UNS – The Research Group (RG) of the Faculty of Engineering (FT) at Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta, through the Community Partnership Program (PKM), organized a training session on food packaging for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the Purwodiningratan Urban Village, Surakarta, on Saturday (28/9/2024).
This RG, consisting of FT lecturers, is known as the Ergonomics, Work Systems, and Environmental Management Research Group. The event was led by Prof. Dr. Bambang Suhardi, S.T., M.T., IPM ASEAN. Eng., along with other team members including Rahmaniyah Dwi Astuti, S.T., M.T., Irwan Iftadi, S.T., M.Eng., Dr. Eko Liquiddanu, S.T., M.T., and I Wayan Suletra, S.T., M.T.
Purwodiningratan is an increasingly developing area in Surakarta, emerging as a hub for creative industries, with active community involvement in MSME development. The training focused on the importance of food packaging that is not only visually appealing but also functional and eco-friendly. Proper packaging design is expected to enhance the competitiveness of MSME products, strengthen branding, and support effective product marketing.
In his opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Bambang Suhardi emphasized the crucial role of packaging as the first thing consumers see. “Good packaging can enhance a product’s image and create a positive first impression for consumers. Moreover, packaging serves as a communication medium, delivering essential information about the product,” Prof. Bambang said.
The research team also highlighted the importance of innovation in eco-friendly packaging design, in line with the global trend of increasing environmental awareness. By using sustainable materials, MSMEs in Purwodiningratan are expected to attract environmentally conscious consumers.
The program was well-received by the MSME participants in Purwodiningratan. They expressed hope that the knowledge gained from the training would help improve the quality of their products and open up opportunities for market expansion.
This training is part of FT UNS’s commitment to supporting MSME development through innovation and community empowerment. By organizing such programs, UNS aims to continue contributing to the improvement of community welfare, particularly through the development of the local economy.
Humas UNS
Editor: Dwi Hastuti
