Flexible Packaging Minor

The flexible packaging minor addresses flexible containment systems, one of the fastest growing segments of the packaging materials industry. The manufacturing and use of flexible containment systems requires specific expertise and knowledge of appropriate technology for implementation. Flexible pouches and containment systems are considered more sustainable for replacing glass bottles and jars, plastic bottles, and metal cans. They use materials more efficiently and reduce the weight and costs associated with physical distribution activities.

Students learn about the sustainability performance of flexible packaging by studying product lifecycle from a societal, environmental, and economic impact as they design and manufacture more environmentally friendly flexible container systems. The minor enhances employment opportunities in industries such as consumer goods, health care, and the various food industries. Students with interests in engineering, engineering technology, printing, manufacturing and safety, product marketing, industrial design, logistics, and other related fields can benefit from the minor.

Notes about this minor:

• This minor is closed to students majoring in packaging science.
• Posting of the minor on the student's academic transcript requires a minimum GPA of 2.0 in the minor.
• Notations may appear in the curriculum chart below outlining pre-requisites, co-requisites, and other curriculum requirements (see footnotes).
• At least nine semester credit hours of the minor must consist of specific courses not required by the student’s degree program.

The plan code for Flexible Packaging Minor is FLXPACK-MN.