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.

Learn More About Us Here...

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.

Testing Services

Research

Short Courses

Current CPULD News:

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IKEA Requires Rigorous Testing Processes for Corrugated Boards: Ensure Quality and Sustainability with CPULD Labs , article
As a global leader in home furnishings, IKEA is known not only for its affordable home goods and furniture designs but also for its quality standards. One key component of IKEA’s supply chain is corrugated board packaging. From flat-pack boxes to protective shipping materials, corrugated board plays a vital role in ensuring that IKEA’s products arrive safely to millions of homes worldwide. To guarantee the highest quality and sustainability standards, IKEA subjects its packaging materials, particularly corrugated board, to rigorous testing procedures. There are only a select few laboratories authorized to conduct these specialized tests; Virginia Tech's Center for Packaging and Unit Load Design (CPULD) stands as one of only four certified labs in the world, making it a crucial partner in IKEA’s mission for excellence.
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PalletOne partnered with CPULD at Virginia Tech & White and Company to offer Wood Pallet Design and Performance: A short course to teach industry leaders pallet design skills , article
Last week, PalletOne, a UFP Packaging company, partnered with CPULD at Virginia Tech and White and Company, LLC to successfully hold Wood Pallet Design and Performance, a training event for industry professionals seeking to enhance their expertise in pallet and unit load optimization. Participants came from across the United States, underscoring the widespread need for specialized training that the Center for Packaging and Unit Load Design provides. The course was specifically designed for PalletOne, and this marks the fourth year in a row that they have collaborated with Virginia Tech for their employee training. This longstanding partnership highlights PalletOne’s dedication to providing their teams with top-tier educational opportunities, further establishing VT’s CPULD as a trusted resource in the field of pallet and unit load design.
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CPULD Team Building Retreat Strengthens Collaboration and Communication , article
On Friday, November 1st, the CPULD team gathered for an impactful day of team building and personal growth. The afternoon's main session was led by Andras Vissi, a seasoned professional with extensive experience in teaching team-building skills to corporate teams. Andras facilitated a series of personal presentations and interactive exercises that encouraged each of us to share more about our backgrounds and perspectives. Through these activities, we learned more about each other’s unique skills and strengths, which are essential to fostering a collaborative environment. Each exercise had a meaningful lesson behind it, touching on essential workplace skills such as communication, leadership, and the ability to work effectively across diverse personalities and roles.

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CPULD Announcements:

IAPRI

Learn more about CPULD and the VT Packaging Program hosting the 32nd IAPRI Member's Conference being held at the Hotel Roanoke!

Student Spotlight:

Erin

Erin Wolter, Master's Student

The objective of Erin's research is to continue investigating the intensity and types of impacts that forklifts exert on pallets during material handling. The results of this study will be used to update the durability testing procedures used in pallet testing standards in order to better represent current material handling processes found in supply chains.

Learn more about Erin's research...

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.

Learn more about the National Wooden Pallet and Container Association!