The center will provide enhanced laboratory experiences for students. Flexible packaging materials and processes will be developed, applied, and evaluated. The center will also offer a range of services including preparation of films, laminates, and packages, and filling and thermal processing.
“We will also provide training and equipment demonstrations. We know of no other academic facility that offers such a broad range of capabilities,” says Robert Kimmel, the center’s director.
The center, which will be completed this summer, was financed in part by more than $900ꯠ in grants, contributions, and in-kind donations, about 95% of which came from the flexible packaging industry. New funding will come entirely from industry membership fees.