Virginia Tech to host global packaging research conference

Virginia Tech’s Packaging Systems and Design will host a major international research conference at the Hotel Roanoke from June 9–15.

The 32nd Members Conference of the International Association of Packaging Research Institutes (IAPRI) — themed “The Future of Packaging is Circular” — recognizes Virginia Tech as a global leader in sustainable packaging research.

This marks the first time Virginia Tech has hosted the conference. It is being held in the United States for the first time since 2013. 

Attendees will include IAPRI members from 16 countries and 21 universities, alongside researchers from Virginia Tech, 10 other U.S. universities, and multiple companies.

Omar Asali ’92, a Pamplin College of Business graduate and CEO of Ranpak, will deliver the keynote, “AI Meets Packaging,” on Tuesday, June 10. His talk precedes “Long Live Plastic!” by Yunil Hwang, CEO of CJ America.

Four Virginia Tech graduate students will present their research during the conference.

“We’ll have presentations on the latest research and valuable networking between researchers and sponsoring companies,” said Associate Professor Laszlo Horvath, director of the Center for Packaging and Unit Load Design.

Horvath called the event prestigious for its global reach and its focus on innovation in an industry vital to nearly every sector.

“It’s a big deal for our program,” Horvath said. “IAPRI includes the world’s top packaging programs, and hosting the meeting gives us tremendous visibility in packaging research.”

“We’ll also bring attendees to Blacksburg to see our facilities — a great chance to showcase how far we’ve come.”