Plan: Alumni Stories

Packaging Development Plan (PDP): Student Stories

Explore the PDP and more in the CMPM