Strengthening Packaging Education: PMMI
Foundation Donates to MSU School of Packaging
Through the PMMI U Skills Fund
May 13, 2025
At Plastipak, we believe that investing in People, Products, and our Planet is the foundation of a more sustainable and innovative future. That’s why we’re proud to highlight the PMMI Foundation’s recent commitment to the next generation of packaging leaders.
Plastipak’s donation combined with matching funds through the PMMI U Skills Fund — the charitable arm of PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies — has contributed over $100,000 to the Michigan State University (MSU) School of Packaging in 2025. This investment reflects a shared mission to build a stronger talent pipeline for the packaging and processing workforce.
The MSU School of Packaging, the first program of its kind in the United States, has long been a driving force in packaging education and innovation. MSU is a founding member of PMMI’s Education Partner Program and actively engages with industry leaders at PACK EXPO events.
“The MSU School of Packaging appreciates our partnership with PMMI. The incredible breadth of member companies not only provides a direct link to partners with practical knowledge and expertise regarding processes and machinery, PMMI’s generous matching program, and its flexibility in use, has enabled us to meet varied and many needs as they arise,” said Laura Bix, Ph.D., associate dean for graduate studies, MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and interim director and professor, School of Packaging. “I am confident in the tangible benefit that this support provides now and into the future.”
“Michigan State University has been a trusted partner in shaping the future of packaging for many years. We’re proud to continue supporting their efforts to empower the next generation of packaging professionals. This investment reflects our shared commitment to driving innovation and strengthening connections between students and industry,” said Jim Pittas, president & CEO of PMMI.
Plastipak is also proud to stand alongside PMMI in supporting MSU’s School of Packaging and its mission.
“We are thrilled to support Michigan State University’s School of Packaging in its efforts to expand and elevate its research and educational programs,” said Ed Morgan, President and CEO, Plastipak. “This investment in the future of packaging and recycling innovation reflects our commitment and advocacy for fostering the next generation of leaders dedicated to advancing sustainable solutions. By increasing the capability and capacity for groundbreaking research and collaboration, we are helping to shape the future of packaging and recycling for years to come.”
At Plastipak, we champion initiatives that foster innovation, advance sustainability, and invest in people. The PMMI Foundation’s gift to the MSU School of Packaging is a powerful example of how industry collaboration can inspire the next generation and ensure that packaging continues to evolve to meet the world’s needs.
About Plastipak Packaging, Inc.
Plastipak Packaging, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Plastipak Holdings, Inc., is a world leader in the design and manufacture of high-quality, rigid plastic containers for the food, beverage, and consumer products industries. Plastipak is also a leading recycler of rigid plastic packaging, producing food-grade post-consumer recycled resin for inclusion in new packaging. Plastipak operates more than 40 sites in the United States, South America and Europe, with a total of over 6,500 employees. Its customers include some of the world’s most respected and recognized consumer brands. Plastipak is also a leading innovator in the packaging industry, holding more than 420 United States patents for its state-of-the-art package designs and manufacturing processes. In addition, Plastipak licenses various packaging technologies around the world. Plastipak was founded in 1967 and is headquartered in Plymouth, Michigan. Additional information about Plastipak can be found at www.plastipak.com.
Statements in this press release concerning Plastipak’s intentions, expectations or predictions about future results or events are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements reflect management’s current expectations or beliefs, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to vary from stated expectations, which variations could be material and adverse. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the time made, and the Company assumes no obligation to publicly update any such statements.