Plastipak Processing Lab unveiled at the MSU School of Packaging
Print
EmailLeaders from the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the School of Packaging and Plastipak, Inc. gathered on Friday, January 23 to unveil the Plastipak Processing Lab.
Michigan State University’s School of Packaging (SoP) hosted a special ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, January 23 to unveil the newly named Plastipak Processing Lab. This state-of-the-art lab advances high-impact sustainability research and industry collaboration.
Based in Plymouth, Michigan, Plastipak, Inc. is a global leader in packaging and recycling. It designs and manufactures high-quality, rigid plastic containers for the food, beverage, aerosol, industrial and consumer cleaning products industries.
In March 2025, the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) announced a significant investment from Plastipak, in support of Packaging 2.0, a transformational initiative that will double the size of the SoP building and significantly increase research capacity. As one of the first companies to partner with the SoP in this effort, Plastipak’s support is advancing the next generation of packaging excellence at MSU, creating space for more faculty and graduate students.
In recognition of Plastipak’s contribution, room 164 in the current SoP building was officially renamed the Plastipak Processing Lab. This collaborative space enhances research and teaching efforts around advanced plastic processing techniques, providing students and faculty with the tools to explore sustainable packaging solutions.
“As the home college of the nation’s best School of Packaging, CANR is proud to partner with Plastipak as we train the next-generation of the packaging leaders,” said CANR Dean and Associate Provost, Matt Daum, Ph.D. “While the building renovation is important, it’s what happens inside the building that truly matters. I want to say thank you to Plastipak because we cannot do this without your support. Together, we are delivering a world‑class experience for our students and moving the field of packaging boldly into the future.”
"At Plastipak, we don’t just talk about sustainability – we invest in it, we build it and we scale it,” said Plastipak President and CEO, Ed Morgan. “Our partnership with Michigan State University’s School of Packaging reflects that commitment by expanding opportunities for hands-on learning, collaboration and innovation. By supporting this expansion and the new Plastipak Processing Lab, we are helping equip the next generation of leaders to address real-world packaging and sustainability challenges and shape the future of our industry.”
The celebratory event included short remarks from CANR, SoP and Plastipak leaders, as well as an extensive tour of the facility for guests representing Plastipak, the Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies (PMMI) and the Young Family Foundation.
First, best, only – a reputation of distinction
Established in 1952 as the first school of packaging in the United States, the SoP continues to earn top rankings in its field. 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.
“Partnerships with industry leaders, like Plastipak, enhances the quality of life for everyone working in this building,” said Laura Bix, Ph.D., associate dean for graduate programs at CANR and interim director of the SoP. “Their support improves classroom outcomes and advances our research efforts, moving the entire packaging discipline forward.”
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. Integrated programs create career ready graduates who accelerate growth and help solve industry’s most pressing challenges. In addition to being the largest training ground for future industry leaders, the 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, Plastipak is recognized as a 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 tackle the sustainability challenges of tomorrow. These partnerships will unlock new growth opportunities, train the next generation of talented industry professionals and better steward global resources.
“Real progress in sustainability requires more than ambition; it requires collaboration, education and the ability to turn ideas into action,” said Jack Pacente, Vice President of Global Sustainability, Plastipak. “By supporting Michigan State University’s School of Packaging and the new Plastipak Processing Lab, we’re advancing hands-on research and learning that will help shape future leaders to solve the real-world packaging and recycling challenges facing our industry.”
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
