The packaging engineering leader and longtime faculty member will begin new role Aug. 10.
1 Jun 2026
Laszlo Horvath. Photo by Max Esterhuizen for Virginia Tech.
Laszlo Horvath, professor and current interim department head in the Department of Sustainable Biomaterials at Virginia Tech, has been named the next head of the department, effective Aug. 10.
A faculty member in the College of Natural Resources and Environment since 2010, Horvath brings extensive experience in sustainable packaging systems, applied research, industry partnerships, and program development to the role. He currently serves as director of the Center for Packaging and Unit Load Design and has led the department as interim head since 2025.
“Laszlo has helped shape the growth and national reputation of sustainable biomaterials and packaging at Virginia Tech,” said Saskia van de Gevel, dean of the college. “His collaborative leadership style, commitment to student success, and ability to build strong industry partnerships position the department well for continued growth and impact.”
Horvath was instrumental in developing Virginia Tech’s packaging systems and design program and growing the Center for Packaging and Unit Load Design into a nationally recognized hub for applied research and industry collaboration. Under his leadership, industry engagement increased more than 600 percent, surpassing $1 million annually, while the center generated more than $7.5 million in research funding and secured $23 million in cash and in-kind support.
“Our department is home to an exceptional group of faculty and staff whose dedication to research, teaching, and outreach inspires me every day,” Horvath said. “Together, I am confident we will build on this strong foundation and open new doors for the communities and industries we serve.”
Horvath said the department is well-positioned to meet growing demand in sustainable systems and packaging education and research.
“The department is uniquely positioned for the next chapter of its growth,” he said. “Our packaging and sustainable systems science programs sit at the intersection of surging student interest and a job market hungry for exactly the talent we produce, and I can think of no better springboard for elevating our research impact and expanding our reach.”
His research focuses on improving the efficiency and sustainability of packaging supply chains through innovative testing and design processes. Much of his work examines how unit load components interact during distribution and how packaging systems can better perform in highly automated environments.
“My research focuses on making the packaging supply chain more efficient and sustainable,” Horvath said. “By studying how unit load components interact, we have been able to translate that work directly into design tools the industry relies on today and that kind of real-world impact is what motivates everything I do.”
Since joining Virginia Tech, Horvath has taught more than 60 undergraduate and graduate courses and developed several new packaging engineering courses, including advanced graduate offerings. He has advised 26 graduate students and continues to mentor the next generation of leaders in sustainable packaging and biomaterials.
Horvath earned his Ph.D. in forest biomaterials science from North Carolina State University. He also holds master’s degrees in engineering management and wood engineering as well as a bachelor’s degree in wood technology from the University of West Hungary.
Max Esterhuizen
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