Unboxing Innovation with Clemson University Packaging Science Program
We’ve just wrapped up another exciting year partnering with the graduating seniors from Clemson University’s Packaging Science program – and what a journey it’s been! The 2025 capstone project challenged students to design packaging for a coffee mug, and they delivered creativity, technicality, and a whole lot of passion.
Our brief was simple but ambitious: create packaging for a ceramic mug that could serve both utilitarian and premium needs. From cost-effective, direct-to-consumer shipping solutions to high-end unboxing experiences, the students explored a wide range of design possibilities. We even threw in a curveball: develop a package that could survive a three-story fall. Think egg drop challenge, but with fragile ceramic mugs.
The students rose to the occasion. They iterated, tested, and reimagined their designs multiple times, showing a great deal of ingenuity. Their questions during our check-ins were sharp and insightful, revealing a deep curiosity about how packaging functions across the supply chain. It was inspiring to watch their ideas evolve and their confidence grow.
We were thrilled to attend the final presentations in person this year. The teams were polished, professional, and impressively prepared. They breezed through their demos without a hitch. It’s clear these Clemson students are ready to make waves in the packaging industry.
Sponsoring this capstone project is more than just a partnership, it’s a window into the future of packaging. It keeps us connected to emerging trends, fresh perspectives, and the next generation of talent. We’re proud to share our knowledge and resources with these students and look forward to collaborating with them in even bigger ways down the road.
Here’s to another successful year – and to the bright minds already shaping 2026!