Packaging technologist

Packaging technologists make sure that all sorts of products are safely and appropriately packaged. They take many factors into account. These include production, distribution, marketing and legal requirements, as well as the nature of the product and the cost.

Work activities

Packaging technologists develop and select packaging materials that are used to contain, protect and preserve products. Packaging technologists receive a packaging brief. For example, a company may want to transport dangerous chemicals safely across the country. Technologists use their knowledge of packaging materials to decide if the requirements can be met and estimate the cost of the process. To work out the cost, they talk to many specialists including designers, manufacturers, accountants, marketing managers and production staff. They check that all packaging meets marketing, financial, legal and environmental requirements. Technologists maintain and test the quality of existing packaging materials. For example, during production, packaging technologists play a central role in making sure that packing lines run smoothly and efficiently. Packaging technologists also develop new packaging. For example, they look for ways in which packaging can extend the shelf-life of foods kept in the kitchen. They also have to consider fuel and transport costs.

Personal qualities and skills

To do this job well, you’ll need:

• Knowledge of materials that may be used for packaging and the properties of the materials to be packaged.
• Good computer skills.
• A good technical understanding of the industry.
• Problem-solving skills.
• An understanding of the environmental issues related to packaging.
• Good communication skills to deal with people, such as designers and also, sometimes, clients.
• An eye for design and colour.
• To have a good understanding of the legal requirements of packaging materials, especially within the plastics sector.

Pay and opportunities

Salaries for packaging technologists vary with the employer and level of responsibility. Salaries for packaging technologists start from around £23,000 a year. With experience, earnings may rise to around £40,000 a year.

Packaging technologists generally work normal office hours, Monday to Friday. Longer hours may be required when a project deadline is approaching. Though based in offices, they may spend a lot of time in labs, testing solutions. Those who work in manufacturing may also visit the production site regularly to view processes. In that setting, they may need to wear protective clothing such as boots, gloves and overalls. The job may involve some travel, to visit suppliers or manufacturers.

Employers are materials manufacturers, retailers and specialist packaging producers. Opportunities also exist within manufacturing and processing industries, such as engineering, food and drink, and chemicals, and some experienced technologists work for firms of consultants. Opportunities for packaging technologists occur in towns and cities throughout the UK.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised on all the major job boards, and on the Government’s Find a Job and Find an Apprenticeship services. You can also find vacancies in industry magazines such as Packaging News and on specialist websites such as Stylus and Harrison Scott Associates.

Entry routes and training

Some entrants to this career are graduates. Degrees in subjects related to materials science or technology are useful to enter this career. There are also courses in packaging design, and design courses with packaging modules which will be of relevance to prospective packaging technologists. It may also be possible to become a packaging technologist by studying for a degree in a general subject area such as chemistry or physics.

A level 6 degree apprenticeship is available in the role of packaging professional. If you do an apprenticeship, you’ll learn on the job and attend academic courses in college or university, either on day or block release.

Entrants learn on the job, under supervision by experienced colleagues. They may study towards qualifications accredited by PIABC Limited (a specialist awarding body) and The Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3).

Progression will usually be to managerial positions. Some technologists move into consultancy.

Qualifications

For entry to a relevant degree, the usual requirement is:

• Two to three A-levels, one of which should be in a science subject.
• GCSEs at grades 9-4 in your A-level subjects.
• A further two to three GCSEs at grades 9-4, including English and maths.

Other qualifications are often acceptable as alternatives to A levels, for example:

• Edexcel (BTEC) Level 3 National qualifications.
• International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma.

To get onto a degree apprenticeship, you will need:

• Two relevant A-levels.
• GCSEs in English and maths.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Practical skills gained in industrial work are often valued by employers. Working as an engineering technician can lead to entry into technologist-level posts.

If you don’t have the qualifications needed to enter your chosen degree or HND course, a college or university Access course could be the way in. No formal qualifications are usually required, but you should check individual course details. A few colleges and universities offer courses in subjects that would be useful for packaging technologists at undergraduate and postgraduate level.

The Packaging Society (part of The Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3)) offers relevant courses by attendance, or online study.

Related careers

• Materials technologist
• Packaging designer
• Paper technologist
• Polymer technologist
• Product designer