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.

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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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Thank you to CPULD Membership & Annual Update on Graduate Students and Research , article
As the summer closes, CPULD would like to take a moment to express our sincere gratitude for our members’ ongoing support of our Packaging Program and the research being conducted here at Virginia Tech. Their collaboration plays a pivotal role in enabling us to provide top-tier education for undergraduates, create enriching opportunities for graduate students pursuing M.S. and Ph.D. degrees, and conduct innovative research on pallets and distribution packaging. The 2023-2024 academic year was marked by a series of achievements for both our students and research teams, underscoring CPULD’s commitment to academic excellence and innovation in the field of packaging science. Throughout the year, we supported six graduate students pursuing their M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. Each of these students brought unique perspectives and skills to the program, contributing to various research projects that were critical to advancing the field.
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CPULD and NWPCA Host Successful “Advanced Pallet Design” Short Course , article
CPULD and NWPCA recently hosted the highly successful "Advanced Pallet Design" short course. The 2.5-day program brought together nearly 20 participants from 15 companies, spanning multiple U.S. states and two international locations. This unique program showcased the growing demand for advanced knowledge in pallet design, optimization, and performance. The course was led by Dr. Laszlo Horvath, Director of CPULD, alongside Dr. Brad Gething and Kristen DeLack, PE from NWPCA. Combining their expertise, the instructors delivered in-depth lectures, software training, and hands-on lab activities, offering attendees a well-rounded, practical learning experience.
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Highlight Your Company’s Commitment to Quality with CPULD's New Photography Packages , article
At the Center for Packaging and Unit Load Design, we are excited to offer an exclusive photography package that can now be included with your pallet and packaging testing projects. This new service not only provides visual documentation of the rigorous testing processes your pallet or package undergoes, but it also highlights your partnership with a world-renowned research institution. Imagine the value of having high-quality images of your pallet or package being rigorously tested to international standards by CPULD’s team of experts. These images are more than just snapshots of a process -they serve as visual proof of your dedication to excellence. Every photograph captures the precision and thoroughness of the testing conducted in CPULD labs, and highlights your commitment to meeting safety benchmarks.

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Student Spotlight:

Erin

Jacob Hall, Master's Student

Pallets are ubiquitous in the supply chain with over 2.6 billion in circulation in the United States alone. Although often overlooked, pallets can become costly for a company if not designed correctly for their specific supply chain.

More and more supply chains are using automated equipment to handle pallets and packages. Due to the large variability in sizes of pallets, this automation equipment often has difficulty. The objective of this research is to investigate what sort of automation equipment is used by supply chains and how pallets need to be designed in order to work with the most varieties of equipment.

Learn more about Jacob's research...

Member Spotlight:

CHEP Logo

CHEP is a global provider of supply chain solutions serving the consumer goods, fresh food, beverage, manufacturing and retail sectors in more than 60 countries. CHEP offers a wide range of logistics and operational platforms and support services that are designed to increase performance and lower risk while improving environmental sustainability.

Learn more about CHEP!