As we close out 2025, ICPF proudly celebrates 40 years of promoting education and careers in the corrugated packaging industry. That’s four decades of collaboration, innovation, and shared commitment to developing the next generation of leaders. What began as a collective vision to build a stronger workforce has grown into a powerful partnership between industry and education that continues to adapt and thrive, especially over the past three years.
Throughout this anniversary year, ICPF has remained focused on advancing the priorities outlined in our Strategic Road Map—strengthening existing programs, expanding our outreach efforts, increasing awareness of the industry, and evaluating new opportunities for impact. These guiding pillars continue to shape our direction and ensure that every initiative we launch moves the industry forward.
In 2025, we deepened our partnerships with universities and corporate allies through the University Awards Program and sponsorships, providing new equipment, software, and funding to enhance research, strengthen coursework, and connect students with industry professionals. We also proudly joined Harris Packaging to celebrate the opening of the Harris Packaging Design and Innovation Hub and the Joe Harris Packaging Production Lab at the University of Texas–Arlington—a shining example of collaboration in action.
ICPF introduced several new resources this year to support the recruitment and development of a talented labor force, including the Workforce Development Report, a quarterly publication designed to share actionable insights and best practices for attracting and retaining talent. Additionally, through our new partnership with The Packaging School, we launched a scholarship program enabling students outside of traditional packaging majors to complete the Certificate of Mastery in Packaging Management program—broadening the reach and diversity of the industry’s talent pipeline in the Midwest, Northeast, and Southeast regions of the U.S.
Our outreach initiatives also expanded significantly. In partnership with Project Learning Tree, we released Thinking Outside the Box: Exploring Careers in Corrugated Packaging, a new activity collection for K–12 educators that brings our industry’s innovation and emphasis on sustainability to classrooms nationwide. In 2025, we introduced this customized resource to environmental educators across multiple states and grade levels. We also continued our collaborative efforts with SkillsUSA and the Manufacturing Institute, reaching new students and educators through interactive lessons, communications, conferences, and events. ICPF is eager to build on these efforts in 2026 through an expanded partnership with SkillsUSA.
This year, we also honored the late Jeffrey Schwarz as the 29th inductee into ICPF’s Circle of Distinguished Leaders. The outpouring of generosity from across the industry, totaling more than $320,000 in contributions, reflects the unity and spirit that continue to define our community.
As we celebrate this milestone year, I’m pleased to share that the ICPF Board of Directors has approved a new three-year strategic plan, building upon our foundation’s past success while setting an ambitious course for the future. The plan focuses on deepening workforce development efforts, expanding educational partnerships, and continuing to position ICPF as a leader in connecting industry knowledge with opportunity.
Forty years in, our mission has never been clearer and our impact never stronger. Together, we will continue to inspire, educate, and empower the next generation to drive the corrugated packaging industry forward.
Thanks,
Caitlin Salaverria
ICPF President
