The Center's interdisciplinary research draws on the diverse backgrounds of the faculties of the School of Packaging and the departments of Food Science, Agricultural Engineering, Biomechanics, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Food Engineering, Human Medicine and Statistics, among others. Ten laboratories in the school and other departments are used for research. Our researchers use specialized analysis instrumentation such as mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance, electron microscopy and spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry. Unique force and motion measuring instrumentation in the Department of Biomechanics is in use for package opening research. Benefits to Participating Companies Members have access to a pool of potential employees trained in packaging research techniques.
Members have priority on distribution of all research results.
Member companies have access to highly specialized expertise, facilities and instrumentation in the School and in cooperating departments. Operating Environment Representatives from member companies prioritize research projects and advise the Center's directors on matters related to budget and management. Meetings are held twice a year, when the research staff makes oral and written presentations. Sponsors' representatives offer constructive criticism to the research staff. Every project has a closing date after a year of operation.