Packaging Science Bachelor of Science Degree

Packaging Science
Bachelor of Science Degree
- RIT /
- College of Engineering Technology /
- Academics /
- Packaging Science BS
Design and test sustainable packaging for food, medical, and consumer product industries.
Overview for Packaging Science BS
Pursue a Bachelor of Science in Packaging Science at RIT
Gain Real-World Experience: Two blocks of cooperative education provide you with hands-on, full-time paid work experience in the packaging science industry.
Accelerated Degree Option: The opportunity to enroll in a combined bachelor’s/master’s option gives you a competitive advantage in your field.
Career Connections: A packaging career fair connects our packaging science majors with more than 25+ employers in the packaging industry.
Jobs at Industry-Leading Companies: Recent graduates are employed at Tesla, Starbucks, Hasbro, KraftHeinz, PepsiCo, Milwaukee Tool, Revlon, American Packaging Corporation, Colgate-Palmolive, Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies, and more.
Fast Track Your Success: Earn a BS degree and an MBA in as few as five years with our +MBA program.
STEM-OPT Visa Eligible: The STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) program allows full-time, on-campus international students on an F-1 student visa to stay and work in the U.S. for up to three years after graduation.
RIT’s Packaging Science Degree
RIT’s packaging science major is a dynamic major that integrates engineering, creative design, and business to develop and design product packaging for a range of consumer goods. During the conceptualization, design, and development of product packaging, you will learn to weigh factors such as:
- Keeping products safe from damage during transportation, especially in e-commerce.
- Maintaining food freshness and safety.
- Implementing eco-friendly, sustainable practices for post-use recycling and reuse.
- Appealing to consumers at the point of purchase.
- Communicating product information.
- Sustaining transportation efficiency.
Explore Our Packaging Engineering Curriculum
Our bachelor of science in packaging science is one of the most unique and well-respected in the country. You’ll study course work that combines technology, art, business, and design in these key areas:
- Design: Size, shape, sustainability, graphics, and color all contribute to creating highly marketable packaging designs that are not only innovative but encourage interactivity and interest for the consumer..
- Sustainability: New developments in materials and processes are a growing way for companies to reduce the environmental impact and the ecological footprint of product packaging. Eco-friendly solutions can protect the environment, encourage biodegradable packaging, and ensure post-use recycling and reuse.
- Engineering: with our packaging engineering curriculum, you’ll combine principles of engineering and physics (such as shock, vibration, and compression) with materials science (paper, polymers, glass, metal and other materials) to develop packaging structures and container systems that can protect and sustain products, medical devices, consumer goods and food products during transportation, distribution, display, and purchase.
- Marketing: Engaging consumers, understanding their purchasing behavior, analyzing marketing data and intelligence, and using packaging as a marketing tool can all impact the success of a product. You’ll learn the business and marketing side of packaging, through courses in marketing, communication, consumer behavior, and more.
Hands-On Experience to Gain Real-World Skills
The packaging science degree also includes:
- Extensive laboratory work: Explore packaging solutions and tackle real-life problem-solving in hands-on lab assignments that take place in state-of-the-art facilities.
- Two blocks of cooperative education: RIT’s packaging science degree is the only program in the country that requires its students to complete cooperative education, allowing them to gain real-world experience and broaden their industry contacts through paid cooperative education and internships.
Packaging Science Industry Advisory Board
The Industry Advisory Board contributes professional and technical expertise to the packaging science degree, which strengthens and develops the curriculum to reflect the dynamics and growth of the industry.
Furthering Your Education in Packaging Science
RIT’s Combined Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Degrees enable you to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in as little as five years of study, all while gaining the valuable hands-on experience that comes from co-ops, internships, research, study abroad, and more.
- Packaging Science BS/Packaging Science MS: In this combined accelerated dual degree you will develop a solid background in packaging science, and with our packaging science MS you will dig deeper and do research in packaging development, sustainable packaging and advanced packaging design. This is perfect for students who would like to both solve current packaging problems and develop new sustainable solutions for the future.
- Packaging Science BS/Materials Science and Engineering MS: Propel your career in packaging innovation with the strategic combination of a BS in packaging science followed by a master's in materials science and engineering. This path equips you with a deep understanding of both the design and functionality of packaging, alongside the expertise to create and optimize the materials used. The packaging science curriculum equips you with essential knowledge of material selection, performance, and sustainability. Building on that foundation, the master's program delves into advanced material properties, processing techniques, and cutting-edge research. With this combined expertise, you'll be uniquely positioned to develop next-generation packaging solutions that are not only functional and aesthetically pleasing, but also utilize innovative materials that address critical challenges like sustainability and performance. Graduates are recruited at companies such as Procter & Gamble, Unilever, Amazon, FedEd, Kraft Heinz, Pepsico, and in a range of industries, including pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers, among others.
- +1 MBA Early Acceptance Pathway: Successful RIT applicants who are offered admission into the BS degree in packaging science as an incoming first-year student may also be offered conditional early acceptance into the +1 MBA Early Acceptance Pathway. This option enables you to earn both your BS degree and an MBA in as little as five years of study. Learn how the +1 MBA Early Acceptance Pathway can help you add a competitive advantage to your studies.
- +1 MBA: Students who enroll in a qualifying undergraduate degree have the opportunity to add an MBA to their bachelor’s degree after their first year of study, depending on their program. Learn how the +1 MBA can accelerate your learning and position you for success. Both MBA options are perfect for students with deeper interest in the marketing, supply chain and business management aspects of packaging.
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Meet us on campus
Learn about academics, co-op and internships, financial aid, and more at one of our on-campus open houses.
October 13 | October 25 | November 8
Careers and Experiential Learning
Typical Job Titles
Packaging Engineer | Packaging Designer | Packaging Development Engineer |
Applications Engineer | Product Engineer | Structural Designer |
Packaging Sales | Sustainable Packaging Engineer | Packaging R&D Engineer |
Industries
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Biotech and Life Sciences
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Consumer Packaged Goods
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Design
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Food and Beverage
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Medical Devices
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Pharmaceuticals
Cooperative Education
What’s different about an RIT education? It’s the career experience you gain by completing cooperative education and internships with top companies in every single industry. You’ll earn more than a degree. You’ll gain real-world career experience that sets you apart. It’s exposure–early and often–to a variety of professional work environments, career paths, and industries.
Co-ops and internships take your knowledge and turn it into know-how. Your engineering co-ops will provide hands-on experience that enables you to apply your engineering knowledge in professional settings while you make valuable connections between classwork and real-world applications.
In the packaging engineering degree, you'll complete two required blocks of co-op. You'll gain extensive career experience through full-time, paid co-op positions in companies that design and develop packaging for cosmetics and health products, pharmaceuticals and medical products, food and beverages, tools and equipment for manufacturing, toys, and other consumer goods, and more. You’ll also develop your professional skills and broaden your industry contacts.
Companies that employ our packaging science students for co-ops include Colgate-Palmolive, CONMED, CooperVision, GlaxoSmithKline, Hammer Packaging, Hasbro, Honda of America Manufacturing, Inc., Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies, Merck & Co., Inc., Milwaukee Tool, PepsiCo, Revlon, and Stanley Black & Decker, to name a few.
Jobs for Packaging Engineers and Packaging Designers
RIT’s packaging engineering degree prepares you for employment in areas such as package development, packaging design, sales, purchasing, structural design, production, research, and marketing. The major was developed as a result of a close and long-established relationship between the packaging industry and RIT. This multi-billion-dollar industry is experiencing dynamic growth and packaging engineers and packaging designers with wide-ranging skills and expertise are in demand.
Packaging Science Career Fair
RIT hosts a packaging science-specific career fair that connects packaging science majors with corporations, organizations, design firms, and more, who hire packaging professionals. During this day-long event, you’ll be able to network with company representatives and interview directly for open co-op and permanent employment positions.
Featured Work and Profiles
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Alumna Brews Success at Keurig Dr Pepper
Anna Valentine ’17 (packaging science) designs and develops packaging for Keurig Dr Pepper and helps with product development.
Read More about Alumna Brews Success at Keurig Dr Pepper -
Packaging students organize Packaging Jamboree national conference
The fourth-year packaging students volunteered to be co-chairs of Packaging Jamboree, the national event that will bring nearly 200 university students, faculty and regional packaging...
Read More about Packaging students organize Packaging Jamboree national conference -
Packaging Science Student places Top 3 in National Competition
Spectrum News highlights the team behind the packaging for Grovey Garlic, a sustainable hexagon-shaped structure created without glue.
Read More about Packaging Science Student places Top 3 in National Competition -
Environmental responsibility in the food sector
Daniel Johnson WXXI talks to professor Daniel Johnson in the Department of Packaging and Graphic Media Science about climate-friendly food sector practices.
Read More about Environmental responsibility in the food sector -
RIT student team named finalists in national packaging design challenge
Students’ packaging design is a top three finalist in the annual Paperboard Packaging Student Design Challenge. The team includes Malena Juif, a fourth-year packaging science student. “You...
Read More about RIT student team named finalists in national packaging design challenge -
Bottling Engineering, Design and Innovation: Lia's Packaging Journey and Co-op with PepsiCo
Lia was initially unsure of her career path then found her calling in RIT’s Packaging Science program. Co-ops with PepsiCo and Southern Champion Tray provided hands-on experience, blending creativity...
Read More about Bottling Engineering, Design and Innovation: Lia's Packaging Journey and Co-op with PepsiCo
Curriculum for 2025-2026 for Packaging Science BS
Current Students: See Curriculum Requirements
Packaging Science BS
The curriculum below outlines the typical course sequence(s) for this program.
First Year | ||
---|---|---|
Fall | Hours | |
CHMG-141 | General & Analytical Chemistry I | 3 |
CHMG-145 | General & Analytical Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
MATH-171 | Calculus A (fulfills General Education: Mathematical Perspective A) | 3 |
PACK-101 | Introduction to Packaging | 1 |
PACK-151 | Packaging Design I | 3 |
UWRT-150 | FYW: Writing Seminar (fulfills General Education: First Year Writing (WI)) | 3 |
YOPS-10 | RIT 365: RIT Connections | 0 |
Hours | 14 | |
Spring | ||
MATH-172 | Calculus B (fulfills General Education: Mathematical Perspective B) | 3 |
MEDG-106 | Microbiology of Health And Disease (fulfills General Education: Scientific Principles Perspective) | 3 |
PACK-152 | Packaging Design II | 3 |
General Education: Artistic Perspective | 3 | |
General Education: Ethical Perspective | 3 | |
Hours | 15 | |
Second Year | ||
Fall | ||
CHMG-201 | Introduction to Organic Polymer Technology | 3 |
PACK-211 | Packaging Metals & Plastics | 3 |
PACK-212 | Packaging Paper & Glass | 3 |
STAT-145 | Introduction to Statistics I | 3 |
General Education: Global Perspective | 3 | |
Hours | 15 | |
Spring | ||
CHMG-123 | Chemistry of Materials | 3 |
PACK-311 | Containers I | 3 |
PACK-95 | Career Seminar | 0 |
PACK-312 | Containers II | 3 |
STAT-146 | Introduction to Statistics II | 4 |
General Education: Social Perspective | 3 | |
Hours | 16 | |
Summer | ||
PACK-499 | Cooperative Work Experience | 0 |
Hours | 0 | |
Third Year | ||
Fall | ||
MKTG-230 | Principles of Marketing | 3 |
PACK-421 | Packaging for Distribution | 3 |
General Education: Immersion 1 | 3 | |
General Education: Elective | 3 | |
Select one of the folllowing Environmental Electives: | 3 | |
Concepts of Environmental Science | ||
Sustainable Food Systems | ||
Environment and Society | ||
Environmental Policy | ||
Hours | 15 | |
Spring | ||
MAAT-402 | Graphic Media and Packaging Business Practices | 3 |
PACK-430 | Packaging Regulations | 3 |
PACK-470 | Food Packaging | 3 |
PACK-471 | Packaging Supply Chain | 3 |
PHYS-111 | College Physics I (fulfills General Education: Natural Science Inquiry Perspective) | 4 |
Hours | 16 | |
Summer | ||
PACK-499 | Cooperative Work Experience | 0 |
Hours | 0 | |
Fourth Year | ||
Fall | ||
PACK-422 | Dynamics and Protective Packaging | 3 |
General Education: Immersion 2 | 3 | |
Open Elective | 3 | |
Packaging Elective | 3 | |
Select one of the following Printing Electives: | 3 | |
Gravure and Flexography | ||
Digital Print Processes | ||
Package Printing | ||
Hours | 15 | |
Spring | ||
PACK-481 | Packaging for Marketing and End Use | 3 |
Packaging Elective | 3 | |
General Education: Immersion 3 | 3 | |
Open Electives | 6 | |
Hours | 15 | |
Total Hours | 121 |
Notes:
- All students pursuing a bachelor’s degree are also required to complete two different Wellness courses.
Packaging Science BS / MS Dual Degree
The curriculum below outlines the typical course sequence(s) for this program
First Year | ||
---|---|---|
Fall | Hours | |
CHMG-141 | General & Analytical Chemistry I | 3 |
CHMG-145 | General & Analytical Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
PACK-101 | Introduction to Packaging | 1 |
PACK-151 | Packaging Design I | 3 |
MATH-171 | Calculus A (fulfills General Education: Mathematical Perspective A) | 3 |
UWRT-150 | FYW: Writing Seminar (General Education – First Year Writing (WI)) | 3 |
YOPS-10 | RIT 365: RIT Connections | 0 |
Hours | 14 | |
Spring | ||
MATH-172 | Calculus B (fulfills General Education: Mathematical Perspective B) | 3 |
MEDG-106 | Microbiology of Health And Disease (fulfills General Education: Scientific Principles Perspective) | 3 |
PACK-152 | Packaging Design II | 3 |
General Education: Artistic Perspective | 3 | |
General Education: Ethical Perspective | 3 | |
Hours | 15 | |
Second Year | ||
Fall | ||
CHMG-201 | Introduction to Organic Polymer Technology | 3 |
PACK-211 | Packaging Metals & Plastics | 3 |
PACK-212 | Packaging Paper & Glass | 3 |
STAT-145 | Introduction to Statistics I | 3 |
General Education: Global Perspective | 3 | |
Hours | 15 | |
Spring | ||
CHMG-123 | Chemistry of Materials | 3 |
PACK-95 | Career Seminar | 0 |
PACK-311 | Containers I | 3 |
PACK-312 | Containers II | 3 |
STAT-146 | Introduction to Statistics II | 4 |
General Education: Social Perspective | 3 | |
Hours | 16 | |
Summer | ||
PACK-499 | Cooperative Work Experience | 0 |
Hours | 0 | |
Third Year | ||
Fall | ||
MKTG-230 | Principles of Marketing | 3 |
PACK-421 | Packaging for Distribution | 3 |
General Education: Immersion 1 | 3 | |
Select one of the folllowing Environmental Electives: | 3 | |
Concepts of Environmental Science | ||
Sustainable Food Systems | ||
Environment and Society | ||
Environmental Policy | ||
General Education: Elective | 3 | |
Hours | 15 | |
Spring | ||
MAAT-402 | Graphic Media and Packaging Business Practices ((WI-PR)) | 3 |
PACK-430 | Packaging Regulations | 3 |
PACK-470 | Food Packaging | 3 |
PACK-471 | Packaging Supply Chain | 3 |
PHYS-111 | College Physics I (fulfills General Education: Natural Science Inquiry Perspective) | 4 |
Hours | 16 | |
Summer | ||
PACK-499 | Cooperative Work Experience | 0 |
Hours | 0 | |
Fourth Year | ||
Fall | ||
Select one of the following Printing Electives: | 3 | |
Gravure and Flexography | ||
Digital Print Processes | ||
Package Printing | ||
General Education: Immersion 2 | 3 | |
Open Elective | 3 | |
Open Elective | 3 | |
Packaging Graduate Elective 1 1 | 3 | |
Hours | 15 | |
Spring | ||
PACK-481 | Packaging for Marketing and End Use | 3 |
PACK-783 | Advanced Packaging Dynamics 2 | 3 |
Undergraduate Packaging Elective | 3 | |
General Education: Immersion 3 | 3 | |
Open Elective | 3 | |
Hours | 15 | |
Fifth Year | ||
Fall | ||
GRCS-701 | Research Methods | 3 |
PACK-742 | Distribution Systems | 3 |
Packaging Graduate Elective 1 | 3 | |
Packaging Graduate Elective 2 | 3 | |
Hours | 12 | |
Spring | ||
PACK-730 | Packaging and the Environment | 3 |
PACK-763 | Packaging for End Use | 3 |
Select one of the following: | 6 | |
Research Thesis | ||
Graduate Project ( and 1 Packaging Graduate Elective) | ||
Comprehensive Examination ( and 2 Packaging Graduate Electives) | ||
Hours | 12 | |
Total Hours | 145 |
Notes:
- All students pursuing a bachelor’s degree are also required to complete two different Wellness courses.
- 1
This course fulfills an Undergraduate Packaging Elective 1 in the BS program
- 2
The course fulfills PACK-422 Dynamics and Protective Packaging in the BS program
Packaging Science BS / Materials Science and Engineering MS Dual Degree
The curriculum below outlines the typical course sequence(s) for this program.
First Year | ||
---|---|---|
Fall | Hours | |
CHMG-141 | General & Analytical Chemistry I | 3 |
CHMG-145 | General & Analytical Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
MATH-171 | Calculus A (fulfills General Education: Mathematical Perspective A) | 3 |
PACK-101 | Introduction to Packaging | 1 |
PACK-151 | Packaging Design I | 3 |
UWRT-150 | FYW: Writing Seminar (General Education: First Year Writing (WI)) | 3 |
YOPS-10 | RIT 365: RIT Connections | 0 |
Hours | 14 | |
Spring | ||
MATH-172 | Calculus B (fulfills General Education: Mathematical Perspective B) | 3 |
MEDG-106 | Microbiology of Health And Disease (fulfills General Education: Scientific Principles Perspective) | 3 |
PACK-152 | Packaging Design II | 3 |
General Education: Artistic Perspective | 3 | |
General Education: Ethical Perspective | 3 | |
Hours | 15 | |
Second Year | ||
Fall | ||
CHMG-201 | Introduction to Organic Polymer Technology | 3 |
PACK-211 | Packaging Metals & Plastics | 3 |
PACK-212 | Packaging Paper & Glass | 3 |
STAT-145 | Introduction to Statistics I | 3 |
General Education: Global Perspective | 3 | |
Hours | 15 | |
Spring | ||
CHMG-123 | Chemistry of Materials | 3 |
PACK-95 | Career Seminar | 0 |
PACK-311 | Containers I | 3 |
PACK-312 | Containers II | 3 |
STAT-146 | Introduction to Statistics II | 4 |
General Education: Social Perspective | 3 | |
Hours | 16 | |
Summer | ||
PACK-499 | Cooperative Work Experience 1 | 0 |
Hours | 0 | |
Third Year | ||
Fall | ||
Select one of the folllowing Environmental Electives: | 3 | |
Concepts of Environmental Science | ||
Sustainable Food Systems | ||
Environment and Society | ||
Environmental Policy | ||
MKTG-230 | Principles of Marketing | 3 |
PACK-421 | Packaging for Distribution | 3 |
General Education: Elective | 3 | |
General Education: Immersion 1 | 3 | |
Hours | 15 | |
Spring | ||
MAAT-402 | Graphic Media and Packaging Business Practices (WI-PR) | 3 |
PACK-430 | Packaging Regulations | 3 |
PACK-470 | Food Packaging | 3 |
PACK-471 | Packaging Supply Chain | 3 |
PHYS-111 | College Physics I (fulfills General Education: Natural Science Inquiry Perspective) | 4 |
Hours | 16 | |
Summer | ||
PACK-499 | Cooperative Work Experience 1 | 0 |
Hours | 0 | |
Fourth Year | ||
Fall | ||
Select one of the following Printing Electives: | 3 | |
Gravure and Flexography | ||
Digital Print Processes | ||
Package Printing | ||
PACK-422 | Dynamics and Protective Packaging | 3 |
MTSE Graduate Elective 1 2,3 | 3 | |
General Education: Immersion 2 | 3 | |
Open Elective 1 | 3 | |
Hours | 15 | |
Spring | ||
PACK-481 | Packaging for Marketing and End Use | 3 |
MTSE Graduate Elective 2 2,4 | 3 | |
General Education: Immersion 3 | 3 | |
Open Elective 2 | 3 | |
Open Elective 3 | 3 | |
Hours | 15 | |
Fifth Year | ||
Fall | ||
MTSE-601 | Materials Science | 3 |
MTSE-704 | Theoretical Methods in Materials Science and Engineering | 3 |
MTSE Graduate Elective 3 2 | 3 | |
MTSE Graduate Elective 4 2 | 3 | |
Hours | 12 | |
Spring | ||
MTSE-705 | Experimental Techniques | 3 |
Select one of the following Culminating Experiences: | 9 | |
Graduate Project (plus two (2) MTSE Graduate Electives) 5 | ||
Research & Thesis 6 | ||
Hours | 12 | |
Total Hours | 145 |
Notes:
- All students pursuing a bachelor’s degree are also required to complete two different Wellness courses.
- In this dual degree program, 6 credits from the graduate program are double-counted because they also fulfill degree requirements in the undergraduate program.
- 1
Students must complete two blocks of cooperative education in addition to coursework.
- 2
Approved Electives comprise graduate courses offered by programs in the College of Science, Kate Gleason College of Engineering, Golisano Institute for Sustainability, School of Individualized Studies and the Saunders College of Business. See below for additional approved electives.
- 3
This course fulfills a Packaging Elective in the BS program.
- 4
This course fulfills a Packaging Elective in the BS program.
- 5
Students who select Project as their Culminating Experience must complete MTSE-777 Graduate Project and two additional Graduate Electives.
- 6
Students who select Thesis as their Culminating Experience must complete 9 credits of MTSE-790 Research & Thesis.
Approved MTSE Graduate Electives
Approved Electives comprise graduate courses offered by programs in the College of Science, Kate Gleason College of Engineering, Golisano Institute for Sustainability, School of Individualized Studies and the Saunders College of Business. Prerequisites for all Approved Electives include Graduate Standing and may require permission of instructor.
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
MTSE-602 | Polymer Science | 3 |
MTSE-617 | Material Degradation | 3 |
MTSE-632 | Solid State Science | 3 |
MTSE-704 | Theoretical Methods in Materials Science and Engineering | 3 |
MTSE-780 | Theory of Microsensors and Actuators | 3 |
MTSE-799 | Independent Study | 1-4 |
Admissions and Financial Aid
This program is STEM designated when studying on campus and full time.
First-Year Admission
First-year applicants are expected to demonstrate a strong academic background that includes:
- 4 years of English
- 3 years of social studies and/or history
- 3 years of math is required and must include algebra, geometry, and algebra 2/trigonometry. Pre-calculus is preferred.
- 2-3 years of science. Chemistry or physics is required and biology is recommended.
- Technology electives are preferred.
Transfer Admission
Transfer applicants should meet these minimum degree-specific requirements:
- A minimum of college algebra is required. Pre-calculus or calculus is preferred.
- Chemistry or physics is required.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
100% of all incoming first-year and transfer students receive aid.
RIT’s personalized and comprehensive financial aid program includes scholarships, grants, loans, and campus employment programs. When all these are put to work, your actual cost may be much lower than the published estimated cost of attendance.
Learn more about financial aid and scholarships
Accreditation
Resources
Access Resources for students including academic advisors, student clubs and organizations, documents, technical information and support, and software help.
Related News
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April 17, 2025
Alumna brews success at Keurig Dr Pepper
Anna Valentine ’17 (packaging science) is acquiring a rich package of skills as a principal scientist on the Research and Development Breakthrough Development team at Keurig Dr Pepper.
-
April 4, 2025
Packaging science students organize Packaging Jamboree national conference
Lia Grammer and Julia Carreras found that juggling the logistics of a major student conference in the middle of a busy academic season is proving to be both exciting and challenging.
-
December 2, 2024
RIT packaging science student places top 3 in national competition
Spectrum News highlights the team behind the packaging for Grovey Garlic, a sustainable hexagon-shaped structure created without glue.
Contact
- Yanelys Alvarado
- Senior Staff Specialist
- Department of Packaging and Graphic Media Science
- College of Engineering Technology
- 585‑475‑2278
- ycamet@rit.edu
Department of Packaging and Graphic Media Science