July 3, 2025
AICC, in collaboration with the Packaging School, recently launched the Business Management in Corrugated Packaging (BMCP) certificate program, a first-of-its-kind professional development opportunity crafted for professionals in the corrugated industry. Enrollment is now open for the inaugural cohort, beginning in fall 2025.
This immersive 12–18-month program blends core Master of Business Administration-level business principles with specialized instruction in corrugated packaging, empowering participants to lead confidently in today’s marketplace. Through a rigorous combination of in-person instruction, online coursework, and real-world application, professionals will gain the financial, operational, and strategic insight essential for driving meaningful results in their companies.
Why Enroll in BMCP?
Participants will:
- Master business and packaging strategy—develop leadership, finance, and operational skills tailored to the corrugated industry.
- Get a customized learning experience—choose course paths aligned with personal and professional objectives.
- Engage with industry experts—learn directly from industry professionals and connect with peers in a small, collaborative cohort of five to 10 participants.
- Solve real-world challenges—apply classroom learning to real industry issues through a comprehensive capstone project.
The BMCP program, facilitated by Julie Rice Suggs, Ph.D., begins with an in-person kickoff at the Packaging School in Clemson, South Carolina, where participants meet their cohort and facilitator, establish personal learning goals, and work with an advisor to select their courses. Next, they will complete the Clemson Corrugated Packaging Seminar, a two-day immersive event focused on emerging industry trends, material innovations, and cutting-edge packaging design.
Participants will then move into the program’s core, selecting two courses from each of these modules: Leadership & Strategy, Operations Management, Marketing & Sales, Finance & Business Acumen, and Packaging Design & Innovation. The modules cover topics ranging from corporate strategy and project management to lean manufacturing, safety compliance, and financial forecasting.
The capstone project is a signature element of the program. Participants will apply their learning to a real-world challenge in the corrugated industry, culminating in a formal presentation of their solution to a board of industry leaders, AICC executives, and representatives from their company.
Finally, participants will celebrate their success and be recognized at the AICC National Meeting, where they will receive their certificates.
“The BMCP program is a unique educational experience,” said Mike D’Angelo, AICC president. “It’s designed not only to build business acumen but also to deepen packaging-specific knowledge in ways that matter most to independent converters and their future.”
Applications are now being accepted. Space is limited. Sponsorships are available from the Foundation for Packaging Education, upon request.
Learn more and apply at www.AICCbox.org/businessmanagement. Questions can be directed to Rebecca Rendon, AICC senior manager of education, at 571-629-7613 or rrendon@AICCbox.org, or to Taryn Pyle, AICC director of education and training, at 703-535-1391 or tpyle@AICCbox.org.
