Six packaging programs participated in this year’s competition: Cal Poly State University, Clemson University, Purdue University Calumet, Rutgers University, University of Florida and Virginia Tech.
Purdue Calumet’s team (Armando Cabrera, Jr., Florin Mustata, Aminov Parvizsho and Thaddeus Wleklinski) earned second place in the contest, a $2,000 scholarship to share; and third place went to Clemson’s team of Richard George, Raj Navalakha, Colin Mitchell and Mackenzie Lussier. The Clemson team will share $1,000.
Judges came from a range of consumer packaged goods companies, and spent the better part of the day considering the entries. Chris Baker, Teva; Travis Powell, Schreiber Foods, Inc.; Greg Lewis, Chattem; Jeff Russell, Pepsi Beverages Company; Mark Wright, Keurig; and Dave Villeneuve, DRV Coaching & Consulting, Inc.
However, all the teams will have a second chance for accolades in a brand new People’s Choice Awards.
“The judges had a very difficult job, and you have the opportunity to see what they faced,” Ostertag said. “The teams’ poster presentations are on display in the Education and Workforce Development Pavilion, just outside the Upper South Hall. Attendees can vote for their favorites and be entered to win an iPad.”
The “People’s Choice” winner will be announced after PACK EXPO.
