However you measure annual success — whether it is the 100-plus highly sought-after graduates, the ability to consistently place 200 students into well-paid industry internships, the 50 companies that utilize our research and testing equipment, or the 200 that send its employees to our training sessions and symposiums — the packaging science and graphic communications programs at Clemson are at the forefront of their respective disciplines.
These are not simply feel-good academic indicators; they point to healthy economic benefits for those who have partnered with Clemson. This model has worked very well for students, faculty members and industry partners, and it is time to expand it.
The Sonoco Institute is forming strong bonds between these departments and is reaching out across the University while using industry guidance to incorporate, develop and stimulate research that is of practical value to the packaging world. Clemson’s strengths in traditional agriculture, advanced materials, engineering and numerous other scientific fields will drive innovation in areas such as sustainable packaging, printed electronics, evaluation of the consumer experience and optimization of the packaging development workflow.
We expect real, tangible benefits for those who participate.