Cincinnati, OH-based ProAmpac, a global leader in flexible packaging and material science, has partnered with Western Michigan University (WMU), a top North American institution in fiber technologies and recycling, to advance the development of fiber-based, sustainable-packaging solutions. The partnership will bolster ProAmpac’s “Fiberization of Packaging®” strategy, which aims to deliver curbside recyclable and compostable alternatives to traditional packaging.

“The partnership with Western Michigan University supports ProAmpac’s material science team on developing innovative fiber-based technologies,” says Hesam Tabatabaei, senior vp-global product development and innovation at ProAmpac. “WMU’s expertise in fiber manufacturing and broad range of capabilities will help accelerate our ability to deliver fiber-based packaging that meets growing market demand for curbside recyclable and compostable solutions. It also enables us to proactively address Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations with scalable, science-based innovation.”

ProAmpac is integrating this new university collaboration into its growing global network of academic partners focused on material and food science. These alliances enhance the company’s research capabilities and directly support ProAmpac’s ProActive Sustainability® and ProActive Intelligence® platforms, which foster innovation across all product categories and reinforce its commitment to a circular economy.

“We’re excited to partner with ProAmpac to advance fiber-based packaging innovation,” adds Dr. Kecheng Li, chair, TAPPI fellow, of WMU. “By combining our fiber expertise and barrier coating with ProAmpac’s material science leadership and global commercial scale, we can accelerate the development of more sustainable and recyclable packaging solutions.”