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Center for Packaging and Unit Load Design

The Center for Packaging and Unit Load Design

CPULD is one of the leading pallet / packaging testing and research facilities in the United States. Using state-of-the-art technology, we research every aspect of the material handling system from primary packaging all the way through unit load design.

The Pallet Lab

the pallet lab

 
Our vision is to be the hub of packaging innovation
where researchers, students, and industry professionals
work together to improve the efficiency of the supply chain.
 

Current CPULD News:

  • Article Item
    Sean Hobbs and Yash Mansharamani presented for CPULD at the NWPCA Leadership Conference!
    Sean Hobbs and Yash Mansharamani presented for CPULD at the NWPCA Leadership Conference! , article

    CPULD graduate students, Sean Hobbs and Yash Mansharamani, both gave presentations about their ongoing research projects at the National Wooden Pallet and Container Association (NWPCA) Annual Leadership Conference in Fort Worth, TX earlier this year. The NWPCA holds multiple events a year with the goal of facilitating connections between research institutions and the packaging/pallet industry.

  • Article Item
    Register now for the Advanced Packaging Dynamics short course on October 3rd-5th!
    Register now for the Advanced Packaging Dynamics short course on October 3rd-5th! , article

    CPULD is partnering with the Lansmont Corporation to offer an Advanced Packaging Dynamics short course. This 2.5-day short course will be held in person on October 3rd-5th, 2023 in Blacksburg, VA. Attendees will learn the principles of shock and vibration, field data collection practices, sensor selection, laboratory simulations of field data, and how to use the obtained information to optimize the packaging and eliminate damage. By the end of the course, the attendees will be able to collect field data, analyze the collected data, and set up laboratory simulations.

  • Article Item
    CPULD receives new vacuum sealing equipment donated by PAC Machinery and PMMI!
    CPULD receives new vacuum sealing equipment donated by PAC Machinery and PMMI! , article

    CPULD is excited to continue expanding and upgrading our labs! A big thank you goes to PAC Machinery and PMMI who have recently donated an industrial vacuum sealer for our students! This equipment will enhance our ability to conduct research and provide a first-class education! With the growing demand for innovative and sustainable packaging solutions, it is important that our students gain hands-on experience with all technologies used in the industry.

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Student Spotlight:

Saewhan Kim

Saewhan Kim

Saewhan Kim, PhD Student

Saewhan Kim recently graduated with his Masters from CPULD and was accepted to continue his research through a PhD! Saewhan's research focuses on the mechanical interactions between unit load components such as pallets and corrugated boxes, and the environmental benefits of packaging optimization methods using these mechanical interactions. He is also analyzing the environmental impact of a wide range of packaging types.

Member Spotlight:

NWPCA Logo

The National Wooden Pallet and Container Association (NWPCA) is the largest organization of packaging professionals in the world - with more than 670 member companies in 28 countries who manufacture, repair and distribute pallets and wood packaging in unit load solutions, or who supply products and services to the industry.

CPULD spotlighted by Virginia Tech!

 

Center Members:

CHEP

CHEP

NWPCA

NWPCA

Monoflo

Monoflo

Litco

Litco

White and Co

White and Co

Neopal

Neopal

UFP

ufpi