Provided by Keurig Dr Pepper
Anna Valentine ’17 (packaging science) designs and develops packaging for Keurig Dr Pepper and helps with product development.
Creating a soft drink involves teamwork. A diverse set of skills, from packaging to product development, is essential for success in the consumer products industry.
Anna Valentine ’17 (packaging science) is acquiring a rich package of skills in that industry as a principal scientist on the Research and Development (R&D) Breakthrough Development team at Keurig Dr Pepper, based in Frisco, Texas.
“About a year ago, I transitioned into product development, where I now focus on the beverage inside the package. We research and create various product concepts, collaborating closely with our R&D peers to conduct consumer testing and technical validation before these products reach the market,” said Valentine, who has been with the company for seven years. “This position has allowed me to leverage my background in packaging, process, and strategic upfront thinking while gaining new knowledge around ingredients and beverage types.”
Her journey to that world began as an RIT undergraduate, where Valentine combined her passion for math and art in a program that emphasizes building technical, communication, and design skills needed to produce a packaged product.
This program also provided her with an understanding of logistical details related to manufacturing, transportation, and distribution. Her varied roles and responsibilities within Keurig Dr Pepper are taking advantage of that skillset.
She started her career working on secondary and tertiary packaging, focusing on the design and assessment of Keurig K-Cup cartons. In 2018, Keurig Dr Pepper formed, and Valentine transitioned from her R&D role to supply chain and primary packaging.
“It was a great experience to work directly with production lines and understand how the packages we create impact operations, line speeds, and change overs,” said Valentine.
The experience was beneficial, allowing her to see how design choices affect down- stream processes and emphasizing the importance of bringing the full team together earlier to enable speed and success.
Now as a principal scientist, Valentine does both packaging and product development.
Packaging is more than a box or a bottle. Graduates can apply their skills in various industries, from food and beverage to healthcare or toys, she said.
“I have peers at Keurig Dr Pepper working in materials science, sustainability, and packaging design and development. I have even ventured into product development. All of these roles are needed at companies.”
In the next few years, Valentine hopes to add new leadership responsibilities that will further her role at Keurig Dr Pepper.
“I believe that a key to success is maintaining a growth mindset and eagerly embracing new opportunities.”
