Co-sponsored by two major international packaging associations: AICC – The Independent Packaging Association and the Fibre Box Association (FBA), the concept of ICPF was initially presented by AICC leader J. Richard Troll in 1985 in an effort to enhance the image of the corrugated industry and, through education and outreach, attract bright, young career-minded people who would contribute to the ongoing creativity and performance of the corrugated packaging industry. Since that time, ICPF has established partnerships with over 25 colleges and universities, placed over $13 million in corrugated equipment and $20 million in design software at educational institutions nationwide, developed online corrugated curricula, promoted jobs openings across the industry, and much more. Over the years, ICPF’s corporate partners have hired hundreds of student interns, new graduates, and job seekers utilizing the foundation’s tools and resources.
In 2024, ICPF made strides to expand the foundation’s outreach efforts to students at all levels of education, established new partnerships, and elevated industry awareness through strategic digital resources. Take a look at some of the year’s highlights:
- Reached over 258,927 unique users across ICPF’s expanded social media channels and gained 67,938 video views.
- Pledged to provide a grant to Ivy Tech Community College awarding up to $50,000 in student scholarships for two newly created corrugated industry Interdisciplinary Workforce Degrees.
- In addition to monthly newsletters, ICPF launched its modernized website, premiered a new industry highlight video, published employer toolkits and recruitment resources, and more.
- Placed equipment and software donations at eight universities while sponsoring student attendance at packaging career fairs and industry events, such as SuperCorrExpo.
- Launched a brand new Corrugated Industry Curricula with five updated video modules and interactive resources to students and university partners.
- Hosted webinars and promoted key workforce solutions to hiring managers and leaders across the industry in partnership with The Manufacturing Institute and other relevant organizations.
Expanded Outreach to Students
In 2024, ICPF expanded its student outreach efforts by engaging with students across various events. On MFG Day, an annual event spearheaded by The Manufacturing Institute, ICPF hosted 36 students from Ceres High School’s MPGT Academy in Modesto, CA, for a box plant tour and competition utilizing corrugated point-of-purchase displays at Pacific Southwest Container. ICPF also co-sponsored a corrugated boat race at Morton West High School in Cicero, IL, offering cash prizes and creating an Employer Toolkit to help companies connect with students. Additionally, ICPF President Caitlin Salaverria highlighted sustainability and women in packaging at the PolyPack Symposium. At Pack Expo in Chicago, ICPF connected with students and faculty, and as an official sponsor of Pack Jam 2024, engaged with packaging students from eight U.S. and Canadian universities. Lastly, ICPF participated in the Rutgers Packaging Engineering Career Fair, sharing career opportunities with aspiring packaging engineers.
Developing New Partnerships
Part of ICPF’s approach to increase awareness of the corrugated packaging industry is working to change the narrative so students at all levels of education learn and know about the many amazing careers that exist. This year, the foundation secured a multi-year partnership with Project Learning Tree, an SFI Initiative through which we’ll develop relevant academic materials that will help introduce current students in grades 3-12 to careers in corrugated packaging. ICPF also spent time exploring industry-specific certificates and tracks at trade schools and community colleges to build the industry’s talent pipeline. From these efforts, we’ve pledged to provide a grant to Ivy Tech Community College awarding up to $50,000 in student scholarships for two newly created corrugated industry Interdisciplinary Workforce Degrees for Machine Operators and Maintenance Technicians.
“Momentum is not a single event; it’s built over time. It’s the result of several things coming together to create a movement that is powerful and, in some contexts, difficult to stop. Our combined industry efforts are gaining speed, and now is the time we push the pedal to the floor. Together, we will make a difference.”
Caitlin Salaverria, ICPF President