ProAmpac, a leading innovator in flexible packaging and material science, has announced a strategic partnership with Western Michigan University (WMU) to accelerate the development of fiber-based sustainable packaging. This collaboration marks a significant advancement in ProAmpac’s commitment to delivering environmentally responsible packaging solutions and aligns with its broader “Fiberization of Packaging®” strategy.

WMU, a top-tier North American institution recognized for its expertise in fiber technology and recycling systems, will lend its academic and technical capabilities to help ProAmpac innovate recyclable and compostable fiber packaging that can be processed via curbside recycling streams.

“WMU’s fiber manufacturing knowledge and testing infrastructure will accelerate our ability to deliver scalable fiber packaging solutions,” said Hesam Tabatabaei, Senior Vice President of Global Product Development and Innovation at ProAmpac. “This partnership enhances our material science efforts and ensures readiness for emerging Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations.”

The partnership is also intended to support ProAmpac’s ProActive Sustainability® and ProActive Intelligence® platforms, both of which are aimed at fostering innovation across all packaging categories. Through collaborations with academic institutions like WMU, ProAmpac is building a global network that bridges theoretical research with real-world commercial applications.

Dr. Kecheng Li, chair of the chemical and paper engineering department at WMU and a TAPPI Fellow, underscored the significance of this initiative: “Our goal is to co-develop barrier-coated fiber materials that maintain product performance while improving recyclability and compostability. Together, we can create packaging solutions that not only meet performance demands but also align with circular economy principles.”

This partnership arrives at a time when global interest in fiber-based packaging is surging. With increasing legislative pressure—such as EPR mandates and single-use plastic bans—brands and converters are seeking viable alternatives that balance function, cost, and sustainability. Curbside-compatible fiber packaging is particularly attractive as it leverages existing recycling infrastructure and resonates with eco-conscious consumers.

ProAmpac’s commitment to a circular economy is evident through its growing roster of academic and industry collaborations. These relationships provide the company with diverse insights into material behavior, environmental impact, and end-of-life solutions—all critical factors in the push for sustainable packaging innovation.

Based in Cincinnati, ProAmpac is supported by Pritzker Private Capital and serves a global customer base across industries including food, healthcare, pet care, and industrial packaging. The company continues to invest in R&D, sustainability, and digital transformation to meet both client needs and environmental goals.

For companies navigating packaging sustainability goals, the ProAmpac-WMU partnership represents a key milestone in the broader transition from traditional plastics to next-generation fiber materials—an evolution that is essential for meeting the demands of tomorrow’s circular economy.