Packaging Course

Lesson 1 • Core Functions of Packaging

Defines the four primary functions: contain, protect, communicate, and convenience. Links each function to real supply chain outcomes.

Lesson 2 • Key Stakeholders in Packaging

Maps the roles of brand owners, converters, retailers, and consumers. Clarifies how stakeholder needs drive packaging decisions.

Lesson 3 • Packaging Levels and Systems

Distinguishes primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging and their interdependence. Builds a systems view essential for later design decisions.

Lesson 4 • History and Evolution of Packaging

Traces packaging from ancient containers to modern systems. Provides context for understanding why current standards and materials exist.

Lesson 1 • Paper and Paperboard Materials

Covers grades, manufacturing processes, and performance properties of paper-based substrates. Connects material choice to structural and print requirements.

Lesson 2 • Material Testing and Specification

Introduces standard tests for tensile strength, barrier, and seal integrity. Teaches students to read and write material specifications.

Lesson 3 • Flexible and Composite Structures

Explores laminated pouches, aseptic cartons, and multi-material formats. Addresses barrier engineering and end-of-life complexity.

Lesson 4 • Plastic Resins and Films

Examines commodity and engineering resins, film structures, and forming methods. Links resin selection to barrier, clarity, and sealing needs.

Lesson 1 • Structural Mechanics for Packaging

Covers compression, stacking, and drop forces acting on packages. Provides the mechanical foundation for material and geometry decisions.

Lesson 2 • Prototyping and Iteration

Guides students through hand-cut mockups, CAD modeling, and rapid prototyping. Emphasizes iterative testing before tooling commitment.

Lesson 3 • Rigid Container Design

Addresses bottle, jar, and tray geometry for plastic, glass, and metal. Links shape to filling, sealing, and stacking performance.

Lesson 4 • Design Process and Brief Development

Introduces the stage-gate design process and how to translate a product brief into design criteria. Establishes a disciplined workflow for all subsequent design work.

Lesson 1 • Tamper Evidence and Security

Reviews induction seals, shrink bands, and void labels as tamper-evidence mechanisms. Connects security features to consumer safety and brand trust.

Lesson 2 • Performance Testing Standards

Introduces internationally recognized test protocols for drop, vibration, and climate simulation. Teaches students to design and interpret package performance tests.

Lesson 3 • Cushioning and Shock Absorption

Covers foam, molded pulp, and air-based cushioning systems and their selection criteria. Links fragility ratings to cushion thickness and material choice.

Lesson 4 • Barrier and Preservation Packaging

Addresses moisture, oxygen, light, and odor barriers for food, pharma, and electronics. Teaches modified atmosphere and desiccant strategies.

Lesson 1 • Mandatory Labeling Requirements

Covers legally required information such as ingredient lists, nutrition facts, and allergen declarations. Teaches compliant layout without sacrificing design quality.

Lesson 2 • Brand Identity on Pack

Translates brand guidelines into three-dimensional packaging surfaces. Ensures consistency across SKUs and packaging formats.

Lesson 3 • Print Processes and Color Management

Compares flexography, offset, gravure, and digital printing for packaging. Links process selection to substrate, run length, and color accuracy.

Lesson 4 • Artwork Preparation and File Handoff

Teaches dieline integration, bleed setup, and preflight checks for production-ready files. Reduces costly errors at the prepress stage.

Lesson 1 • Pharmaceutical Packaging Compliance

Addresses child-resistant, senior-friendly, and tamper-evident requirements for drug packaging. Links compliance to patient safety and market authorization.

Lesson 2 • Compliance Auditing and Documentation

Teaches audit checklists, supplier questionnaires, and technical file assembly. Builds the documentation skills needed for regulatory inspections.

Lesson 3 • Extended Producer Responsibility

Explains EPR schemes, packaging taxes, and take-back obligations affecting brand owners. Prepares students to assess EPR cost and compliance implications.

Lesson 4 • Hazardous Goods Packaging Rules

Introduces classification, marking, and performance testing for dangerous goods packaging. Covers transport regulations for road, air, and sea modes.

Lesson 1 • Sustainable Material Selection

Compares recycled content, bio-based, and compostable materials on performance and impact. Guides students through trade-off analysis for real applications.

Lesson 2 • Life Cycle Assessment Fundamentals

Introduces LCA methodology, system boundaries, and impact categories relevant to packaging. Enables evidence-based material and process comparisons.

Lesson 3 • Design for Recyclability

Applies design guidelines to maximize material recovery in existing recycling streams. Addresses material compatibility, inks, and adhesives that hinder recycling.

Lesson 4 • Packaging Reduction Strategies

Covers source reduction, lightweighting, and right-sizing to minimize material use. Balances reduction goals against protection and consumer experience.

Lesson 1 • Supplier Selection and Management

Covers RFQ processes, supplier evaluation criteria, and ongoing performance management. Links supplier capability to packaging quality and delivery reliability.

Lesson 2 • Project Scoping and Planning

Defines project scope, timelines, and resource requirements for packaging development. Introduces Gantt charts and critical path analysis for packaging projects.

Lesson 3 • Cross-Functional Team Coordination

Maps stakeholder roles across marketing, R&D, procurement, and operations. Teaches communication protocols that keep packaging projects on track.

Lesson 4 • Launch Readiness and Post-Launch Review

Covers pre-launch checklists, trial production sign-off, and post-launch performance review. Closes the project loop with structured learning capture.