College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Alumni & Friends

Plastipak Packaging, Inc., a leading innovator in the packaging and recycling industries, has made a gift to the Michigan State University (MSU) School of Packaging (SoP) to support a major expansion to the SoP building.

Plastipak’s donation will be used to support a transformational expansion project approved by the MSU Board of Trustees in February 2024 that will double the current size of the SoP building and significantly increase research capacity, creating space for more faculty and graduate students. 

“As the home college of the nation’s leading School of Packaging, the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources is proud to partner with Plastipak as we work together to advance the next generation of sustainable packaging solutions.,” said interim CANR Dean Matt Daum, Ph.D. “We are grateful for Plastipak’s ongoing partnership and look forward to bringing this bold vision of the future to life.”

In recognition of this contribution, room 164 in the current SoP building will be renamed the Plastipak Processing Lab. This space will enhance research and teaching efforts around advanced plastic processing techniques, providing students and faculty with the tools to explore sustainable packaging solutions.

“We are thrilled to support Michigan State University’s School of Packaging in its efforts to expand and elevate its research and educational programs,” said Ed Morgan, President and CEO, Plastipak. “This investment in the future of packaging and recycling innovation reflects our commitment and advocacy for fostering the next generation of leaders dedicated to advancing sustainable solutions. By increasing the capability and capacity for groundbreaking research and collaboration, we are helping to shape the future of packaging and recycling for years to come.”

First, best, only – a reputation of distinction

Housed within the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR), the SoP consistently earns top rankings in its field. It was established in 1952 and was the first school of packaging in the United States. Today, it is the largest packaging program in the country, with over 600 undergraduate and graduate students and 10,000 alumni worldwide. The school graduates 40% of all the packaging professionals in the U.S. alone, creating a basis for industry influence that outstrips any other packaging program.

“We are excited to enhance our collaboration with Plastipak as we educate tomorrow’s packaging leaders,” said Laura Bix, Ph.D., associate dean for graduate programs at CANR and interim director at the SoP. “Plastipak is a top-destination for emerging industry talent and a globally recognized leader in sustainability. We are grateful for their partnership and look forward to furthering our shared commitment to innovation.”

Known for its world-class faculty and multidisciplinary approach, the SoP trains students in science, technology, engineering and math, as well as business and the arts. This unique approach develops well-rounded professionals who are prepared to make an immediate impact. Integrated programs create career ready graduates who accelerate growth and help solve industry’s most pressing challenges. In addition to being the biggest training ground for future industry leaders, the MSU SoP offers the only packaging Ph.D. program in the United States.

This new expansion to the SoP building comes after the completion of a comprehensive renovation in April 2023 which created technology-first classrooms, collaboration spaces where industry partners can engage with students and new office space for graduate students and faculty. 

Empowering sustainable solutions

Founded in 1967 by William C. Young as a small family-owned business and headquartered in Plymouth, Michigan, Plastipak designs, manufactures, and recycles high-quality rigid plastic containers for the food, beverage, and consumer products industries, including cleaning, automotive, and aerosol products. Recognized as an industry leader in packaging, recycling innovation, sustainability, and operational efficiency, Plastipak’s investment in the future of the MSU SoP will support high-impact sustainability research and teaching spaces necessary for future innovation.

Operating 38 manufacturing sites around the globe, Plastipak provides packaging solutions for some of the world’s most recognized and respected brands. From technicians and engineers to operators and analysts, Plastipak is a top destination for talent, employing over 6,000 people around the world, including over 30 MSU SoP alumni at their corporate office. Still family owned, Plastipak has continued to grow and diversify through strategic acquisitions and partnerships, expanding its technological capabilities and global reach, while integrating sustainability into its core operations to drive long-term environmental responsibility.

Working alongside industry partners, like Plastipak, the SoP plans to add graduate courses, faculty and laboratories focused on the sustainability needs of tomorrow. By dedicating resources to sustainability, these partnerships will unlock new growth opportunities, train the next generation of talented industry professionals and better steward global resources.

“At Plastipak, our passion for the environment has always been at the heart of everything we do, driving us to lead the industry in recycling and responsible packaging design and low-carbon solutions,” said Jack Pacente, Vice President of Global Sustainability, Plastipak. “We’re proud to support Michigan State University’s School of Packaging in this expansion. This investment not only strengthens research capacity but also reflects our commitment to advancing the packaging and recycling innovations for a more sustainable future.”

In addition to partnerships that enhance the next generation of packaging innovations, Plastipak, as well as the Young Family Foundation, supports a variety of charitable and community engagement initiatives — particularly those focused on advancing education, improving health and wellness and uplifting the communities in which they operate.

Corporate partners will build career-long brand relationships with the brightest emerging talent in the packaging space. To learn more about how to partner with the MSU SoP, contact Kyle Cutler, Director of Corporate Relations & Development