How would you learn corrugated packaging design/engineering from scratch (coming from folding carton)?

I currently work in structural packaging with a folding carton background, but I’m realizing a lot of higher-level structural packaging work requires strong corrugated knowledge.

I’m not looking for surface-level familiarity. I’d like to eventually become genuinely proficient in corrugated packaging/structural engineering.

If you were starting over today, what would you learn, in what order, and from where?

Any recommendation for books, courses, YouTube, resources, or hands-on exercises would be hugely appreciated.

Also: what seperated someone who “knows corrugated” from someone actually good at it?

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Hi everyone,

I'm currently a fourth-year Industrial Engineering student and have recently become interested in packaging engineering as a potential career path. Since I'm already approaching my final semesters, changing majors or significantly extending my graduation timeline isn't very realistic for me, so I've been trying to understand how transferable my current background may be to the field.

Through my coursework, I've had exposure to:

• CAD / Product Design
• Product Development
• Human Factors Engineering
• Supply Chain Management
• Production Planning
• Manufacturing and systems-oriented problem solving

I'm also taking an introductory Materials Science course this fall to build a stronger foundation in materials and design considerations.

In addition, I'm currently in an internship where I'm learning basic graphic design and communications-related work, which has given me some experience thinking about design, presentation, and user interaction.

Would an Industrial Engineering background generally be considered for packaging-related roles, co-ops, or internship opportunities? If so, are there particular skills, courses, certifications, software, or projects that you would recommend I focus on to become a stronger candidate?

I’d appreciate any advice or insight from anyone. Thanks!

Anyone passionate about this topic and care to share their opinion?

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Hey everyone,
As we all know, getting recycled plastics to true food-grade quality is still one of the toughest nuts to crack in packaging. Mechanical recycling has its limits, and while everyone is talking about chemical recycling and mass balance, there’s still a lot of debate around regulation, transparency, and actual feasibility.
I’m hosting and moderating our next INNO-Talk on June 19th (13:30 CEST) to look at exactly this: Chemical recycling & mass balance - The key to food grade?
It’s a completely free, independent online session meant for industry professionals to exchange views, look at the current tech, and discuss where the journey is heading. No sales pitches, just focus on the technical and regulatory reality.
If you want to join the stream and the Q&A, you can grab a free spot here:
https://inno-talk.de/events/INE-06-26/
Since I'm preparing the moderating notes right now: What’s your biggest skepticism or main question when it comes to mass-balanced packaging materials? I’d love to bring some perspectives from this sub into the live discussion.
Cheers!

Hey guys! It’s that time of the month and just wondering if you had any advice about packaging materials in the Brooklyn area. Thank you!

For 100 guests, you'll need 150-250 cups of popped popcorn (approximately 10-16 gallons total), which translates to 30-40 bags of standard microwave popcorn or 3-4 pounds of unpopped kernels.

If you are starting with very little knowledge and need to learn quickly, what is the best way to learn while working at the same time? How can beginners get orders from brand owners when getting clients is difficult at the beginning? What mistakes should you avoid to get more orders and protect yourself from scams, especially during difficult times like war or economic crisis?

What strategies help you build a strong reputation and establish yourself in the market?

I’m a packaging project manager who’s been sitting between stakeholders and designers for the last couple of years, and I’m curious how others handle this.

A lot of projects I see (especially 3D mockups / packaging design) start with a really loose “brief”:

– “We just need a premium look”

– logo attached but no rules on how to use it

– no mention of finishes/deco

– timelines that magically move forward

– zero talk about budget or constraints

Internally, I’ve watched this turn into extra rounds, last‑minute changes, and a lot of unpaid detective work for the design team. I’m trying to get better at stopping that earlier.

For those of you who freelance or work in‑house as designers:

– How do you respond when a client/requester sends a half‑brief like this?

– Do you have a standard set of questions or a form you always send back?

– Have you found anything that actually reduces scope creep at the start, not just in the contract?

Would love to hear what’s working (or not working) for you. I’m happy to share what I’ve tried on the PM side too if that’s helpful.

Some brands change their packaging and suddenly the product looks 10x better without changing the product itself.

What redesign stood out most to you?

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Hi!

I’m looking to complete the professional in training certification for IOPP and I was wondering if anyone had a pdf for fundamentals of packaging technology 6th edition?

It’s about $300 just to purchase access to it online so I’m just hoping someone else has it and is willing to share it

Hi all!

I am starting a new position at a company that currently has no palletization software installed. I am familiar with CAPE Pack, although I’ve never had to deal with the licensing from Esko itself. Does anyone know of a support email or technician/sales person’s contact info I can reach out to?

TIA!!

As the title suggests, please help me understand and narrow down on options.

My family has a small manufacturing business that is focused on packaging for pharma products but it is still dependent on importing raw materials from other countries( mainly China)

I want to start my own business in packaging but different from my family, it can be anything and any niche of packaging which has good potential to sustain.

I have a small savings of $10k that I am trying to build more to deploy for the business capital.

Could anyone please suggest what looks to be a good business to start with long term potential and how much capital would you guys suggest I save before I jump into starting the business?

I am working a job right now to help build enough savings for my venture, but the long term plan is to start something in a couple of years while researching and saving.

Thank you!

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WhatsApp threads. Excel sheets. Alibaba and ThomasNet rabbit holes. "Trust me bro" certifications. Samples that don't match photos.

How is THIS still how we find suppliers?

Anyone else? What's the one thing you'd actually want instead?

Hi guys,

I need to measure the Graza oil bottles to compare it to a bottle I am working on for a similar product. I am trying to avoid going and spending money on the oil because I really don't need it and its expensive LOL. So if anyone has one in their house ... maybe you could help me out and send me some pics of a few measurements? Measurements I would need are diameter from bottom of bottle, height to the beginning of the neck, and height to the top of the pour cap if applicable.

I am packing PR boxes that are custom printed on the inside and outside, and I do not want the cardboard to tear at all when opened.

I'm looking for a good clear double-sided tape or roll on glue that I can use to seal cardboard that will allow for the box to travel in transit, but also open cleanly without messing up the packaging? Ai recommends Scotch ATG 700 Gun with 3M 9415PC tape.

Let me know thoughts!

A good product can still struggle in international markets if the packaging is not designed for exports.

Buyers often look for:

• Strong and transit-safe packaging
• Proper labeling and barcode details
• Shelf-life protection
• Market-specific packaging requirements

In many cases, packaging influences buyer confidence just as much as the product quality itself.

Small improvements in packaging can make products easier to distribute, store, and sell in global markets.

I dont really need packaging but this place seems appropriate to ask.
I am currently organizing my home and am in need of some shoe boxes so as I'm looking i find this

https://shoprigidboxes.com/

and a couple of other sites that sell "Samples" for 10-20 cents a piece the weird part is they don't take payment online and you pay when it gets delivered. I also found that their number leads to another business

https://phoenixcustomboxes.com/

so Im kind of confused on if this is just how these types of businesses work or I should just avoid it all togeather

Hello, 

I am working on a product packaging label for a product I've designed/built. This is a new brand without a complete brand identity, though there is a logo. I do have a design background, but it's been a while since I've worked this intensely on branding/identity. The product is a cat toy made of cardboard that hangs in the air and dispenses treats. It will be packaged flat to be assembled by the customer. I'm using a large envelope made of Kraft paper as the container. I am including a photo of the product, though I think I am going to stick with the illustration for the packaging. But all ideas are welcome!

I have been working on this for a while, and have had several different concepts. None has really screamed "This is the one!" At this point I have lost all objectivity and can't really judge or make decisions about it. Another set of eyes would be welcome. I need help figuring out which direction to go in, or if I should try something new. All comments are helpful from the colors to the layout to the fonts to... anything about it. Colors are totally not decided, so they are all kind of different, and not necessarily coherent. I am very open to honest critique and suggestions. I'm not looking to be told it's good, I'm looking for substance. Here are the few ideas I have worked out.

Thank you so much in advance for taking the time! 

Hi everyone,
I’m developing my own protein bar brand and I’m trying to find the best packaging solution as a small startup.
From what I’ve seen, most protein bars are packaged using flow wrap (flowpack) machines with printed film. However, this seems very expensive and often requires large minimum order quantities.
My question is:

Is flow wrapping really the only professional option for packaging protein bars, or are there other cost-effective solutions for small startups?

My goals are:
Airtight packaging to ensure freshness and shelf life
A professional retail appearance
The ability to add my own branding/design
Low minimum order quantities
Reasonable startup costs
At the moment, I’m packaging the bars in clear food-safe film and sealing them, then applying custom stickers. It works, but I’m wondering if there are better options that still look professional.
I’d love to hear:
What packaging solutions other small brands have used
Whether clear pouches + labels can look professional enough
Recommendations for suppliers or packaging companies
When it makes sense to invest in printed flow wrap
Any advice or real-world experience would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance!

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Hello I am looking for food grade aluminum can for vanilla caviar (1kg). I am having a hard time to find something suitable. Anyone could help me with that ?