Helping lead global packaging innovation

Virginia Tech hosted the 32nd Members Conference of the International Association of Packaging Research Institutes, convening leading researchers, industry experts, and students from across the globe in Roanoke, Virginia.

Organized by the Department of Sustainable Biomaterials, the event centered on the theme, “The Future of Packaging is Circular” and advancing research, education, and implementation in fiber-based, sustainable packaging systems.

This was the first time Virginia Tech hosted the conference and the first time the conference was in the United States since 2013.

“This international conference puts our packaging program on the map,” said Laszlo Horvath, director of the Center for Packaging and Unit Load Design. “It’s a rare opportunity for researchers and sponsors to connect, exchange ideas, and shape the future of sustainable packaging.”

Pamplin College of Business alumnus and Ranpak CEO Omar Asali '92 and gave a keynote address at the conference on the future of artificial intelligence in packaging innovation.