Gift supports student innovation and technical education at nation’s first packaging school.

PMMI Foundation Donates $100,000 to Michigan State University's School of Packaging

Gift supports student innovation and technical education at nation's first packaging school.
Herndon, Virginia; July 23, 2025 - The PMMI Foundation, the charitable arm of PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, has donated over $100,000 to the Michigan State University (MSU) School of Packaging in 2025 through the PMMI U Skills Fund. This investment underscores a longstanding partnership focused on strengthening the pipeline of skilled professionals entering the packaging and processing workforce.

The MSU School of Packaging — the first program of its kind in the United States — plays a pivotal role in packaging education. MSU is a founding member of PMMI's Education Partner Program and regularly engages with the industry by participating in PACK EXPO events.
"The MSU School of Packaging appreciates our partnership with PMMI. The incredible breadth of member companies not only provides a direct link to partners with practical knowledge and expertise regarding processes and machinery, PMMI's generous matching program, and its flexibility in use, has enabled us to meet varied and many needs as they arise," says Laura Bix, Ph.D., associate dean for graduate studies, MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and interim director and professor, School of Packaging. "I am confident in the tangible benefit that this support provides now and into the future."

PMMI's commitment to packaging education extends beyond financial support. Through the PMMI U Skills Fund, the Foundation empowers schools with the resources, technology, and industry connections needed to prepare students for successful careers in packaging, processing, and manufacturing.

"We are proud to continue our support of Michigan State University, a valued, longtime partner in developing the next generation of packaging professionals," says Kate Torrence, director, workforce development, PMMI. "MSU's impact on our industry is profound, and we can't wait to see how this investment helps accelerate student innovation and industry collaboration for years to come."

For more information about the PMMI Foundation and its efforts to support education in packaging and processing, visit www.pmmi.org/foundation.

About the PMMI Foundation
The PMMI Foundation, a charitable foundation of PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, supports packaging and processing education. Its mission is to attract, develop, and retain a workforce for the packaging and processing industry. The Foundation works to raise funds and aid education programs across the U.S. and Canada. For more information, visit pmmifoundation.org.

About PMMI
PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, represents more than 1,000 manufacturers and suppliers of equipment, components, and materials as well as providers of related equipment and services to the packaging and processing industry. We work to advance a variety of industries by connecting consumer goods companies with manufacturing solutions through the world-class PACK EXPO portfolio of trade shows, leading trade media, and a wide range of resources to empower our members. The PACK EXPO trade shows unite the world of packaging and processing to advance the industries they serve: PACK EXPO International, PACK EXPO Las Vegas, PACK EXPO East, PACK EXPO Southeast, EXPO PACK México, and EXPO PACK Guadalajara. PMMI Media Group connects manufacturers to the latest solutions, trends and innovations in packaging and processing year-round through brands including Packaging World, ProFood World, Healthcare Packaging, OEM, Contract Manufacturing and Packaging, and Mundo EXPO PACK. PMMI Business Drivers assist members in pursuing operational excellence through workforce development initiatives, deliver actionable business intelligence on economic, market, and industry trends to support members' growth strategies, and actively connect the supply chain throughout the year.

Learn more at pmmi.org and packexpo.com and pmmimediagroup.com.

About MSU School of Packaging
Housed within the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the MSU School of Packaging consistently earns top rankings in its field. It was established in 1952 and was the first school of packaging in the United States. Today, it is the largest packaging program in the country, with over 600 undergraduate and graduate students and 10,000 alumni worldwide. The school graduates 40% of all the packaging professionals in the U.S. alone. You can learn more about the School of Packaging here.