What's Happening?
The University of Southern Indiana (USI) and Amcor have initiated a collaborative project aimed at providing students with practical experience in consumer packaging while addressing industry challenges. This partnership will commence with a semester-long project in spring 2026, involving seven students from various disciplines such as engineering, manufacturing technology, and art and design. These students will work alongside four faculty mentors and industry experts from Amcor to develop practical packaging solutions. The project will focus on building a business case, value proposition, and proof of concept for specific packaging solutions. Amcor specialists will guide the students through product development, design, marketing, and sustainability,
with Amcor leaders reviewing and providing feedback on the final projects.
Why It's Important?
This collaboration is significant as it bridges the gap between academia and industry, providing students with real-world experience and enhancing their employability. For Amcor, it represents an opportunity to tap into fresh ideas and innovative solutions from the next generation of professionals. The partnership also strengthens the regional talent pipeline, ensuring that local industries have access to a skilled workforce. By involving students from diverse fields, the project encourages interdisciplinary approaches to problem-solving, which is crucial for developing comprehensive and sustainable packaging solutions. This initiative highlights the role of educational institutions as innovation engines that contribute to regional economic development.
What's Next?
As the project progresses, students will continue to refine their packaging solutions with input from Amcor experts. The collaboration is expected to extend beyond the initial semester, potentially leading to ongoing partnerships between USI and Amcor. This could result in further opportunities for students to engage in industry-relevant projects, enhancing their skills and career prospects. Additionally, successful packaging solutions developed through this initiative may be implemented by Amcor, benefiting their operations and customers. The partnership may also inspire similar collaborations between other universities and industries, promoting innovation and workforce development on a broader scale.
