Wedoany.com Report on Mar 19th, Packaging solutions provider Amcor has partnered with the University of Southern Indiana (USI) to launch an innovative pilot program that combines experiential learning with hands-on packaging design practice. Coordinated through the USI Applied Research Center, the project aims to tackle industry challenges while providing students with practical opportunities. This semester-long initiative, launched this spring, brings together seven USI students, four faculty mentors, and Amcor professionals to develop practical packaging concepts.
USI President Steven J. Bridges stated, "As a public university, USI is an engine of innovation for our entire region. The collaboration with Amcor demonstrates how external companies can bring complex challenges to campus and leverage the collective talent of our students, faculty, and applied research resources. This is a powerful example of USI helping the community grow, innovate, and succeed."
Todd Pennington, Vice President of Human Resources for Amcor Rigid Packaging Solutions North America (RPSNA), emphasized the company's commitment to innovation and sustainability. He said, "We rethink and redesign solutions to better protect products, people, and the planet. The partnership with USI is a perfect example of this approach." Sustainability is integrated into the core of the learning experience, with the Amcor team providing training on recyclability and sustainable design.
The interdisciplinary nature of the project involves students from all four colleges within USI and its graduate school, enhancing creativity in packaging design. Pennington noted, "Having students from diverse disciplines helps catalyze more creative thinking. Combined with the expertise of the Amcor participants, we look forward to seeing the project outcomes." Students will tackle packaging challenges, focusing on technical concepts for consumer needs, sustainability, and user value.
USI officials stated that the project offers students the opportunity to work directly with a global packaging leader, learning the practical aspects of packaging design, evaluation, and bringing products to market. It also helps students build industry skills, professional networks, and early career pathways.
This collaboration strengthens Amcor's ties to the Evansville, Indiana community. Pennington said, "As a company with a long-standing presence in Evansville, this partnership is even better because it develops in our own backyard. It benefits Amcor, USI, the students, and the broader Evansville community." The project also aims to develop a talent pipeline for packaging innovation, laying the groundwork for future career opportunities.
Amcor plans to measure the program's success through student engagement and idea generation and will continue collaborating with other institutions. As the project unfolds, both Amcor and USI are optimistic about innovative solutions and career opportunities. Pennington concluded, "The goal of the pilot is to see what's possible and how we can learn together."
