Packaging technologist

Career path and progression

With experience, you could move into:

• product design
• brand design
• project management
• marketing and sales

You could also work freelance as a packaging consultant.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• design skills and knowledge
• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• analytical thinking skills
• persistence and determination
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• thinking and reasoning skills
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Design and Technology - Packaging technologists design and build sample packaging, selecting appropriate materials and construction methods for each product. They use prototyping, testing, and iterative design processes to develop packaging that is functional, safe, and cost-effective.
• Chemistry - Packaging technologists need to understand the properties of materials like plastics, glass, metals, and biodegradable alternatives to choose the right one for each product. They also consider how packaging materials interact with the product inside – for example, making sure food packaging doesn't leach harmful chemicals.
• Art and Design - Packaging technologists work on the visual and structural design of packaging, considering shape, colour, graphics, and branding. Strong design skills help them create packaging that is attractive to consumers while also being practical to manufacture and use.
• Engineering - Packaging technologists work closely with production engineers and need to understand how packaging will be manufactured at scale. They run production trials, troubleshoot machinery issues, and ensure their designs can be produced efficiently on factory lines.
• Environmental Science - Packaging technologists research ways to make packaging more environmentally friendly, including reducing waste, improving recyclability, and developing reusable designs. Understanding sustainability, material lifecycles, and environmental impact is increasingly central to this role.

Also relevant

• Mathematics - Packaging technologists use maths when calculating material dimensions, volumes, weights, and production costs. They also analyse data from quality tests and production trials to ensure packaging meets required standards.
• Physics - Packaging technologists need to understand how materials behave under stress, pressure, and temperature changes – for example, whether a container will withstand stacking or transit. Knowledge of forces, material strength, and thermal properties helps them design packaging that protects products effectively.
• Food Preparation and Nutrition - Packaging technologists who work in the food industry need to understand food safety, shelf life, and how different foods react with packaging materials. This knowledge helps them design packaging that keeps food fresh and meets hygiene regulations.
• Business - Packaging technologists consider cost, branding, and market appeal when developing their designs. Understanding how packaging influences consumer purchasing decisions and how to balance quality with production budgets is an important part of the role.
• Computer Science - Packaging technologists use CAD software and sometimes 3D modelling tools to design and visualise packaging before it goes into production. Understanding how these digital tools work helps them create precise technical designs and run virtual simulations of how packaging will perform.