Packaging technologist Job Information | National Careers Service

The work

As a packaging technologist you would work with manufacturers to design and develop packaging for different products. You would typically come up with packaging ideas for goods such as food and drink, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, household cleaning products and toiletries amongst others.

Your duties could include:

• producing sample packaging to try out different materials and designs
• running production trials and tests to make sure the packaging works properly and is safe
• meeting with production line engineers to work out the best way to make the packaging
• working with graphic designers on the artwork, to make sure it fits in with the company’s marketing and branding schemes for the product.

A key part of your job would be to consider:

• how fragile the product is and how much protection it needs
• possible reactions to light, moisture or materials within the packaging
• the conditions it may be subjected to during transportation, such as temperature
• legal requirements, for instance accurate labelling and safe packaging of hazardous materials
• the environmental impact of packaging production, and its disposal once used
• production costs.

Hours

You would normally work 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. If you work in manufacturing, you may occasionally have on-call duties.

Your job would be a combination of office work with some time spent in laboratories, testing materials, or monitoring production line processes in the factory. On these occasions, you would wear protective clothing.

You may have to travel to material suppliers or manufacturers, which could involve overnight stays away from home.

Income

• Starting salaries range from £15,000 to £20,000 a year
• Experienced technologists earn between £25,000 and £35,000
• Senior technologists can earn over £45,000 a year.

Figures are intended as a guideline only

Entry requirements

To get into this career you normally need a foundation degree, a BTEC HND or a degree in packaging or packaging design. Other subjects may also be acceptable to employers, including materials science, food technology, nutrition, physics or chemistry.

To search for foundation degrees, HNDs and degrees, see the University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) website.

• University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS)

Alternatively, you may be able to find work as a packaging line operator and, with training, work your way up to packaging technologist. See the Packaging Futures website for details about careers in packaging technology and design.

• Packaging Futures

Training and development

Once you start working you normally receive induction training by experienced technologists.

You could improve your career prospects by registering as a member of the Institute of Packaging (IoP), at a grade that matches your level of experience. Members can access a programme of Continuing Professional Development (CPD), short courses, seminars and workshops.

The IoP also offers a Certificate in Packaging and a Diploma in Packaging Technology. You can study for the diploma on an intensive, part-time or online basis.

For detailed information on the Certificate and Diploma, together with information on training centres, see the Packaging Industry Awarding Body website .

Other career development options include taking a postgraduate course in packaging technology offered by Brunel University and Loughborough University .

Skills and knowledge

• ability in science and maths
• strong communication and negotiating skills
• excellent IT skills
• a willingness to work flexibly
• good teamworking skills
• attention to detail
• ability to manage a budget
• the ability to work to deadlines
• a creative approach to problem solving.

More information

Packaging Futures
www.packagingfutures.com

IoP: The Packaging Society
Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining
1 Carlton House Terrace
London
SW1Y 5DB
Tel: 020 7451 7300
www.iom3.org/packaging

Opportunities

Your main opportunities would be with packaging suppliers, retailers and manufacturers who produce their own packaging.

Jobs are advertised in the local and national press, on company websites and in the jobs section of the Packaging Futures website.

• Packaging Futures

With experience, you could move into other areas such as marketing and sales, development management or artwork design. You may also have the option to work freelance as a packaging consultant.