Packaging engineering

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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. Package engineering includes industry-specific aspects of industrial engineering, marketing, materials science, industrial design and logistics. 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.

1 Education
2 Seminars and Trade Shows
3 Associations and Organizations
4 Consultants
5 Outsourcing
6 See also
7 External References

[edit] Education

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

Formal packaging programs might be listed as package engineering, packaging science, packaging technology, etc. BS, MS, and PhD programs are available. Students in a packaging program typically begin with generalized science, business, and engineering classes before progressing into industry-specific topics such as shelf life stability, cushioning, labeling regulations, distribution testing, project management, food safety, robotics, RFID tags, Quality management, packaging machinery, Tamper-evident methods, recycling, computer-aided design, etc.

[edit] Seminars and Trade Shows

In a dymanic field, engineers need to keep up with new technology, regulations, and industry trends. Seminars and continuing education programs are available to keep engineers current. Several trade shows and industry events are designed specifically for Packaging Engineers. The largest worldwide show is Interpack which takes place in Düsseldorf Germany. The largest in the USA is PackExpo which rotates its location between Las Vegas and Chicago. Regional IoPP Chapters also have packaging trade shows. Specialized subject shows are also available. Packaging is a dynamic and changing field and engineers need to keep up with new technologies and solutions.

[edit] Associations and Organizations

The largest professional organization for Packaging Engineers in the USA is the Institute of Packaging Professionals, often referred to as IOPP. The group provides professional certifications, authors technical standards, and judges the AmeriStar Package Competition. Thousands of IOPP members attend meetings and courses at the 30 chapter locations spread throughout the United States and Canada. Technical Committees cover a variety of subjects.

The International Safe Transit Association, ISTA, specializes in transport packages and test schedules for their evaluation.

ASTM International has several committees working on packaging related subjects. This includes Committee D10 on Packaging and Committee D6 on Flexible Barrier Materials.

The Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry, TAPPI, specializes in paper related technology.

The National Institute of Packaging, Handling, & Logistics Engineers (NIPHLE) specializes in military and government packaging.

[edit] Consultants

The use of consultants in Package Engineering consulting is increasing. Consultants can be used on specific projects as the demand dictates or used in a specialized area of expertise. 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. IoPP has a Packaging Consultants Council to help coordinate this.

[edit] Outsourcing

Outsourcing of the package engineering function or an entire packaging operation is also increasing. Outsourcing in packaging is a global trend and may include packaging services, contractors, and specific packaging functions. Some all-inclusive outsourcers are known as Packaging Outsource Service Providers (POSPs).

Advantages of outsourcing can include productivity, flexibility, and use of specilized knowledge and equipment.