Did You Know?   Types of Plastics   Plastics can be divided into two major categories: 1. Thermoset or thermosetting plastics. Once cooled and hardened, these plastics retain their shapes and cannot return to their original form. They are hard and durable. Thermosets can be used for auto parts, aircraft parts and tires. Examples include polyurethanes, polyesters, epoxy resins and phenolic resins. 2. Thermoplastics. Less rigid than thermosets, thermoplastics can soften upon heating and return to their original form. They are easily molded and extruded into films, fibers and packaging. Examples include polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). (Source: HowStuffWorks)

 

   Manufacturing & Production

In Australia, a Packaging Technologist's duties involve managing packaging and print design changes, collaborating with teams for improvements, setting print quality standards, and ensuring compliance with technical, safety, and regulatory standards.

A Packaging Technologist designs, develops, and selects packaging materials to ensure products are safely contained, protected, and transported, while also considering factors like cost, marketing, and environmental impact.

(Source: CAFRE)

ANZSCO ID: N/A April 2025
  
Alternative names: Packaging Engineer, Package Engineer, Packaging Scientist, Packaging Developer

  
Specialisations:

 

• Food Packaging Technologist: Focuses on developing innovative and sustainable packaging solutions for food products, considering factors like freshness, convenience, and shelf life.

• Sustainability in Packaging: Specializes in developing eco-friendly packaging materials and processes, aiming to reduce environmental impact and promote recyclability.

• Consumer Insights Specialist: Researches consumer behaviour and preferences to identify product improvements and develop innovative packaging ideas that meet consumer demands.

• Project Management in Packaging: Manages packaging projects from concept to production, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to quality standards.

• Brand Design: Focuses on the visual aspects of packaging, ensuring it effectively communicates the brand message and attracts consumers.

• Product Design: Specializes in the structural and functional aspects of packaging, ensuring it is safe, durable, and easy to use.

• Marketing and Sales: Develops marketing strategies and sales plans for packaging products, promoting their benefits to potential customers.

• Research and Development: Focuses on exploring new packaging technologies and materials, contributing to the advancement of the industry.

Knowledge, skills and attributes

To become a Packaging Technologist, you 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

 

 

(Source; Webpacking)

Duties and Tasks

As a Packaging Technologist, you develop and select packaging materials that are used to contain, protect and preserve products.

You will receive a packaging brief. For example, a company may want to transport dangerous chemicals safely across the country. You use your knowledge of packaging materials to decide if the requirements can be met, and estimate the cost of the process.

To work out the cost, you talk to many specialists including Designers, Manufacturers, Accountants, Marketing Managers and production staff. You check that all packaging meets marketing, financial, legal and environmental requirements.

You 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.

You also develop new packaging. For example, you look for ways in which packaging can extend the shelf life of foods kept in the kitchen. You also have to consider fuel and transport costs.

• Quality Control and Testing: Ensure packaging materials and designs meet quality standards and safety requirements; Conduct packaging tests (e.g., drop tests, vibration tests, temperature tests) to assess performance; Monitor and maintain the quality of existing packaging.

• Cost Estimation and Analysis: Estimate the cost of packaging materials and production processes; AAnalyse packaging costs and identify opportunities for cost reduction.

• Compliance and Regulations: Ensure packaging meets relevant legal, regulatory, and environmental requirements; SStay up-to-date with industry standards and regulations.

• Collaboration and Communication: Work closely with product designers, production engineers, and other stakeholders; CCommunicate technical information clearly and effectively.

 

Other Tasks:
Produce sample packaging to test different materials and designs.
Packaging Design and Development: Develop and select appropriate packaging materials (paper, cardboard, plastic, glass, metal, etc.) for various products.
Design packaging that protects products during storage, handling, and transportation.
Create packaging that is cost-effective and meets marketing and customer needs.
Develop new packaging solutions and improve existing ones.
Research and evaluate new packaging technologies and materials.
Run production trials.
Write technical reports.
Research ways to make packaging more environmentally friendly.

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

Working conditions

You could work in a laboratory, in a factory or in an office.

You may need to wear protective clothing.



Tools and technologies

Packaging technologists rely on a combination of design software, testing equipment, and digital technologies to create, analyse, and improve packaging solutions, ensuring both product protection and sustainability


Design and Development:

CAD Software: Computer-aided design (CAD) software allows for the creation of 3D models and virtual prototypes of packaging designs.

3D Printing: enables the rapid creation of physical prototypes for testing and refinement.

Material Testing: Packaging technologists use specialized equipment to test the properties of different materials, such as strength, flexibility, and barrier properties.

Digital Technologies: Smart packaging technologies, like QR codes, augmented reality (AR), and near-field communication (NFC), are used to enhance consumer interaction and provide information.

Production and Automation:

Packaging Machines: A wide range of equipment is used for various packaging processes, including filling, sealing, labelling, and case packing.

Conveyors and Accumulation Systems: These systems facilitate the efficient movement and storage of packaging materials and products.

Inspection Systems: Automated inspection systems ensure that packaging meets quality standards and is free from defects.

Robotics and Automation: Robotics and automation are increasingly used in packaging to improve efficiency and reduce labour costs.

Sustainability and Research:

Sustainability Testing: Packaging technologists conduct research and testing to identify sustainable packaging materials and designs.

Life Cycle Assessment: They use life cycle assessment tools to evaluate the environmental impact of different packaging options.
 
Data Analytics: Data analytics tools help to track and analyse packaging performance, identify areas for improvement, and make informed decisions.

Smart Packaging: Smart packaging technologies, such as sensors and GPS tracking, provide valuable insights into the supply chain and product integrity.

Education and training/entrance requirements

With no undergraduate degrees in packaging technology available through universities in the region many find their way into the industry via an engineering, industrial design or food science degree. Very few people start their working life as a packaging technologist or engineer.

The challenge is that Packaging Design and Technology is in fact a science that requires the appropriate higher education and training in the discipline.

The flow on effect is that even though packaging design is well and truly in the spotlight there is a limited supply of truly qualified packaging technologists and designers in the region. Most of these talented people are already entrenched in a business and are not looking to leave their current role anytime soon.

As the peak professional body for packaging training and education in Australasia, the Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) offers an internationally accredited and globally recognised Diploma in Packaging Technology, a Certificate in Packaging, bite-sized modules wrapped up in the Fundamentals in Packaging Technology (FPT) course and a Master of Food Packaging & Innovation.


Employment Opportunities

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 Packaging Technologists work for firms of consultants.

Self-employment

There are opportunities for experienced Packaging Technologists to become self-employed. For example, you could move into consultancy work.

   Manufacturing & Production

Paper technologists design and test the equipment and processes involved in the production of paper, cardboard and other paper products. Paper technologists are responsible for controlling the processes involved in the conversion of raw materials such as wood and bagasse (the dry refuse from sugar making) into pulp, paper, cardboard and related products, which are in turn converted to final products such as books, boxes, etc.

 

Paper bags are now being used again!
(Source: Opal)

ANZSCO ID: 311413
  
Knowledge, skills and attributes

To become a paper technologist, you would need:

• a keen interest in science and technology
• a interest in mechanics and has mechanical aptitude
• good teamwork skills
• IT skills
• effective verbal and written communication skills
• able to reason analytically
• versatile and practical
• the ability to analyse and interpret data and test results
• the ability to solve problems.

 

Specialised boxes for fresh produce
(Source: Opal)

Duties and Tasks

Paper technologists are involved in:

• the processes to manufacture pulp from raw materials
• supplying the chemicals for the various processes
• the design, manufacture and operation of the paper machines
• paper and board making
• converting and coating
• research and development
• project management.

As a paper technologist, you would:

• work with raw materials such as recycled paper, wood pulp or plant-based fibres
• investigate the best way to combine raw materials, chemicals and additives for a particular product
• turn raw materials into a variety of products such as tissue, cardboard, newsprint or high-quality art paper
• measure how different factors affect the manufacturing process, such as liquid temperatures and pressures
• coordinate trials of new products
• analyse and interpret laboratory and trial production test results
• write technical reports
• monitor quality control to make sure products meet customer requirements, such as correct colour and finish
• check that finished products meet industry safety and quality standards.

Do You Know? Paper technologists apply their knowledge of chemical and mechanical engineering and paper factory technology to these processes to ensure high standards of quality in the final product. In the basic pulping and paper-manufacturing process, paper technologists are responsible for various tasks described below: Debarked logs of wood are converted into mechanical pulp, usually known as “ground wood”.    To obtain chemical pulp, wood chips or bagasse are digested by means of a chemical solution and steam is used to remove the lignin, which cements the fibres together. The cellulose fibres that are obtained may be bleached in order to produce “white” paper, or used in its unbleached form to yield “brown” paper. Wastepaper is another raw material with which paper technologists work. Before it can be re-used, impurities such as printing ink must be removed. This can be done by separating the fibres in a pulper, followed by an intensive cleaning and screening operation. Paper technologists control the final finishing process in the manufacture of the paper. Depending on the use of the end product, surface sising is then applied in a size press. Further finishing is done by passing the paper web through a calendar stack, in order to polish the surface, after which it is wound into a “Jumbo” reel of several tons. The surface quality of the paper can be even further improved by applying a coating mix to the paper in a coating machine. The paper may then be super calendared to give it the required gloss. Jumbo reels are rewound, slit and/or cut to the customers’ requirements. Packed reels and reams are then dispatched to the customer. (Source: Visy)

Working conditions
     
In a full-time role, you would work a standard number of hours, Monday to Friday, although you may also be required to be on-call to attend to any out-of-hours problems.

Your working day would be split between the office, laboratory and production areas of a paper mill / factory. Conditions in some parts of the mill may be hot, humid and noisy. You would be expected to wear protective clothing in the laboratory and on the factory floor.

The majority of paper production facilities in Australia are located in rural and regional areas.
    

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become a paper technologist, you would usually need to gain a degree in an area such as science, organic chemistry, physics or engineering.

You may have an advantage finding work if you also have some experience of manufacturing or laboratory work.

Employment Opportunities

Employment of paper technologist in Australia is expected to continue to decline or at best, remain static.

Employment in paper, cardboard and tissue manufacturing plants in Australasia has declined over the last decade. Decreasing use of paper, and the decline of the Australian manufacturing sector generally, will continue to further limit opportunities for paper technologists.

Did You Know? VISY is one of Australia's Pulp and Paper manufacturers. The following information taken directly from the VISY website: "We're proud of all the paper we produce, in particular our recycled paper. That's because, when we say it's recycled, we mean it. Our recycled paper even includes approximately 98% post-consumer waste. We have eight paper machines across Australia, and they're used to produce recycled corrugated and kraft paper for the packaging and building industries. In FY2022, our machines produced approximately 1.5 million tonnes of paper, including over 813,000 tonnes of 100% recycled fibre test liner, coated liner and plasterboard liner; and over 681,000 tonnes of unbleached kraft paper. That's a lot of paper, and a whole lot of recycling! OPERATING DIVISIONS    Paper Coatings Using 100% recycled content paper and kraft liner, Visy produces high-quality, coated sheets for use in a wide range of applications. With its bright, smooth surface, our unique coated paper helps achieve exceptional print results from flexographic and offset lithographic printing. Coated products are available in a range of grades and are suitable for: Light-weight laminating Paperback book covers Plasterboard liners Corrugated and folding cardboard boxes Wax boxes Our coating machine offers flexibility not only in coating surfaces, but also in board callipers and weights, with a product range of Visycoat papers from 130gsm to 400gsm. This machine also allows us to produce a variety of functional coatings: Water resistant Anti-scuff Grease barrier Linerless meat boxes Laminates We also provide a laminating service, which involves heavy weight boards being given a PE film. This gives customers absolute water/humidity resistance for special packaging applications. Plasterboard Liner Visy has produced plasterboard liner since 1996 and supplies to gypsum board manufacturers in Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Europe, Middle East, India, Africa and the USA. Our plasterboard liner has been successfully converted in over 36 gypsum board plants around the world. Visy produces plasterboard liners for face, back, coloured and cove applications as well as clay coated liners for specialty ceiling and wall applications. These liners range from 220gsm to 150gsm. Our de-inking facility removes ink and other impurities from recycled magazines, office paper and newsprint, which results in plasterboard liner with an ivory or buff finish as well as white liner grades. (Source: Plasterwholesalers)

 

 

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Materials sourced from
the Open Universities Australia;
CareerPlanner [Packer; ]
WebArchive Only - CareerHQ [Paper Technologist; ]
Better Team [Packer; Packager; ]
National Career Service, UK;
Workable [Packer; ]
Jobs OID [Packager; ]
Zippa [Packager; ]
Zip Recruiter [Packager; ]
Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) [Packaging Technologist; ]
Career Wales [Packaging Technologist; ]
Go Study [Paper Technologist; ]
Your Career [Packer; ]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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