Getting Started

PPC University (PPCU) is the Paperboard Packaging Council’s dedicated learning hub for the folding carton industry. Through a robust online platform, PPCU delivers industry-specific knowledge, practical skills, and essential processes to strengthen today’s workforce and prepare tomorrow’s leaders. Serving as both a training resource and a professional development pathway, PPCU also supports member recruitment and retention. Programming will be offered to both members and non-members, with PPC members receiving priority access and preferred pricing as an exclusive benefit.

Folding Carton Essentials

Folding Carton Essentials runs over 20 workdays, with an investment of less than 20 minutes per day. With eight hours of educational content, activities, and cheat sheets, you'll exit with a solid foundation in packaging basics. Departments such as marketing, sales, procurement, legal, distribution, quality control, manufacturing and warehousing all have unique demands on the packaging. After taking this course, you will have the thought process required of a successful stakeholder in the packaging development process.

Course Objectives
  • Define packaging by its functions, levels and types.
  • Explain the role of packaging in society by listing major packaging innovations throughout recorded history.
  • Describe the global packaging market. Identify the major stakeholders who are influential to the packaging development process.
  • Understand the career potential in packaging by identifying specific jobs.
  • Understand key phases of the packaging development process.
  • Understand how the actual product can impact its packaging.
  • Understand the basic manufacturing process for each fundamental packaging material.
  • Understand how sustainability can be impacted various packaging materials and processes.
  • Identify the fundamental packaging materials and types.
  • Understand how innovative design can enhance finished packaging structures.
  • Learn the language of packaging.

Getting Started

Q: How do I access PPCU?
A: Log in to your PPC member account through GrowthZone. Once logged in, you’ll see a link to PPC University (PPCU) in your member dashboard, which will bring you into the Elevate LMS platform.
Q: Do I need a separate username or password for PPCU?
A: No. Your GrowthZone login credentials automatically grant you access. If you’re already logged into GrowthZone, you’ll be taken directly to the PPCU platform.
Q: I’m not a PPC member. Can I access PPCU?
A: At this time, PPCU is a PPC member benefit. If you are interested in becoming a PPC member, reach out to our team at info@paperbox.org

Courses & Content

Q: What kind of training does PPCU offer?
A: PPCU delivers industry-specific training modules on folding carton manufacturing, design, printing, tooling, and more. Programs range from introductory lessons to advanced skill development.
Q: How do I enroll in a course?
A: Once logged into PPCU, browse the course catalog. Click “Enroll” to register for a module or program. If it’s a member benefit, you’ll get immediate access. If a fee applies, you’ll be prompted to complete payment.
Q: Is PPCU self-paced?
A: Yes. All online modules are self-paced, allowing you to start and stop as needed. Your progress is automatically saved.

Navigation & Platform Help

Q: How do I access PPCU?
A: Log in to your PPC member account through GrowthZone. Once logged in, you’ll see a link to PPC University (PPCU) in your member dashboard, which will bring you into the PPCU platform. You can also directly access the platform here.
Q: Do I need a separate username or password for PPCU?
A: No. Your GrowthZone login credentials automatically grant you access. If you’re already logged into GrowthZone, you’ll be taken directly to the PPCU platform.
Q: I’m not a PPC member. Can I access PPCU?
A: Yes, non-members may purchase access at varying tuition levels. Members always receive priority access and preferred pricing as a benefit of membership.

Technical Support

Q: What internet browser works best with PPCU?
A: We recommend the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, or Edge. Safari is supported, but Internet Explorer is not.
Q: Can I access PPCU on mobile devices?
A: Yes. PPCU is mobile-responsive and can be accessed via smartphone or tablet browsers.
Q: I forgot my password. What do I do?
A: Reset your password through your GrowthZone account. Once updated, use the new credentials to access PPCU.
Q: Who do I contact for technical issues?
A: For login or membership issues, contact PPC staff at janice@paperbox.org For platform-specific problems (video playback, course loading), use the “Help” or “Support” button within the PPCU platform.