BIg Business in Small Packages

shopperFrom soldiers’ meals in the field to kids’ juice drinks in the minivan — flexible packaging is big business.

Clemson, already a leader in packaging science, is making sure South Carolina gets in on this innovative market.

Flexible packaging is the fastest-growing segment of packaging. It’s driven by consumer desire for packages that are safer, more easily handled and less space-consuming in disposal. And it’s needed by products with stronger flavors and aromas that require improved barrier protection. Flexible packaging is also better suited to storage and preparation of family-size or individual servings.

Clemson’s packaging science department, nationally known for its research and successful graduates, has joined with industry leaders to open the new one-of-a-kind Center for Flexible Packaging.

Located on campus in Newman Hall, the center has a threefold mission. “First is teaching,” says director Robert Kimmel. “The center provides enhanced laboratory experiences for students.”

Second is research, which involves developing, applying and evaluating advanced flexible packaging materials and processes. And third, the center serves the industry, offering a wide range of services including preparation of films, laminates and packages, filling and thermal processing, and flexible package evaluation.

“We also will provide training and equipment demonstrations,” says Kimmel. “We know of no other academic facility that offers such a broad range of capabilities.”

The center, completed last summer, was made possible through more than $900,000 in grants, contributions and in-kind donations, about 95 percent of which came from the flexible packaging industry. New funding will come entirely from industry membership fees.

Clemson is one of only four universities — the only one in the Southeast — offering a four-year program leading to a bachelor’s degree in packaging science. It continues to boast greater than 95 percent placement of its graduates into the packaging industry. Nine companies already have agreed to be supporting members. Other companies have shown strong interest in using center facilities or sponsoring research. Membership commitments from 35 to 40 companies are expected by the end of the third year of operation.

One of the unique features of the center is that supporting members can use 100 percent of their membership fees to purchase center services. Other membership categories recognize donors and those who support proprietary research projects.

“Needs drive change,” says Ron Thomas, chairman of Clemson’s packaging science department. “Whether it’s fear of terrorism or making food more appealing, packaging technology is evolving rapidly, and Clemson is in the midst of that evolution.”

Clemson is one of four universities — the only one in the Southeast — offering a four-year program leading to a bachelor’s degree in packaging science. It continues to boast greater than 95 percent placement of its graduates into the packaging industry.

“The department has been instrumental in supporting several new S.C. businesses using shelf-stable packaging,” says Kimmel. “The new center features a state-of-the-art retort for testing and developing safe cooking conditions for these packages.”

“Needs drive change. Whether it’s fear of terrorism or making food more appealing, packaging technology is evolving rapidly, and Clemson is in the midst of that evolution.” — Ron Thomas,  chairman of Clemson’s packaging science department These innovations are a few of many taking place in the packaging industry. According to the Flexible Packaging Association figures from last year, packaging is a more than $100 billion business, based on gross sales figures, and the third largest industry in the United States. More people work in packaging and packaging operations than any other business area in the nation.

In addition to food applications, flexible packaging is also important for custom-designed film structures for pharmaceuticals, medical devices and other nonfood consumer and industrial products.

The center provides a direct way for companies to partner with Clemson. The core of activities and new laboratories will enhance opportunities for other, non- industrial partnerships as well as support the University’s advanced materials emphasis area. With its focus on applied research and application development directed toward flexible packaging, the center supplements activities of other programs and centers on campus, especially the Center for Advanced Engineering Fibers and Films.

The packaging center will also enhance international collaboration opportunities. Discussions have been initiated with the Faraday Packaging Partnership in the United Kingdom, which guides British government funding to joint industry-academic research programs in packaging. Clemson’s packaging science department has strong ties to three Korean universities, and the center will provide facilities for scaling-up work in environmentally friendly biopolymers and edible polymers that’s central to the Korean programs.

For more information about the Center for Flexible Packaging, call (864) 656-6534 or email kimmel@clemson.edu. For more information about Clemson’s packaging science program, call (864) 656-5697 or email rthms@clemson.edu.