The future of supply chain may depend on the things most people never think about.
Pallets, materials, unit load design, transportation systems, and sustainability decisions quietly determine how products move through the world, yet packaging is rarely treated as strategic infrastructure.
In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton is joined by Mike Jones, CEO of The Pallet Alliance, Dr. Laszlo Horvath, professor and department head at Virginia Tech’s Department of Sustainable Biomaterials, and graduating senior Marta Ghigo for a conversation on packaging innovation, workforce development, sustainability, and the future of supply chain leadership.
Dr. Horvath shares how Virginia Tech’s packaging program prepares students through hands-on projects and industry collaboration, while Marta reflects on entering the field with curiosity, creativity, and a focus on making sustainability practical without sacrificing performance or design. Mike brings the business perspective, explaining how The Pallet Alliance helps companies rethink pallet procurement, standardization, visibility, and long-term value.
Together, they discuss why packaging is far more central to modern commerce than it appears and why the next wave of talent in the field could reshape global supply chains at their core.
Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Intro
(02:21) Meet today’s packaging industry panel
(05:03) Graduation, family, and taekwondo stories
(08:30) Building Virginia Tech’s packaging program
(10:41) Marta finds her packaging passion
(14:10) Marta’s Unilever packaging internship experience
(16:24) Mike’s journey from weather to pallets
(18:59) Remembering Tyson Steffens’ industry impact
(21:02) Virginia Tech sustainable packaging programs
(23:12) Hands-on packaging projects and sustainability
(24:45) Marta’s Virginia Tech student experience
(26:32) Excitement about packaging industry careers
(27:31) Why packaging culture feels exciting
(28:16) Sustainable packaging without sacrificing design
(28:49) How Pallet Alliance supports manufacturers
(31:15) The hidden operational cost of pallets
(32:25) Why Virginia Tech graduates stand out
(34:25) Strong culture creates long-term employees
(38:02) Tyson Steffens’ humor and lasting legacy
(39:09) Tyson Steffens memorial scholarship program
(43:04) AI, sustainability, and packaging’s future
(47:36) Career advice for future packaging leaders
Additional Links & Resources:
This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/investing-now-generation-supply-chain-leaders-1589
