The Communication Arts Department at Chowan University provides students with the knowledge and hands-on experience with technologies that will assist them in making the transition from school to work. This hands-on experience also makes them formidable competitors in events sponsored by the Paperboard Packaging Alliance (PPA), Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC), Printing Industries of the Carolinas (PICA), and the 48 Hour Repack sponsored by The Institute of Packaging Professionals (IoPP Southeastern Chapter).

January 29 at 7 pm through January 31 at 7 pm five University students competed in the 48 Hour Repack event under the direction of Dr. Mitchell Henke, Associate Professor of Graphic Communications, who teaches packaging and structural design courses and encourages student participation in these innovative competitions. Each year a group of students exercises teamwork and competes over the course of a weekend against other university teams from across the country. 

The product pilot describes The Tear and Share Box as a “low carbon, eco-friendly packet that holds six beverages which makes it easy to recycle, carry and store.”

In the product description, the group describes how they approached their assignment with the goal of simplicity. They knew their design should remain glueless and be made out of corrugated paperboard due to its durability. The students thoughtfully included a perforation in the middle of the box so that one could “break the box and grab a drink and save space in the fridge”. With handles that make carrying and storing the box more convenient, and beautifully designed Pepsi labels, The Tear and Share Box prototype was a complete success. 

According to Dr. Henke “experiences like these make Graphic Communication students stand out and provide them the opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge they have gained in the classroom, to a project and timeline that mimics the work environment.”