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Packaging Science

2-02 Smart packaging (Clemson World)

8-26-96 Dow Chemical gift upgrades CU packaging science lab

5-30-97 DuPont supports CU packaging science laboratory

Fall 1997 Packaging students have careers all wrapped up

11-15-97 CU develops new packaging technologies

12-99 Packaging of the future is developing at CU

12-7-99 CU opens DuPont Packaging Evaluation Laboratory

5-15-00 CU Blue cheese gets new package

DATE: 5-15-00

CONTACT: Pete Vergano, (864) 656-5684 pvrgn@clemson.edu

WRITER: Debbie Dalhouse, (864) 656-0937 ddalhou@clemson.edu

CLEMSON BLUE CHEESE GETS NEW PACKAGE

CLEMSON - The famous blue cheese from Clemson University isn't blue anymore ... it's green ... at least until its new clear package is opened. The new package, designed by graduate student Sara E. Markovich, uses Cryovac vacuum shrink film that seals out oxygen.

This seals in freshness, but makes the cheese appear green through the clear film. Once the package is opened and the cheese is exposed to air it turns the signature blue color.

 "We wanted to extend the shelf life of the cheese," Markovich said of her master's thesis project. "The earlier package was aluminum foil that kept the cheese fresh for three weeks, but the new shrink film keeps it fresh for three months."

As part of her research, she tested the texture and taste of the cheese to be sure there were no adverse effects from the change in packaging. Instead, there have been only benefits. The new package allows the cheese to be frozen, further extending the usable life since the earlier foil package was not freezer-proof.

 "Sara's work is a good scientific study and it helped the university's cheese production facility extend the usable life of the cheese," said Peter J. Vergano, a Clemson packaging science professor and Markovich's advisor. "This is a good example of how teaching, research and service work together at Clemson."

Production manager Jeanette Hanberry noted that blue cheese sales have increased nearly 70 percent from last year, due in part to the rave reviews that the cheese has received from food writers across the country.

 "I think the new packaging will boost sales even more," Hanberry said.   

Clemson is recognized as one of the nation's top packaging science programs, with a 100 percent placement rate for its graduates. Markovich is no exception. The Paw Paw, MI, resident will receive her master's degree in packaging science in August and has already been hired by Reckitt Benckiser Corporation in New Jersey as a packaging engineer for household products such as French's mustard.

END

DATE: 12-7-99

CONTACT: Bob Testin, (864) 656-2229 rtestin@clemson.edu

WRITER: Debbie Dalhouse, (864)656-0937 ddalhou@clemson.edu     

CLEMSON OPENS PACKAGING EVALUATION LABORATORY

CLEMSON - A new packaging evaluation laboratory opened December 7 at Clemson University. The laboratory was made possible by a generous donation from DuPont Packaging and Industrial Polymers in Wilmington, Del.

Renovation of the Newman Hall facility has been completed. Now state-of-the-art packaging equipment is being installed to simulate industrial production conditions. The laboratory is expected to be fully functional by summer.

 "The DuPont Packaging Evaluation Laboratory will enable Clemson to test packaging on the high-speed, integrated machinery lines used by industry," said Robert F. Testin, chair of Clemson's packaging science department. "We'll be able to study the interaction of various packaging materials with individual machines and with entire machinery lines."

The new laboratory will include both dry-fill and wet-fill lines. The dry-fill product line will test packaging for products, such as potato chips or candy. On this line, form-fill-seal machines will form the bags from plastic film, fill the bags with product, and then seal the bags to complete the process.  Another product line will handle liquid products, such as fruit juices, that require filling bottles or plastic containers and then sealing with a cap.

"The DuPont Package Evaluation Laboratory will support the university's teaching and research efforts, as well as industry outreach programs including research, testing and continuing education," said Robert F. Testin, chair of Clemson's packaging science department.

Food processing and packaging companies can use the laboratory to evaluate existing packaging and improved designs, as well as to test entirely new packaging concepts before they are introduced to the customer. They can also train employees on the latest equipment in the laboratory rather than on the production floor. In addition, the new laboratory will be available for use by students and faculty in many areas of the university, such as packaging science, food science, graphic communications and engineering.

 "We are delighted to make this investment in one of the nation's top packaging education programs," said Thomas E. Hogue, director of packaging markets for DuPont Packaging and Industrial Polymers. "Our mutual goal was to enhance the strong packaging program already in place at Clemson so that we continue to attract students to this challenging and ever-growing industry."

Clemson is one of the few universities in the country that offers a packaging science degree and is nationally recognized as a model for cooperation between industry and academia. As a result of this industry support and guidance, 100 percent of Clemson's packaging science graduates receive job offers in the packaging industry or go on to graduate study in the field.

DuPont is a science company, delivering science-based solutions that make a difference in people's lives in food and nutrition, health care, apparel, home and construction,  electronics and transportation.  Founded in 1802, the company operates in 65 countries and has 97,000 employees.

END

DATE: December 1999

CONTACT: Paul Dawson, (864) 656-1138 pdawson@clemson.edu

Bob Testin, (864) 656-2229 rtestin@clemson.edu

Kay Cooksey, (864) 656-7637 kcookse@clemson.edu

WRITER: Brooklyn Walker, (864) 656-2061

PACKAGING OF THE FUTURE IS DEVELOPING AT CLEMSON

CLEMSON - Food packaging films that fight bacteria and that are edible may be commonplace in the next century thanks to research efforts at Clemson University.

A Food Packaging Films group of scientists has been formed to explore these and other possibilities. The group is led by Paul Dawson, a food scientist, and includes food scientist Jim Acton and chemical engineers Amod Ogale and Douglas Hirt.

The group has produced packaging films that may be edible, derived from soy and corn protein. These films are now being tested for digestibility and food value, using laboratory rats.  If successful, the films could be recycled as animal feed, reducing the amount of packaging waste sent to landfills.

 "We're very excited about these findings," said Dawson, "and encouraged at the new applications we're discovering."

The group has also developed an antimicrobial film that is being tested against common meat-borne bacteria, such as E. coli, Salmonella and Listeria.  The film contains two natural proteins which inhibit bacterial growth:  lysozome and nisin.  These proteins are added prior to film formation, so they are incorporated into the packaging film.  In addition to corn and soy, polyethylene has also been used.  All of the antimicrobial film components are approved by the Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture for human consumption.

The group also discovered a way to preserve turkey using one simple item.  Adding honey prior to cooking turkey meat increases the product's shelf life and quality by preventing oxidation.  The natural qualities of the honey also enhance the flavor, aroma and color of the meat.

Another group of Clemson researchers, led by packaging scientists Bob Testin and Pete Vergano, is working with films produced from shrimp and crab shells.  These films have exhibited some natural antimicrobial properties and other capabilities that suggest possible applications as wound dressings or other uses in addition to food packaging. 

 "It's too early to know all the ways that these films might be used," Testin said.  "We're still exploring their various properties."

Packaging scientist Kay Cooksey is testing the use of antimicrobial-coated film to extend the shelf life of cheese. The study uses low density polyethylene packaging coated with cellulose containing nisin, an FDA-approved antimicrobial additive, and tests the effects of different acids and coating densities on the cheese.   

END

DATE: 11-15-97

CONTACT: Paul Dawson, (864) 656-1138 pdawson@clemson.edu

Bob Testin, (864) 656-2229 rtestin@clemson.edu

WRITER: Debbie Dalhouse, (864) 656-0937 ddalhou@clemson.edu

NEW PACKAGING TECHNOLOGIES ARE DEVELOPING AT CLEMSON

CLEMSON - Food packaging films that fight bacteria and that are edible may be in your future as research develops at Clemson University. 

Food scientists and chemical engineers, led by Paul Dawson, are producing heat-pressed films from soy and corn protein that are being tested for digestibility. If successful, the films could be recycled as animal feed, reducing the amount of packaging waste sent to landfills.  

 "We're very excited about these findings," said Dawson, "and encouraged at the new applications we're discovering."

Known as the Food Packaging Films Group, the team includes food scientist Jim Acton and chemical engineers Amod Ogale and Douglas Hirt.

This group has also developed an antimicrobial film that is being tested against common meat-borne bacteria, such as E. coli, salmonella and listeria. The film contains two natural proteins that inhibit bacterial growth: lysozyme and nisin. These proteins are added prior to film formation, so they are incorporated into the packaging film. All of the film's components are approved for human consumption by the Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The group also found that adding honey prior to cooking turkey meat increases the product's shelf life and quality by preventing oxidation. The natural qualities of the honey also enhance the flavor, aroma and color of the meat.

Another group of Clemson researchers, led by packaging scientists Bob Testin and Pete Vergano, is working with edible films produced from shrimp and crab shells. These films have exhibited some natural antimicrobial properties and other capabilities that suggest possible applications as wound dressings or other uses in addition to food packaging.

 "It's too early to know all the ways that these films might be used," Testin said. "We're still exploring their various properties."

The packaging scientists are also working with the U.S. Postal Service and package suppliers to evaluate boxes used to ship fresh peaches and Granny Smith apples as gifts. Their goal is to ensure that premium quality fruit can be mailed without being bruised during shipment.

In addition, the group is compiling a baseline of information on all packaging used to ship fresh fruits and vegetables in the United States. This baseline will be used to develop improved distribution packaging to protect the quality of fruits and vegetables during shipment from producers to processors and retail outlets around the country.

END

DATE: Fall 1997 Clemson World magazine

CONTACT: Bob Testin, (864) 656-2229 rtestin@clemson.edu

WRITER: Debbie Dalhouse, (864) 656-0937 ddalhou@clemson.edu

PACKAGING STUDENTS HAVE CAREERS ALL WRAPPED UP

CLEMSON -- Clemson packaging science students have their careers all wrapped up.

Maybe it's because the faculty members came to academia from industry, or because the industry is one of the largest in the nation, or because the students know what they want to do.

There are many possible reasons; but the amazing fact is that 100 percent of graduates from Clemson's packaging science program have received job offers in their field. The majority of students accept one of these offers, with starting salaries averaging $30,000-$40,000; while others elect to continue their studies in graduate school.

"The program definitely opened doors for me," says Trent Clayton, the very first graduate of the packaging science department in December 1989. He has been in the packaging industry ever since, first in paper then in the corrugated box industry, and now as Southeastern regional manager for SWF Machinery Company in Atlanta, Ga., responsible for selling machinery to corrugation plants in 10 Southeastern states.

"Industry was excited about the new program because there's a big demand in this part of the country," he says of his reception as Clemson's first graduate on the job market.

More recent graduates agree that earning a packaging science degree from Clemson involves hard work, but that it pays off in the job search.

"The professors were hard on us," says Adrienne Lynn '97. "But it was because they had been out in industry and then came back to teach us what it was like and what to expect."

Adrienne is now a sales associate for Sonoco in Maryland Heights, Mo., where the company produces composite cans for consumer products ranging from powdered cleansers to coffee creamers.

"We had to solve real-world problems," says Chad Stephens '95 of his studies at Clemson. "We had a tremendous number of projects that required us to get information from people in industry, and then use common sense and creativity to complete the project."

Chad works in research and development for Cryovac Packaging in Simpsonville and is now solving problems for the company's meat and cheese producing customers all over the country.

They both agree that the time they spent working in the packaging industry as Clemson cooperative education students gave them the experience they needed to receive job offers at graduation.

"It's hard to take time off when you're getting ready to graduate, but it is really worthwhile because you get experience in your field," Chad says of the additional time required for a co-op position.

"When you're in corporate America, you have to grow up quickly," Adrienne says of her own co-op experience. "So when you come back to school after your co-op, your grades get better, you can focus better and you understand why you need to learn what you're studying in class."

That's music to the ears of the packaging science faculty who have built Clemson's packaging science program to be one of the premier programs in the nation, and the only program with a special emphasis on food packaging, in addition to general packaging, because of close cooperation with the department of food science at Clemson. The graphic communications department also works closely with packaging science to design and produce actual packages.

The packaging science faculty members have also worked closely with industry leaders such as Coca Cola, Cryovac, DuPont, Dow, Kraft, Sonoco and many others to ensure that the program remains relevant to the real world.

This relevance includes both the courses taught to students and the research and product testing services conducted in the University's packaging laboratories. Services have been provided for more than 100 companies in the past five years, often with the assistance of students.

END

DATE: 5-30-97

CONTACT: Bob Testin, (864) 656-2229 rtestin@clemson.edu

WRITER: Debbie Dalhouse, (864)656-0937 ddalhou@clemson.edu

DUPONT SUPPORTS CLEMSON PACKAGING SCIENCE LAB

CLEMSON - A new packaging evaluation laboratory will be added at Clemson University through a $250,000 donation from DuPont Packaging and Industrial Polymers in Wilmington, Del.

 "We are delighted to make this investment in one of the nation's top packaging education programs," said Thomas E. Hogue, DuPont's national sales manager.

Clemson is one of the few universities in the country that offers a packaging science degree and is nationally recognized as a model for cooperation between industry and academia. 

The packaging science department currently includes a research laboratory with state-of-the-art research and testing equipment. With the DuPont donation, a second laboratory will be established to evaluate existing packaging and new packaging concepts on high-speed machinery similar to that used by industry.

The new laboratory, like other packaging facilities, will be available for use by students and faculty in many other areas of the university, such as food science, graphic communications, dairy science and engineering.

 "The DuPont Package Evaluation Laboratory will support the university's teaching and research efforts, as well as industry outreach programs including research, testing and continuing education," said Robert F. Testin, chair of Clemson's packaging science department.

 "We could not offer the level of teaching and research that we do without the continuing interest and support from industry partners like DuPont," he said.

Over the past nine years, industry partners have worked closely with the packaging science department. As a result of this industry support and guidance, 100 percent of Clemson's packaging science graduates receive job offers in the packaging industry or elect to go on to graduate study in the field.

Packaging research is also supported by Agriculture and Forestry Research at Clemson. The university's researchers are currently investigating the viability of "biopolymer" packaging materials that could be edible and biodegradable. Biopolymers are derived from a wide variety of natural materials ranging from grains to shrimp shells.

DATE: 8-26-96                   

CONTACT: Bob Testin, (864) 656-2229 rtestin@clemson.edu

WRITER: Debbie Dalhouse, (864) 656-0937 ddalhou@clemson.edu

DOW CHEMICAL GIFT UPGRADES CLEMSON'S PACKAGING LAB

CLEMSON -- The molten plastic emerges as a bubble from the new plastic film extruder in the Sonoco Packaging Science Laboratory at Clemson University. From here, it can be slit and formed into bags or pouches for packaging foods and many other products. By changing to a slot die, the system produces single plastic films for wrapping and covering applications.

This new piece of equipment is a small-scale version of the extrusion systems currently used by commercial plastic film manufacturers. It represents a significant step forward for packaging science students and researchers at Clemson, as well as for area plastic film manufacturers who use the laboratory to test new products.

 "This extruder is very versatile because it can produce both a single sheet and a sleeve," explained Bob Testin, chairman of the packaging science department at Clemson. "It is a great training tool because our students and industrial users will have the same technology as commercial operations. And our research scientists can use it to help develop packaging films of the future."

The extruder was purchased with a grant from Dow Chemical as part of an overall upgrade of plastic processing equipment in the laboratory. Another part of the grant has been placed in an endowment to provide continuing support for the packaging science department.

 "Dow Chemical has been very generous in their support of the packaging science program here at Clemson," Testin noted. "We could not offer the level of teaching and research that we do without the continuing interest and support from industry partners like Dow."

 "The Dow Chemical Company is both a supplier and an end user of packaging materials," said Len Azzaro, commercial director for Dow's polyethylene products. "We believe it is important for industry to support educational programs like Clemson's packaging science department. Our financial support will continue to provide the industry with future packaging leaders."

Clemson is one of the few universities in the country that offers a packaging science degree, and is nationally recognized as a model for industry - academic cooperation.

Because of an active cooperative education program, summer intern opportunities and ties that have been developed throughout the nation with

packaging industry partners, 100 percent of Clemson's packaging science graduates receive job offers in the packaging industry or elect to go on to graduate study.