Packaging technologist
Packaging technologists design and develop packaging for different products.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
As a packaging technologist you could:
- produce sample packaging to test different materials and designs
- run production trials
- make sure packaging meets quality standards and is safe
- work closely with product designers and production engineers
- research ways to make packaging more environmentally friendly
- write technical reports
We've identified this as a potential green job
For a packaging technologist to be a green job, you could:
- design packaging that can be reused many times
- reduce the amount of product packaging to cut down on waste
- create clear labelling to help customers understand what can be recycled
Find out more about green careers
Working environment
You could work in a laboratory, in a factory or in an office.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
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
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
You could do a foundation degree, a higher national diploma or a degree in packaging technology or packaging design.
Employers may also accept subjects like:
- materials science
- food technology
- 3D design
- chemistry
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
More Information
You can apply for a Packaging Professional Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.
This can take 4 years to complete and is a mix of on-the-job training and off-site study.
Entry requirements
Employers will set their own entry requirements.
More Information
You could start as an assistant technologist or designer and do further training on the job to become a professional packaging technologist.
You can learn more about the packaging industry from the Packaging Group.
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External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.