Spotlight

Teamwork and advanced technology are shaping the future at Virginia Tech

August 17, 2023

PMMI and PAC Machinery have joined forces to enhance the Packaging System and Designs Program at Virginia Tech, a PMMI Education Partner known for its active involvement in events like PACK EXPO tradeshows, marking an exciting phase of hands-on learning and innovation in the packaging field.

As the demand for creative and environmentally friendly packaging solutions continues to grow, Virginia Tech recognizes the importance of providing students with practical experience using tools like vacuum sealers.

The addition of a PAC Machinery vacuum sealer offers Virginia Tech students a platform to gain hands-on experience that mirrors real-world packaging challenges, allowing them to explore the design and development of sustainable packaging solutions. The new technology will help them to understand how vacuum sealing affects product preservation, material selection, and volume optimization. By applying this technology to transportation packaging scenarios, students gain insights into optimizing volume and product impact, preparing them for industries like food and pharmaceuticals, where vacuum sealing plays a pivotal role.

The collaboration between PAC Machinery and PMMI exemplifies how partnerships between schools, industry, and initiatives like the PMMI U Skills Fund help shape packaging education and innovation, driving meaningful change and preparing the next generation of leaders to steer the packaging landscape toward new horizons.

Any PMMI member can achieve similar results for their local schools. The PMMI U Skills Fund serves as a resource to assist in forming meaningful partnerships with local colleges, universities, technical schools, and educational programs. The PMMI U Skills Fund matches your company's contributions, providing support of up to $50,000 per year for education programs in your region.

Whether your goal is to strengthen industry-related programs, engage with STEM summer camps, bring students to PACK EXPO, or invest in the future workforce in various ways throughout the year, the PMMI U Skills Fund is available to help with the financial aspects of these initiatives. For more information and to apply, contact Kate Fiorianti, senior manager, workforce development, PMMI, via email at kate@pmmi.org or by phone at 571.266.4406.