Packaging engineering

Packaging engineering, also "package engineering", is a broad topic ranging from design conceptualization to product placement. All steps along the manufacturing process, and more, must be taken into account in the design of the package for any given product. Packaging engineers must interact with Research & Development, Manufacturing, Marketing, Graphic Design, Regulatory, Purchasing, Planning and so on. The package must sell and protect the product, while maintaining an efficient, cost-effective process cycle.

Packaging engineering consulting is a growing area of expertise as the field of packaging engineering expands. More and more companies are turning to packaging consultants to come up with ideas for new package designs, better ways to protect a product, or simply conduct package testing. This fairly new service helps to alleviate some of the high costs and time constraints associated with hiring an actual consultant to come in and work for a company where it may not be possible to hire a new employee.

Some packaging engineers have backgrounds in other engineering disciplines while some have college degrees specializing in this field.

The oldest specialized packaging degree program started at Michigan State University in the Fall of 1952. Since its beginning, the Michigan State School of Packaging has conferred 5,400 Bachelor of Science degrees and 200 Master degrees. Other schools with large notable packaging programs include Clemson University and San Diego State University. Students in a packaging program typically being with generalized science, business, and engineering classes before progressing into industry specific topics such as shelf life stability, labeling regulations, distribution testing, packaging machinery, and tamper evidence.

References: Institute of Packaging Professionals, www.iopp.org Michigan State University http://packaging.msu.edu/