Innovative High School Teams Showcase Palletizing Solutions at PACK EXPO

High School Innovation Shines at PACK EXPO International 2026 \\[10/21/26, 09:37 AM | Automation & IIoT, Supply Chain]\\\\ At the 2026 PACK EXPO International in Chicago, a coalition of high school students from Becker High School and Legacy Christian Academy in Minnesota took home the top prize in the biennial PACK Challenge. This competition, organized by PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, challenges students to design, build, and demonstrate a fully functional packaging machine. This year's challenge, PACK N STACK, required teams to develop an efficient palletizing system. \\\\ The winning team, along with five other finalists from Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, showcased their innovative solutions, demonstrating impressive engineering, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. The Becker/Legacy Coalition's solution stood out for its consistent and efficient product handling, earning them the Overall Best in Show award and a $9,000 prize. \\\\ ### What This Means for ASEAN Factories \\\\ For factories in Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia, the innovations demonstrated by these high school students offer valuable insights into the future of packaging and processing. As these countries continue to grow as manufacturing hubs, the need for efficient and automated packaging solutions becomes increasingly critical. The winning team's palletizing system, which excelled in functionality and efficiency, provides a blueprint for how local factories can adopt similar technologies to enhance productivity and reduce costs. \\\\ Moreover, the competition highlights the importance of fostering a skilled workforce. By engaging young minds in real-world engineering challenges, PMMI is not only preparing the next generation of engineers but also inspiring them to pursue careers in the packaging and processing industry. ASEAN factories can benefit from similar initiatives that encourage hands-on learning and collaboration, ensuring a steady pipeline of talented professionals. \\\\ ### Bridging Classroom Learning and Industry Application \\\\ The PACK Challenge serves as a bridge between classroom learning and real-world industry application. Students gain practical experience with packaging technology, working closely with industry professionals and educators. This exposure introduces them to a wide range of career opportunities, from engineering and automation to manufacturing and sales. \\\\ For ASEAN factories, this model can be replicated to create a more skilled and versatile workforce. By partnering with local educational institutions and industry organizations, factories can provide students with hands-on training and real-world projects, ensuring they are well-prepared to meet the demands of the modern manufacturing environment. \\\\ ### Concrete Takeaways for Factory Buyers \\\\ For factory buyers in ASEAN, the success of the PACK Challenge offers several key takeaways. First, investing in automated and efficient packaging solutions can significantly improve productivity and reduce operational costs. Second, fostering a skilled and innovative workforce through partnerships with educational institutions can ensure a steady supply of talent. Finally, participating in or supporting similar competitions and initiatives can help drive innovation and keep the industry at the forefront of technological advancements. \\\\ In conclusion, the achievements of the high school teams at the 2026 PACK Challenge not only highlight the potential of young engineers but also provide valuable lessons for ASEAN factories. By embracing these innovations and fostering a skilled workforce, factories in the region can stay competitive and thrive in the rapidly evolving manufacturing landscape.