ICPF, PMMI (CONT’D FROM PAGE 22)
ingly complex systems. Turning Awareness Into Opportunity
al platform, and connects the foundation with a partner (PMMI) that has a long history of workforce engagement in adjacent sectors of packaging and processing. More broadly, it reflects a shift in how the corrugated industry approaches workforce development. Tradition- al recruitment methods like job postings, local outreach, word-of-mouth are no longer sufficient on their own. The competition for talent now spans industries, many of which have been more aggressive in promoting their career paths to younger generations. At the same time, Gen Z’s evolving relationship with work presents both a challenge and an opportunity. While fewer express initial interest in industrial careers, as noted in the study, many are actively moving away from the tradi- tional four-year college-to-corporate path. Trade schools, apprenticeships, and hands-on careers are gaining trac- tion—just not always in sectors like corrugated that lack visibility. Students need to see the technology, understand the roles and opportunities, and hear directly from people who have built careers in the industry. Demand in the corrugated and packaging industries remains strong and continues to grow, driven by e-com- merce, food and beverage, and industrial sectors. At the same time, operations are becoming more automated and data-driven, increasing the need for technically skilled workers who can operate, maintain, and optimize increas-
Without a consistent pipeline of talent, even the most well-equipped plants face limitations. ICPF and PMMI are working to mitigate these challenges by strengthening awareness of an industry that continues to evolve but is still too often overlooked by younger generations consid- ering their future careers.
Students attending the NLSC this June are not being asked to commit to a career on the spot. What they are being offered is a clearer view of what is possible for their future. A conversation at a booth, a demonstration at TECHSPO, or an interaction with someone already work- ing in the industry can be enough to shift perspective.
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24 May 18, 2026
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