MSU School of Packaging
The MSU School of Packaging, founded in 1957 as the world's first university-based packaging program, offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, professional short courses, and fee-based packaging testing within Michigan State University's College of Agriculture & Natural Resources. It serves students, industry R&D partners, and the research community.
- Company typePublic
- Founded1957
- HeadquartersEast Lansing, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What MSU School of Packaging does
The MSU School of Packaging, established in 1957 as the world's first university-based packaging program, is an academic department within Michigan State University's College of Agriculture & Natural Resources. It offers undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees (including the recently launched MS Packaging Leadership for Professionals), non-degree short courses, and packaging testing services, while conducting applied and fundamental research in sustainable packaging, materials science, and food safety. The school's product portfolio spans the MS Packaging Leadership for Professionals graduate program, undergraduate and graduate degree programs, the NewProductWorks innovation initiative, the Packaging Resource and Study Center, fee-based Packaging Testing Services, and the ongoing Packaging 2.0 building renovation.
The school is funded through a combination of tuition revenue, Michigan state appropriations, federal and state research grants, corporate research contracts, fee-based testing services, and private donations — most notably a historic $47 million gift from Chuck and Jackie Frasier announced in April 2026, the largest gift in the school's history. Its go-to-market is sales-led across three primary segments: prospective students (undergraduate, graduate, and working professionals), industry partners (corporate R&D collaboration, talent recruitment, testing services via the Innovation Center), and the broader research community. It runs an active digital presence across YouTube, Twitter/X, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, supplemented by PR coverage in outlets such as MSU Today, Produce Grower, Packaging Tech Today, and IFT publications.
Recent strategic activity includes a new director appointment (Dr. Brian Via, 2026), a collaboration with the Apple Manufacturing Academy in Detroit, the Packaging 2.0 infrastructure expansion, and faculty research that has produced recyclable solutions for multilayer plastics and identified packaging materials with 70% lower emissions than alternatives. The school maintains a top-ranked global brand position and is part of MSU AgBioResearch's broader research infrastructure, with director George Smith stepping down in August 2026 to become dean at the University of Arizona.
MSU School of Packaging firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- MSU School of Packaging
- Legal name
- Michigan State University School of Packaging
- Website
- https://packaging.msu.edu
- Company type
- Public
- Founded year
- 1957
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- The MSU School of Packaging, founded in 1957 as the world's first university-based packaging program, offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, professional short courses, and fee-based packaging testing within Michigan State University's College of Agriculture & Natural Resources. It serves students, industry R&D partners, and the research community.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
MSU School of Packaging industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Higher Education — Packaging Science
- NAICS
- Packaging and Labeling Services (561910)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Higher Education Digital Courseware & Modules (EDAGAEAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Sustainability Testing, Certification & Compliance (LCA, Recyclability/Compostability Testing, FSC/PEFC) (IMALAMAK), Paper & Paperboard Packaging Converting & Finishing (Die-Cutting, Gluing, Windowing, Coating) (IMALACAL)
Keywords
Where MSU School of Packaging is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- East Lansing
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
MSU School of Packaging business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Tuition and State Funding: Public university school funded through tuition revenue from degree programs and Michigan State University state appropriations
- Research Grants and Contracts: Funded through federal and state research grants, corporate research contracts, and MSU AgBioResearch funding
- Private Donations: Major gifts such as the $47M gift from Chuck and Jackie Frasier for building renovation and program development
- Testing Services Revenue: Fee-based packaging testing services for industry clients
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels5 records
MSU School of Packaging product offering
Product offeringCore offering
MSU School of Packaging is an academic department within Michigan State University that delivers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in packaging science, supported by applied research and fee-based packaging testing services for industry clients. It also runs short courses and professional development (including the new MS Packaging Leadership for Professionals) and operates the Packaging Resource and Study Center and NewProductWorks innovation program for students and corporate partners.
Product overview
MSU School of Packaging is an academic institution offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs in packaging science. The school's product portfolio includes degree programs (Undergraduate Degrees, Graduate Degrees, and the new MS Packaging Leadership for Professionals), research initiatives (NewProductWorks, Packaging Resource and Study Center), professional education (Short Courses), testing services (Packaging Testing Services), and infrastructure programs (Packaging 2.0 building renovation). As the top-ranked School of Packaging, it provides comprehensive packaging education, research, and industry collaboration.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- NewProductWorks: Innovation center and corporate engagement initiative at the School of Packaging focused on bringing research to market.
Products and services
- Undergraduate Degree Programs in Packaging Science
- Graduate Degree Programs in Packaging Science
- MS Packaging Leadership for Professionals New graduate degree program targeted at working packaging professionals seeking leadership development skills, delivered as part of the School of Packaging's professional education portfolio.
- Packaging Testing Services Fee-for-service testing and validation of packaging materials and systems for industry clients, supporting product development and certification needs.
- Short Courses and Professional Development Non-degree short courses, workshops, and professional development offerings for working industry professionals seeking continuing education in packaging.
- NewProductWorks Innovation and new product development program under the School of Packaging focused on bringing packaging research to market through industry collaboration.
- Packaging Resource and Study Center On-campus educational resource center providing hands-on access to packaging materials and technologies for student learning and study.
Quantifiable outcome
- 70% lower emissions with certain packaging materials compared to alternatives
Companies that use MSU School of Packaging
Customer profileSegments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
MSU School of Packaging technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
MSU School of Packaging partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Three partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- Apple Manufacturing AcademycoreCollaboration between Apple and Michigan State University bringing packaging systems and decision modeling expertise to the Apple Manufacturing Academy in Detroit. Faculty members Steven Gray and Euihark Lee provide hands-on expertise helping small and midsize businesses adopt advanced manufacturing technologies.
- MSU AgBioResearchcoreAgricultural biosecurity research partnership within Michigan State University's research infrastructure, with Director George Smith leading until August 2026 when he steps down to become dean at University of Arizona.
- Innovation Center - Corporate EngagementcoreMSU Innovation Center provides corporate engagement services connecting industry partners with the School of Packaging for R&D partnerships, talent recruitment, and collaborative research initiatives.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
MSU School of Packaging competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Smithers: Smithers is a leading commercial provider of packaging testing, certification, and materials science services that directly competes with MSU's Packaging Testing Services for industry clients seeking validation and compliance testing.
- Clemson University: Clemson operates the Sonoco Institute of Packaging Design and Graphics, one of the most prominent university packaging programs in the U.S., directly competing with MSU for students, faculty, and corporate research partnerships in packaging science.
- University of Wisconsin-Stout: UW-Stout has historically operated a B.S. in Packaging program with a similar industry-facing curriculum and corporate testing focus, positioning it as a direct educational peer to MSU School of Packaging in the Midwest.
- Rochester Institute of Technology: RIT offers a B.S. in Packaging Science and is a leading U.S. packaging program, making it a direct peer in delivering packaging education, applied research, and corporate testing services comparable to MSU's offerings.
Others
- PMMI: PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, is an industry association that supports packaging education and workforce development, complementing MSU's mission by setting industry standards and providing student programs.
- Institute of Packaging Professionals (IoPP): IoPP is a professional association for packaging professionals that overlaps with MSU's industry engagement, offering certifications, networking, and continuing education adjacent to the School of Packaging's programs.
Broad incumbents
- Intertek: Intertek provides broad-based testing and certification services including for packaging materials, competing with MSU's testing services as part of a much wider portfolio spanning multiple industries and product categories.
- SGS: SGS is a global testing, inspection, and certification company that competes with MSU's testing services in packaging and broader materials validation, though it operates across many industries rather than specializing in packaging.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
MSU School of Packaging social profiles
Digital presenceMSU School of Packaging financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
MSU School of Packaging leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
MSU School of Packaging funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
MSU School of Packaging M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about MSU School of Packaging
What does MSU School of Packaging do?
MSU School of Packaging is an academic department within Michigan State University that delivers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in packaging science, supported by applied research and fee-based packaging testing services for industry clients. It also runs short courses and professional development (including the new MS Packaging Leadership for Professionals) and operates the Packaging Resource and Study Center and NewProductWorks innovation program for students and corporate partners.
Is MSU School of Packaging a public or private company?
MSU School of Packaging is a public company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was MSU School of Packaging founded?
MSU School of Packaging was founded in 1957. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is MSU School of Packaging based?
MSU School of Packaging is headquartered in East Lansing, United States, in the North America region.
How does MSU School of Packaging make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Tuition and State Funding is the primary driver. The others are research Grants and Contracts, private Donations and testing Services Revenue.
Who are MSU School of Packaging's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Smithers, Clemson University, University of Wisconsin-Stout and Rochester Institute of Technology. Others are PMMI and Institute of Packaging Professionals (IoPP). Broad incumbents are Intertek and SGS.
Does MSU School of Packaging have an API?
No public API is recorded for MSU School of Packaging.
What industry is MSU School of Packaging in?
MSU School of Packaging's product category is Higher Education — Packaging Science. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAGAEAB, Higher Education Digital Courseware & Modules, with a secondary code of IMALAMAK, Sustainability Testing, Certification & Compliance (LCA, Recyclability/Compostability Testing, FSC/PEFC). Its NAICS code is 561910 and its SIC code is 8200.