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Food Packaging Division
Join the Food Packaging Division to discuss important and novel topics, technologies, and research inspiring the future of food packaging. #FoodPackaging
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1000+
Members
1977
Year Founded
36+
Countries Represented by Members
Student Food Packaging Development Competition
This annual international competition honors advancements in student food packaging development. Launched in 2019, students are challenged with developing a packaging solution to address a problem or need related to food packaging. A general certificate along with monetary prizes are awarded every year, along with recognition at the annual IFT FIRST Food Packaging, Food Engineering, and Nonthermal Processing Division joint social. 9 student winners have been awarded since 2019.
IFT Achievement Award: Food Packaging Award in honor of Don Riester, Rees Davis, and Aaron Brody
The Food Packaging Award is one of IFT Achievement Awards. It honors an individual who has provided lifetime contributions to innovation in food packaging technology. Since 1986, 35 recipients have been recognized with this award.
Division Oral Competition Finalists
The Outstanding Volunteer award honors a current Division member who provided exemplary volunteer work to the Division in the current year. The 2024-2025 recipient is Dr. Sunil Mangalassary. The Outstanding Service award honors current Division members who have demonstrated a history of service to the Division or field. The 2024-2025 recipient is Dr. Melvin Pascall.
Division Accomplishments/Recognitions
First: Jimin Kang, Korea Univeristy, College of Life Science and Biotechnology: A Nanoplatform of Dual-Modified Starch-Based Bilayer Oral Dispersible Film for Immune-Enhancing Quercetin-Zinc Complex Delivery Second: Zhijing Zhan, University of Maine: Food Packaging With Integrated Functions of Passive Daytime Radiation Cooling and Quality Maintenance Third: Sachchidanand Pandey, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, India: Impact of Various Modification Techniques on Functional, Structural, and Rheological Characteristics of Elephant Foot Yam Starch for Application in pH-Based Intelligent Packaging
Food Packaging Development Competition
First Place Winner: Yidan Zhang, University of Connecticut Second Place Winners: Saydul Md Safwa, University of Arkansas Sukanya Poddar, University of Arkansas Ruslan Mehadi Galib, University of Arkansas Third Place Winner: Windy Yeh, Wageningen University
Ready to Join IFT?
Gain access to an invaluable network, resources, and insights to help you make greater contributions through your work and to the future of food.
Upcoming Events
May 5, 2026
Northern California Section IFT (NCIFT) Suppliers Night
Join us for an afternoon and evening of education and expo time. The symposium team is building an interesting and educational event, but continues to confirm speakers so more on that as it develops. We're confident that you'll find it great. With almost 250 exhibitors, you'll want to wear your comfortable shoes! In addition, this will be our second year providing a poster competition for our students. Be sure to look over the posters and ask the presenters some questions.
Section Event
April 29, 2026
IFT Event logo Maryland Section IFT Suppliers Night
Join us for the 2026 Maryland IFT Suppliers Night! The Maryland IFT Suppliers Night is a key networking event for food and beverage professionals across the Mid-Atlantic region. It brings together food manufacturers, beverage companies, ingredient suppliers, R&D specialists, and quality assurance experts for an evening focused on innovation and collaboration. Attendees can connect with peers, explore new products and technologies, and discover solutions that support product development and food safety.
Section Event
April 20, 2026
Aksarben Section IFT Suppliers Expo
One benefit of joining Aksarben IFT Section is being part of a vibrant community. During our events, you can connect with others in the food and beverage industry, keep up to date with rising market and technological trends, and together explore the possibilities and the future of food.
Section Event
April 16, 2026
New York Section IFT Suppliers Day
Join us for a morning of Technical Seminars and an afternoon of nearly 200 exhibitors. End the day with networking, appetizers, and cash bar in Birchwood Manor's West Lounge and covered outdoor terrace.
Section Event
How to Join a Division
Joining a Division is easy! Signing up for a Division gives you access to the Division’s IFT Connect Community, signs you up for their newsletter, and gives you access to Subject Matter Experts in the field. To sign up for a Division, visit IFT-Divisions. After signing into your account, check the boxes of the Divisions you would like to be involved with and click save.