Packaging Leaders Training Program (PackLead)
About the Program
The packaging industry in Canada is on a growth trajectory, with over 55.8 billion units in 2023. With well over 50% of these units being made of flexible and rigid plastic and 38% of Canada’s plastic waste originating from packaging, there is an increasingly urgent demand for sustainable and innovative packaging solutions across all sectors, especially food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods.
The PackLead NSERC CREATE training program directly addresses these challenges and opportunities by delivering an interdisciplinary training program focused on new packaging materials, packaging designs, packaging-product interactions, circular packaging solutions, environmental-economic impact analysis, and consumer research. With a focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion, the program consists of four pillars:
- Integrated Training Courses on Packaging Materials, Processes, and Applications
- Policy, Supply Chain Management, and Entrepreneurship Workshops
- Applied Internships
- Micro-Credential Professional Development Courses led by PackLead trainees.
PackLead bridges the gaps in Canada’s current packaging training, where specialized degrees or coordinated research clusters have been lacking. The program provides students with a well-rounded education and training in materials science, biochemistry, engineering, marketing, and policy innovations, and equips them to tackle the multifaceted challenges of sustainable packaging solutions. With hands-on experience, mentorship, interdisciplinary skills development and industry internships, the trainees will be prepared to drive the future of packaging innovation that promotes sustainability and Canada’s economic growth.
Trainees will be trained across five sub-clusters
We acknowledge the support of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).
Cette recherche a été financée par le Conseil de recherches en sciences naturelles et en génie du Canada (CRSNG).