Packaging isn’t just used to protect products; it’s also used to sell them. But designing and producing innovative packaging is a complex and sometimes challenging process. Bringing together the resources of its world-renowned graphic arts and packaging science programs, Rochester Institute of Technology is now offering a new seminar course on the rapidly expanding field of packaging printing. Introduction to Packaging Printing will be presented April 2–5, 2002, at RIT. The four-day program features experts from RIT and the packaging and printing industries, including Karen Proctor, program chair of RIT’s Department of Packaging Science. Printers, designers, buyers and suppliers of packaging will be immersed in real-world production laboratories where they will gain first-hand experience and knowledge in this growing field. Topics covered include: * Functions of packaging * Impact of packaging on marketing * Elements of structural packaging design * Types of packaging and packaging materials * How to achieve consistent, high quality results * Major trends and technologies in packaging printing * Workflow * Computer-to-plate production * Introduction to printing methods for packaging * Live demonstrations of sheetfed, flexographic and digital production. "Companies are very interested in pushing the creative envelope now that packaging is not just used to protect products, but to sell them," said Ken Posman, manager of graphic arts and imaging programs for RIT Corporate Education and Training. "They know that eye-catching, dynamic packaging is a way to attract consumer attention. But the printing of packaging materials is a complex craft that presents a unique set of challenges to the printing industry." In addition, packaging itself has gotten more complex. Tamper-proof containers, shrink-wrapping, protective packaging of delicate items like computers to prevent breakage—all are all commonplace now. More companies than ever showcase their products by using innovative packaging designs and materials. "This course represents an initiative to bring targeted graphic arts training to specific industries that traditionally haven’t been addressed," said Posman. This program also serves as a springboard to other RIT seminars in print production, color science and digital workflow. For more information on the seminar, visit www.training.rit.edu/packaging.html or call (800) 724-2536, ext. 356.