FPT00-01: S Perspective on Packaging 

In this module you will learn about the history of packaging, the importance of packaging, the role of packaging and the different facets of the packaging industry.

 

FPT01-01: S Package Development Process 

In this lesson we’ll discuss the package development process and how it is typically managed within an organization. Packaging is a complex endeavor that must be viewed as a part of a larger system, within which every activity has some impact or demand on the package. Departments such as marketing, sales, distribution, legal, quality, warehousing, manufacturing and purchasing have their own particular demands on the package and its design.

 

FPT01-02: S Market Research 

In this lesson you will learn how market research is an important tool and can be critical to the success of a new product. We’ll look at some market study tools that can be used to generate the information that will help bring a product to market successfully.

 

FPT01-03: S Graphic Design

In this lesson we’ll cover the structural and graphic components of a package design, demographics, psychographics, motivational messaging, branding and trademarks. We’ll also discuss brand equity and basic design elements available to a packager, including color, materials, shape, graphics and typography. 

 

FPT02-01: S Color Perception 

In this lesson we’ll discuss the electromagnetic spectrum and visible light. We’ll talk about how color is perceived. You’ll see how addition synthesis and subtraction synthesis work to make other colors. We’ll discuss the terms used to describe colors, and how viewing color is subjective and varies depending on the light source, the object being viewed and the observer. We’ll discuss color measurement and look at reproducing colors. 

 

FPT02-02: S Introduction to Printing 

In this lesson we will discuss the prepress process and the basics of the different printing processes. We’ll look at film, computer and the direct-to-press prepress processes. Halftone and process art development will be discussed. 

 

FPT02-03: S Printing Methods 

In this lesson you’ll learn about the most common printing processes: Flexography, Lithography and Gravure. We will also discuss several package decorating methods: Screen Printing, Hot Stamping, Heat Transfer and Pad Printing. 

 

FPT02-04: S Electronic Product Coding 

In this lesson we’ll discuss the advantages of electronic product coding and introduce you to the different styles of barcoding, including UPC and EAN codes and explore data matrix coding and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), showing you what each one looks like and how it’s used. 

 

FPT02-05: S Labels and Labeling 

In this lesson we’ll discuss labels and labeling. This discussion will cover the different materials that are used to make labels, different types of labels used on packaging, the basics of the equipment used in to apply them. 

 

FPT03-01: S Paper and Paperboard 

In this lesson you’ll learn about cellulose fiber sources and the significance and difference in paper fiber lengths. We’ll discuss the manufacturing of paper and paperboard. You’ll also learn about sizing, bleaching, calendaring and clay coating of paper. 

 

FPT03-02: S Folding Cartons 

In this lesson we’ll explore different paperboard constructions and the carton production process. You’ll learn about carton forming, gluing and closure methods. We’ll also review different carton style designs and how cartons are erected and printed. 

 

FPT03-03: S Corrugated Fiberboard 

In this lesson we’ll explore a brief history of corrugated fiberboard and some basic terminology regarding corrugated measurements including caliper, basis weight and corrugated flute sizes. You’ll also learn about industry standard testing methods, carrier rules and class stamps. The manufacturing process for corrugated fiberboard also will be reviewed. 

 

FPT03-04: S Corrugated Boxes 

In this lesson we’ll discuss corrugated boxes, Regular Slotted Containers (RSC), die-cut boxes and bliss-style boxes. The manufacturing of corrugated boxes and, briefly, their decorating and printing also will be reviewed. 

 

FPT03-05: S Box Compression Strength Workshop 

In this lesson, we’ll discuss box compression strength and the stacking strength of packaging, as well as how humidity, time and pallet patterns affect box compression. 

 

FPT04-01: S Distribution Environment 

In this lesson we will explore what it takes to protect a product through its distribution environment so that it arrives undamaged at its final destination and in the hands of the consumer. We’ll examine how it’s important to not only consider the package design, but also the design of the product itself. 

 

FPT04-02: S Protective Packaging 

In this lesson we’ll cover the science involved in creating packaging that will survive the distribution environment. You’ll learn the physics involved in a falling, or more importantly, involved in the “sudden stop” or “change in direction" of a package that can cause damage. We’ll also discuss how to calculate the cushioning required preventing damage, as well as some of the most popular materials used. 

 

FPT04-03: S Pre-Shipment Testing 

In this lesson we’ll discuss pre-shipment testing procedures and the different methods of distribution testing. We’ll also study the rules and regulations of package testing. 

 

FPT04-04: S Industrial Packaging 

In this lesson you’ll learn about different industrial packaging and how it’s used. We’ll explore the different types of industrial packaging, including boxes, bags, drums and intermediate bulk containers (IBC). We’ll also cover unit loads and common methods of keeping packages together for ease of handling, transport and storage. You’ll also learn about returnable and reusable containers and how they are utilized. 

 

FPT04-05: S Wood Packaging 

In this lesson we’ll discuss wood packaging, its different forms and how they are utilized in the packaging industry. 

 

FPT05-01: S Introduction to Polymers 

In this lesson you will be introduced to the basics of polymers. We’ll cover the basic terminology and definitions used to describe polymers, the raw materials used in the manufacturing of polymers and the makeup of some common polymers. 

 

FPT05-02: S Polymer Chemistry 

In this lesson you will learn about polymers, the process of polymerization and the different properties that affect how a polymer will react in processing. We’ll review the effects that a polymer’s molecular structure, polarity and size have on the permeation and barrier properties of the polymer. 

 

FPT05-03: S Packaging Polymers 

In this lesson we’ll discuss the most common polymers used in packaging, their general properties and their common applications. 

 

FPT05-04: S Polymer Property Comparisons 

In this lesson we’ll compare the properties of different polymers. You’ll learn about their physical properties, such as elasticity, viscosity and viscos-elasticity. We’ll look at Melt Index and melt flow rate and outline how polymers are selected for use, based on the expected temperature ranges involved. You’ll see how chemical additives can modify or improve the properties to polymers. 

 

FPT06-01: S Extruded Films 

In this lesson you will learn about the most common method used to form plastic sheet and simple-profile plastic components. You’ll see the operation of a plasticizing extruder, which is the beginning of any plastic molding process. We’ll review the processes for manufacturing extrusion profiles, cast film and blown extrusion film. 

 

FPT06-02: S Flexible Packaging (Part I) 

In this lesson you will learn the about the different types of materials used in flexible packaging, including their characteristics, applications and production. We’ll talk about the roles aluminum foil, paper and plastic films play in modern product packaging and how the choice of the packaging material should be based on the product being packaged. 

 

FPT06-03: S Flexible Packaging (Part II) 

In this lesson we’ll discuss plastic laminates, including their structural and physical properties. We’ll also talk about how to effectively specify laminates. We’ll show you several examples of laminates and how they are used for packaging of both food and non-food products. You’ll see the converting process and see how certain packaging materials are manufactured. 

 

FPT06-04: S Thermoforming 

In this lesson you will learn the fundamentals of the thermoforming process and its application within the packaging industry. We’ll review the different types of molds used in this process and discuss the guidelines that need to be employed to design a component that will be produced using this process. 

 

FPT06-05: S Injection Molding 

In this lesson we’ll examine the different types of molds used for injection molding and how they operate. You’ll learn the definition and purpose of sprees, runners and gates. You’ll discover the challenges posed by molding objects with undercuts or threaded closures. We’ll look at thermal expansion of the polymers and why sink marks are formed. And we’ll discuss the special design requirements of an injection molded cup. 

 

FPT06-06: S Blow Molding 

Processes used to make bottles, including extrusion blow molding, injection blow molding and injection-stretch blow molding. We will review the advantages and disadvantages of each technique. Finally, we’ll show you a bit about in-mold labeling. 

 

FPT07-01: S Bottle Design Criteria 

In this lesson you will learn the basic design criteria that go into producing a bottle that can be efficiently produced and cost-effectively filled on a production line to provide the consumer with a package that adds value. 

 

T07-02: S Metal Containers 

In this lesson we'll discuss the creation and the use of metal containers. We'll also study the different processes for making metal containers. 

 

FPT07-03: S Aerosols 

In this lesson we'll discuss the evolution of aerosol containers, their applications, how they are made and the advantages and disadvantages they provide. 

 

FPT07-04: S Glass Packaging 

In this lesson we will discuss glass packaging from early days to modern day. This lesson will cover the history of glass packaging, its applications, manufacturing process and the advantages and disadvantages that are associated with glass. 

 

FPT07-05: S Closures (Part I) 

In this lesson you will learn the basic terminology used to describe a closure, the different types of closures available and how to select a bottle/closure combination that will protect the product through the life of the product. 

 

FPT07-06: S Closures (Part II) 

In this lesson you will learn the different common plastic closure designs and the purpose that liners serve in the selection of a closure. We'll take a look at the different styles of closures that are available other than plastic and discuss the emergence and importance of child-resistant and tamper-evident closures. 

 

FPT07-06: S Closures (Part II) 

In this lesson you will learn the different common plastic closure designs and the purpose that liners serve in the selection of a closure. We'll take a look at the different styles of closures that are available other than plastic and discuss the emergence and importance of child-resistant and tamper-evident closures. 

 

FPT08-01: S Packaging Machinery 

In this lesson we'll discuss packaging machinery and how it has evolved over time. We'll discuss line efficiencies and how to calculate output capacity. 

 

FPT08-02: S Filling Systems 

In this lesson we'll discuss the basics of filling system. We'll cover the different types of fillers available, their capabilities and the advantages and disadvantages of each filling system. 

 

FPT09-01: S Environmental Issues 

In this lesson, we'll discuss different environmental issues that affect packaging. We'll also study the different forms of solid waste that are generated and look at how recovering these materials post-use has impacted landfill utilization in the U.S. You will learn the ways that packaging professionals can have a positive impact on the environment by employing the four "R's" hierarchy. 

 

FPT09-02: S Sustainable Packaging 

In this lesson, we'll discuss different sustainability models as they relate to packaging. We'll also study the different ways that companies are having a positive impact by implementing process control and some metrics and scorecards that are being used to measure progress. 

 

FPT09-03: S Adhesives (Part I) 

In this lesson we'll cover the basics of adhesion technology to provide and understanding of how to discuss adhesives, how an adhesive form bonds and what adhesives are available to the packaging professional. 

 

FPT09-04: S Adhesives (Part II) 

In this lesson we'll cover adhesive application. We'll discuss the properties that are important when specifying an adhesive to insure a proper bond and how to evaluate failures when they happen.