Investing In the NOW Generation of Supply Chain Leaders

About this episode

The episode discusses the importance of packaging and workforce development in shaping the future of supply chain leadership.

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…

People in this episode

Host: Scott W. Luton

Guests: Mike Jones, Dr. Laszlo Horvath, Marta Ghigo

Topics covered

• packaging innovation
• workforce development
• sustainability
• supply chain leadership
• pallet procurement

Keywords

• supply chain
• packaging
• sustainability
• workforce
• innovation
• pallets
• transportation systems

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Pallet Alliance, Virginia Tech

Places: Virginia Tech’s Department of Sustainable Biomaterials

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