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

What customers say about CPULD:

"The VA Team was pleasant to interact with, efficient, and patient. We have begun sending more products to test since our initial experience as we receive outstanding service!"

“The price of testing was fair and communication was great throughout the whole process.”

"The collaboration with CPULD was excellant. It was a great experience!"

“I am very impressed by the service we receive from CPULD. It’s timely and very professional.”

Current CPULD News:

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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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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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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!