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Job description: Print/packaging technologist
As a print/packaging technologist, you'll work with manufacturers to come up with new packaging ideas for various products from food and drink to pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
Your duties are likely to include:
- Producing sample packaging to try out different materials and designs.
- Running production trials to make sure it works and is safe
- Working with production line engineers to find the best methods.
- Working with graphic designers on the artwork to make sure it fits in with the company's marketing and branding.
A key part of your job will be to take into account issues such as how fragile the product is, how much protection it needs, how it will react to light, moisture or other materials, and how transportation the conditions it may be subjected to during transportation, such as temperature may affect it. You'll also have to watch for legal requirements such as accurate labelling and safe packaging of hazardous materials. Other issues you'll consider are production costs, the environmental impact and disposal of the product.
Hours and environment
You will normally work 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. If you are in manufacturing, however, you may occasionally have to be on-call.
Your job will be a combination of office work and time spent in laboratories testing materials, or monitoring production line processes in the factory. On these occasions, you'll wear protective clothing.
You may have to travel to material suppliers or manufacturers, which could involve some working away from home.
Skills & Interests
To be a successful packaging technologist you'll need:
- Ability in science and maths
- Strong communication and negotiating skills
- Good IT skills
- A willingness to work flexibly
- Good teamworking skills
- Sound financial management
- The ability to work to deadlines
- Good attention to detail
- A creative approach to problem solving.
Entry
You will normally need a foundation degree, BTEC HND or degree in packaging or packaging design. Other subjects that may be acceptable include materials science, food technology, nutrition, physics or chemistry.
To search for colleges and universities offering foundation degrees, HNDs and degrees see the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
You may be able to start as a packaging line operator and work your way up to become a packaging technologist after on-the-job training. See the Packaging Futures website for details.
Training
You'll be given on-the-job training by experienced technologists. You could also take qualifications through the Institute of Packaging (IoP), who offer a Certificate in Packaging covering packaging principles, materials and costs. This course is a combination of class-based study and distance learning.
The IoP also offers a degree-level Diploma in Packaging Technology, which covers the uses of packaging, properties of packaging materials, and the process of package development. You could study for this intensively, part-time or online.
For detailed information on the Certificate and Diploma, together with information on training centres, see the Packaging Industry Awarding Body website.
If you already have a degree, you may be able to take a postgraduate course in packaging technology.
Opportunities
Your main opportunities will be with packaging suppliers, retailers and manufacturers who produce their own packaging.
With experience, you could move into other areas such as marketing and sales, development management or artwork design. You will also have the option to work freelance as a packaging consultant.
Annual income
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
- The starting salary for packaging technologists ranges from £15,000 to £20,000 a year.
- Experienced technologists can expect to earn from £25,000 to £35,000 a year.
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