Center for Packaging and Unit Load Design

The Center for Packaging and Unit Load Design

CPULD is one of the leading pallet / packaging testing and research facilities in the United States. Using state-of-the-art technology, we research every aspect of the material handling system from primary packaging all the way through unit load design.

Learn More About Us Here...

The Pallet Lab

Our vision is to be the hub of packaging innovation
where researchers, students, and industry professionals
work together to improve the efficiency of the supply chain.

Testing Services

Research

Short Courses

Current CPULD News:

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Investigating the Impact of Pallet Design on Plastic Pail Performance , article
Palletized unit loads are fundamental to the supply chain. These distribution systems, composed of pallets, packaging, and unit load stabilizers, play a critical role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of logistics operations. While significant research has been conducted on corrugated boxes used in palletized loads, the behavior of plastic pails under similar conditions has remained largely unexplored. Plastic pails, widely used for transporting various liquid and solid materials, introduce unique challenges due to their structural characteristics and load distribution behavior. CPULD’s graduate student, Mary Paz Alvarez, conducted research focused on the interactions between plastic pails and pallet components, particularly the effects of pallet top deckboard thickness and pail location, with the aim of improving pallet design for safer and more sustainable transport of pails.
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Exploring the Durability of Wooden Pallets: Insights from the Field and FasTrack Simulation Testing , article
The durability of wooden pallets is a critical factor in determining their overall performance and longevity within supply chains. As pallets are subjected to repeated handling and transportation, their ability to withstand wear and tear directly impacts their usefulness and, ultimately, supply chain efficiency. Predicting the durability of pallets offers valuable insights into potential maintenance costs, replacement schedules, and environmental impacts through the reduction of waste. CPULD’s graduate student Jorge Masis conducted research to correlate the damages observed in wooden pallets used in real-world conditions with those observed in controlled testing using Virginia Tech’s FasTrack simulation. By subjecting pallets to controlled, repeatable conditions, FasTrack allows researchers to replicate and predict the damages that might occur over the lifespan of a pallet.
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Thank you to CPULD Membership & Annual Update on Graduate Students and Research , article
As the summer closes, CPULD would like to take a moment to express our sincere gratitude for our members’ ongoing support of our Packaging Program and the research being conducted here at Virginia Tech. Their collaboration plays a pivotal role in enabling us to provide top-tier education for undergraduates, create enriching opportunities for graduate students pursuing M.S. and Ph.D. degrees, and conduct innovative research on pallets and distribution packaging. The 2023-2024 academic year was marked by a series of achievements for both our students and research teams, underscoring CPULD’s commitment to academic excellence and innovation in the field of packaging science. Throughout the year, we supported six graduate students pursuing their M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. Each of these students brought unique perspectives and skills to the program, contributing to various research projects that were critical to advancing the field.

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CPULD Announcements:

IAPRI

Learn more about CPULD and the VT Packaging Program hosting the 32nd IAPRI Member's Conference being held at the Hotel Roanoke!

Student Spotlight:

Erin

Erin Wolter, Master's Student

The objective of Erin's research is to continue investigating the intensity and types of impacts that forklifts exert on pallets during material handling. The results of this study will be used to update the durability testing procedures used in pallet testing standards in order to better represent current material handling processes found in supply chains.

Learn more about Erin's research...

Member Spotlight:

NWPCA Logo

The National Wooden Pallet and Container Association (NWPCA) is the largest organization of packaging professionals in the world - with more than 670 member companies in 28 countries who manufacture, repair and distribute pallets and wood packaging in unit load solutions, or who supply products and services to the industry.

Learn more about the National Wooden Pallet and Container Association!