In this episode of the SNEED-CAST, host Alexa welcomes back Haley Appleby, faculty member at Clemson University and co-director of the Sonoco Institute of Packaging Design and Graphics. Haley shares updates on the Institute’s 15-year milestone, new lab upgrades, and the launch of Clemson’s Sustainability Leadership Program, which connects students with industry leaders in packaging and sustainability.

Together, Alexa and Haley dive into how real-world experience—from Apple to Fisher-Price—shapes classroom learning, why networking and storytelling matter for students entering the workforce, and what’s next for packaging education and innovation.

If you’re passionate about sustainability, packaging science, or the future of workforce development, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

⏱️ Chapter Timestamps

00:00 – Cold open: Laser-etching avocados?!

00:30 – Welcome back Haley Appleby

00:50 – Haley’s role at Clemson & the Sonoco Institute

02:08 – Launching the Sustainability Leadership Program

03:25 – Networking, panels, and mentorship for students

05:05 – Crafting your sustainability story (with Dr. Hurley)

06:40 – Upcoming session: The business case for sustainability

07:15 – Bringing Apple & Fisher-Price experience into the classroom

08:07 – Teaching professionalism & critical thinking as job skills

08:34 – Sponsor: SNEED-JET® XL printer

09:10 – Sonoco Institute’s 15-year milestone

09:59 – Growth in continuing education & industry seminars

10:51 – Upcoming paperboard packaging seminars & lab upgrades

11:17 – END – Looking ahead at expansion and innovation