College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Alumni & Friends

Ying Liu considers herself one of the lucky ones. She sees her life as a book with many chapters, each shaped by the people, places and opportunities that have empowered her along the way.

Rising through the ranks as an executive at the tech giant Apple, Liu led global operations and supplier responsibility initiatives, gaining first-hand insight into the complexities of large-scale manufacturing and sustainability. Her time at Apple not only sharpened her operational expertise but also deepened her awareness of the environmental impact of packaging—an issue that would become central to her next chapter.

In 2018, Liu launched Blue Lake Packaging, Inc., an eco-friendly packaging company specializing in natural fiber-based products. She channels her commitment to building a better world for her two daughters by supporting the community that shaped her into a global leader. Through her ongoing partnership with MSU School of Packaging (SoP), she’s inspiring the next generation to push boundaries.

Silicon Valley success

Liu grew up in Beijing, China, where she earned an undergraduate degree in engineering. She started out as a teacher but later decided to pursue a career in business. Seeking a master’s degree, Liu applied to three universities and Michigan State was the only one to offer her a scholarship.

After graduating in 2000 with an MBA in supply chain management and finance from MSU’s Eli Broad College of Business, Liu stepped into an operations role at Apple. In her nearly 12 years in Silicon Valley with Apple, Liu rose through the organization, holding significant leadership roles, including Director of Product Operations at age of 32 and Senior Director of Product Operations & Corporate Responsibility at 35.

The resources and scholarship support Liu received at MSU unlocked opportunities and helped her grow. This life-changing experience made a lasting impact, inspiring her to give back. “I had an exciting ride with Apple and got to know brilliant people who enriched my life both personally and professionally,” said Liu. “MSU gave me the resources and a path to shape my career in supply chain, which I never planned to enter before MSU and that foundation ultimately led to my success in the tech industry, and now I want to give back to the community that gave me so much.

Pushing the needle

Liu’s entrepreneurial venture into sustainable packaging was inspired by her visit to a bay area material recovery facility (MRF). During the visits, she recognized an urgent need to develop innovations that lower environmental impact associated with packaging, while meeting the needs of consumers and manufacturers.

Founded in late 2018, Blue Lake Packaging, Inc. is dedicated to developing 100% fiber-based solutions that are both functional and environmentally friendly. Under her leadership, Blue Lake has introduced new products like fiber-based film and cushioning materials. At the heart of Liu’s vision is a belief that sustainable packaging holds the key to a healthier, cleaner planet for her daughters, and future generations to come.

Blue Lake supports businesses of all sizes, developing modern packaging products and pioneering bio-based materials that utilize energy-efficient manufacturing techniques to address the increasing need for a circular economy. “Source locally, produce locally, consume locally, and recycle locally”, Liu says about the company design philosophy.

Liu wants to move beyond established manufacturing capabilities and technologies. They design products for sustainability, more than recyclability.

“I look outside of the packaging industry, asking ‘why’ and ‘how’ differently,” she said. “What matters is pushing the needle to show younger generations to think outside of the box.”

Making things happen

While Liu may not be a graduate of the SoP, her support for the program is advancing the future of packaging education at MSU. As a member of the SoP advisory board, she adds a fresh perspective that is shaped by her entrepreneurial background and her leadership in Silicon Valley.

“Ying Liu brings a “can-do” spirit and a growth mindset to all she does,” said Dr. Laura Bix, associate dean for graduate programs at CANR and interim director at the SoP. “She encourages the school to think outside conventional norms, helping us integrate new technologies and approaches that prepare our students for the future. We are grateful for her partnership as we work together advancing high-impact packaging research and education.”

In addition to her service on the SoP advisory board, she serves as a member of the Eli Broad College of Business Advisory Board. Liu is also strengthening the future of packaging excellence at MSU through her support for Packaging 2.0—a transformational expansion project at the SoP.

Inspired by the momentum created by phase 1 of the SOP renovation project, her investment for Packaging 2.0 reflects a belief in the program’s far-reaching impact, both in the industry and across society. Intersecting science, the environment and everyday consumer life, investing in next-generation packaging education is an opportunity to accelerate advancements that will change the world.

Recognizing the program’s momentum, Liu is excited to contribute to the next chapter in the school’s storied history. “Nothing is easy in higher education,” she said, “but I saw what was accomplished in phase 1 and know this leadership team can make things happen.”

You can learn more about how to support Packaging 2.0 here. To explore ways to partner with the MSU SoP, contact Kyle Cutler, Director of Corporate Relations & Development