AbstractA survey on packaging professionals in the USA was conducted by the School of Packaging at Michigan State University. Subjects of the survey were the School's alumni and Food Packaging Division members of the Institute of Food Technologists. The eight‐page questionnaire addressed issues pertaining to their education, training, attitude and opinion about packaging disciplines, employment characteristics, and other aspects of their professional experiences. Out of 4000 people contacted, over 20% responded. The paper examines the general characteristics of packaging professionals in the USA in 1986.