Thank you to CPULD Membership & Annual Update on Graduate Students and Research

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.

Among these six students, three M.S. and one Ph.D. candidate successfully defended their thesis & dissertations, an accomplishment that reflects their hard work and intellectual rigor. Their research projects not only expanded their own expertise but also added valuable knowledge to the broader academic and professional communities. CPULD is proud of their achievements and confident that their contributions will leave a lasting impact on the industry.

In addition to celebrating the success of our graduates, we were thrilled to welcome two new M.S. students into our program this August. Sakib Mohammad Shadman and Jacob Hall have quickly immersed themselves in our ongoing research initiatives and have begun working on projects that are supported by our membership. Their fresh ideas and enthusiasm for tackling complex challenges promise to bring new energy to CPULD.

Graduate Student Research Initiatives

Our graduate students immersed themselves in a variety of research initiatives that pushed the boundaries of distribution packaging science. These projects, aimed at enhancing the safety, efficiency, and performance of packaging systems, address some of the most pressing challenges in the logistics and materials handling industries. Our students leveraged advanced technologies and innovative methodologies to improve the way goods are packaged, shipped, and handled across various supply chains.

One of the key research endeavors focused on the development of an instrumented unit load designed to measure and analyze the severity of handling impacts during less-than-truckload (LTL) distribution. LTL systems, where smaller shipments share space in a truck with other orders, often subject goods to more frequent handling, which can increase the risk of damage. This new instrumented load technology provides precise data on how pallets and their contents are affected by forklift maneuvers, allowing for better protection of goods in transit.

Another major initiative involved the evaluation of maximum pallet deflection during forklift handling. Pallet deflection - the bending that occurs when a pallet is lifted - is a critical factor affecting the stability of unit loads. Understanding this deflection helps engineers design more durable pallets that can withstand the rigors of the supply chain. This research provided valuable insights into how different types of pallets perform under various conditions, ultimately contributing to safer and more efficient material handling practices.

In addition, our students worked on the creation of a methodology to quantify the movement of unitized loads during trailer turning and braking events. This research focused on identifying how loads shift during common transportation maneuvers, which can lead to product damage or accidents if not properly managed. The new methodology not only improves our understanding of load behavior during transit but also offers practical guidelines for packaging engineers to develop systems that minimize movement.

Research Initiative’s Key Outcomes

The results of these research initiatives will have far-reaching impacts on the field of packaging science. One of the standout outcomes was the development of a distribution model that quantifies the intensity of impacts experienced by pallets during forklift handling. This model, which captures a wide range of data points on impact severity, is now being proposed for inclusion in the ISO TC-51 and ISO 8611 standards. If adopted, our model could become an industry benchmark, helping to standardize how forklift impacts are measured and ensuring that pallets meet stringent performance criteria.

Additionally, our researchers conducted an evaluation of ISO 8611’s deflection limits for pallets handled by industrial forklifts. They evaluated whether the current deflection limits set by the standard are sufficient for real-world application. Their findings will influence future revisions of ISO 8611, ensuring that the standard remains relevant and accurate for modern material handling environments.

Presenting at Conferences

The success of our research has not gone unnoticed. Our students were invited to present their work at international conferences, gaining recognition from leading experts in the field. Saewhan Kim and Seth Capizzi were asked to share their findings at the International Association of Packaging Research Institutes (IAPRI) annual meeting in Valencia, Spain. This event, which brought together the brightest minds in packaging research, provided a global platform for our students to showcase their innovative work and engage with fellow researchers.

Additionally, Saewhan Kim was also invited to present at the European Packaging Symposium hosted by the International Safe Transit Association (ISTA). His participation in this event highlights the significance of his contributions to the field and underscores Virginia Tech’s role as a leader in packaging research. The impacts of these presentations extend beyond academia, as they provide valuable opportunities for our students to network with industry professionals, exchange ideas, and receive feedback from the experts who are shaping packaging science. These experiences are instrumental in fostering the next generation of packaging researchers, preparing them for successful careers in both academia and industry.

As CPULD continues to grow and evolve, the support we provide to our graduate students remains a cornerstone of our mission. Through mentorship, hands-on learning, and exposure to real-world industry challenges, we strive to equip our students with the tools they need to become leaders in packaging research and innovation.

Hands-On Learning for All Students

CPULD is equally committed to providing meaningful, hands-on learning experiences for our undergraduate students. Recognizing the importance of practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge, CPULD offers opportunities for undergraduates to engage directly in the kind of real-world projects that will prepare them for successful careers in packaging science and related fields. Throughout the 2023-2024 academic year, many undergraduate students were immersed in a variety of experiential learning activities.

These students played an integral role in projects related to pallet testing, and through this involvement, they gained firsthand insight into how different types of materials and designs can impact the structural integrity of pallets. Another area where our undergraduates contributed was in the field measurements of shock and vibration. They helped conduct tests that measured the environmental stresses on packaging systems as products move through the supply chain. Understanding how shock and vibration affect packaged goods is vital to ensuring the protection of products from damage during transit. By working on these projects, students developed key skills in instrumentation, data collection, and analysis - skills that are essential for anyone entering the packaging industry. Furthermore, undergraduates were actively involved in pre-shipment testing across both full truckload and parcel delivery systems. By working on these projects, students learned to navigate the complexities of packaging design, optimizing for factors such as load stability and transportation efficiency.

In addition to specific technical skills, the hands-on learning opportunities provided by the Center also helped students develop problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and critical thinking. By working side-by-side with graduate students and faculty, undergraduates were able to see the direct application of classroom theory to solving tangible industrial problems. They were challenged to think creatively and analytically about packaging solutions, while developing a keen awareness of industry standards, supply chain efficiency, and sustainability.

Overall, the Center’s commitment to hands-on learning reflects our belief that experiential education is essential for developing the next generation of packaging professionals. By providing our graduate and undergraduate students with opportunities to apply their knowledge in real-world settings, we help to ensure that they leave Virginia Tech not only with a solid academic foundation but also with the practical skills and experience needed to excel in a dynamic and fast-evolving industry. As we look to the future, we are excited to continue expanding these opportunities and to further integrate all of our students into the innovative research that defines our program.

Sustaining Progress Through the Membership Program

Our members’ ongoing support and collaboration are essential to the success of our students, faculty, and research initiatives. It is through the Industrial Affiliate Partnership program that we can continue to provide a world-class education to both undergraduate and graduate students, while advancing pioneering research in the fields of packaging and distribution systems.

This past year has been filled with remarkable achievements, and none of them would have been possible without our member’s involvement. From funding research projects to offering feedback and guidance, their contributions directly influence the growth and progress of the program. Our students have not only gained practical skills and knowledge but have also contributed to shaping the future of packaging science, thanks to the memberships’ unwavering support. As we look to the future, we eagerly anticipate continuing to work alongside our members to explore new opportunities and tackle emerging challenges. Together, we will shape the next generation of packaging professionals and drive advancements in the field.

Thank you once again to our members for their partnership and dedication to CPULD’s mission. We look forward to another year of collaboration and progress as we strive to make an even greater impact on the industry we serve.

CPULD Gold Members

• NWPCA
• CHEP

CPULD Silver Members

• White & Co.
• Neopal
• PTM
• Monoflo International
• UFP Packaging
• Orbis

CPULD Bronze Members

• Nelson
• PSI