Introduction to Polymers in Packaging
Course Description
Polymers play a big role in packaging. To be a proficient and well-rounded packaging professional, you need to be comfortable with polymers. When you are working on a project involving plastics, it's important that you are able to speak this language and bring value to the table concerning polymer selection, polymer processing, and plastic applications in packaging. In this course, you are going to learn about the different types of polymers, their roles, functions, pros and cons of each, and real-world applications. With this knowledge, you can ascertain which polymers are suitable for the applications you are working on.
Student Testimonial
“This was a great course! Very comprehensive and very interactive. Despite being in the industry for over 20 years, I learned a lot of new things about polymers and a lot of facts that I've been mistaken about in the past. I also like the fact that I have access to the course for 12 months.”
Noel Caelian
Course Curriculum
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1
Polymer Overview
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Navigation Tutorial
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Polymers in Packaging Workbook
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Welcome to Polymers!
FREE PREVIEW -
History of Polymers
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Market / Industry Overview
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Glossary
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2
Polymer Chemistry 101
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Introduction to Polymer Chemistry 101
FREE PREVIEW -
Polymer Basics
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Classifying Polymers
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Polymer Structure and Chemistry
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Thermal Properties
FREE PREVIEW -
Other Properties
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Sustainability and Biopolymers
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Interactions with Packaging
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Knowledge Check: Polymer Chemistry 101
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3
Production
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Introduction to Production
FREE PREVIEW -
Molding Processes - Blow Molding, Injection Molding
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Thermoforming
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Converting, Laminating and Coating
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Flexible Packaging Systems
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Thermal Analysis
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Knowledge Check: Production
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4
Plastic in Packaging
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Introduction to Plastic in Packaging
FREE PREVIEW -
Packaging Types
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Polymer Cheat Sheet
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Polymer Cheat Sheet: Specific to Food Packaging
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Regulations
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Adhesives
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Closure Systems
FREE PREVIEW -
Distribution Packaging
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Plastics Design
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Knowledge Check: Plastic in Packaging
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5
Bonus Assignment
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Polymer Table—Test Your Skills!
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6
Wrap Up
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That's a Wrap
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Exam Instructions
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Final Exam
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Resources
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Survey
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About the Instructor
Dr. Andrew Hurley
Founder and Associate Professor
Packaging and entrepreneurship came together at an early age for Dr. Andrew Hurley. As a young boy, he molded and sold pewter figurines, but inadequate shipping materials led to breakage. Frustrated, he set to researching better packaging alternatives … and he hasn’t ever stopped.
Dr. Hurley is an Associate Professor at Clemson University in the Department of Food, Nutrition, and Packaging Sciences. He leads the packaging design emphasis area, where he researches how to leverage packaging to solve even the toughest supply chain challenges.