This competition allows high school students to showcase their skills in teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving. Students dive into every step of the process, from brainstorming and designing to building programming and even field installation. This competition is a real-world, end-to-end test of engineering, manufacturing, and project management skills.
The PACK Challenge was created by PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing, to engage students in STEM skills that are hands-on, practical, and directly applicable to careers in packaging and manufacturing.
With a growing skills gap in U.S. manufacturing, the PACK Challenge gives students the opportunity to develop technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork skills that prepare them for high-demand jobs in the packaging industry—a sector worth over $330 billion annually in North America and projected to continue growing across food and beverage, healthcare, automotive, and other packaging markets.
The PACK Challenge finals take place at PACK EXPO International, in Chicago, IL., the largest packaging trade show in North America. This gives students the ultimate “wow factor,” letting them see firsthand the cutting-edge technology, innovative careers, and exciting industries available in packaging, while connecting with industry leaders who can help shape their future.
To inspire and engage high school students by demonstrating how STEM skills can lead to successful careers in packaging engineering, while building awareness of a rapidly growing packaging industry within North America.
You'll get the freedom to create, the tools to build, and the platform to show the industry what you’re capable of.
Provide a hands-on, real-world learning experience that demonstrates the intersection of science, technology, engineering and math in the packaging industry.
Challenge students to develop unique solutions to complex packaging problems using innovative technologies and sustainable practices.
Strengthen students’ engineering, manufacturing, programming, marketing, and project management capabilities through end-to-end design and execution tasks.
Introduce students to packaging engineering and related careers, inspiring interest in the field through mentorship, exposure to professionals, and showcasing potential career opportunities.
Build relationships between students, educators, and industry professionals to strengthen the pipeline of future talent in the packaging sector.
