Packaging specialists are responsible for the design of packaging and the management of the product packaging processes in terms of protection, conservation, transport and customer information. During this product and process design, the communicative element of the packaging is also considered since its design favours the sale of the product and the durability of the brand image.

The concept of packaging encompasses everything that involves the inclusion or protection of products for distribution, storage, and sale, such as the wrapping, labelling and packaging of commercial items, both those that are in direct contact with the product and those that group together sets of units for sale or distribution. In addition to protecting or wrapping a product, packaging is also a means of sending a message to the customer to decide at the time of purchase, thus providing a relevant marketing element.

In packaging design, issues linked to the circular economy (recycling after packaging use and minimising waste production) are key to the work of this professional, both because of regulations to be considered and the growing pressure from customers for product packaging to meet sustainability and circularity requirements.

• Conceptualise the design of product packaging, considering the types of material, its technical characteristics, functionality, and aspects linked to marketing and communication. For this conceptualisation, these professionals consider the manufacturing processes of the packaging and its safety, as well as its design, taking into consideration the distribution, storage, sale and use of the products to be protected by this packaging.
• Perform sustainability metrics, distribution testing, specification development and establish parameters for product lifecycle management, testing and evaluating the performance of multiple prototypes through iterations.
• Explore and understand the environmental risks that affect a packaged item during the delivery and storage processes, and prepare it to be environmentally sustainable and recyclable, ensuring compliance with the company's sustainability and environmental policies. Likewise, these professionals consider the aspects linked to reverse logistics for the use and recycling of packaging materials (transfer of materials from the use or consumer to the manufacturer or to the authorised collection points for reuse, recycling or, eventually, disposal).
• Collaborate with suppliers of materials that are most suitable for the manufacture of packaging products, creating an efficient process for primary and secondary packaging.
• Know and use supporting hardware and software to design safe and optimised packaging in terms of cost, recyclability, and minimal use of materials. They also keep in contact with the graphic design and branding team to ensure that the packaging solution is visually appealing.
• Know the manufacturing techniques of the wide variety of rigid and flexible materials involved in the manufacture of casings, since some materials have grids or folds to allow controlled folding. The packaging process may involve techniques such as extrusion, thermoforming, moulding and other processing technologies, so it is important that principles of structural and thermal analysis are known and used in their assessments.
• Interact with research and development, manufacturing, marketing, graphic design, regulatory standards, and sales and communication strategies (marketing).
  

Regulated training and graduates

• Grau: Innovació i seguretat alimentària
• Grau: Enginyeria en tecnologies industrials
• Grau: Enginyeria de materials
• Grau: Enginyeria de disseny industrial

Complementary training

In general, throughout a packaging specialist's professional life, continuous training is required in aspects of industrial production and design, as well as in the regulations that apply to the packaging sector (e.g., labelling regulations or quality management).

Learning and use of knowledge: Level 2

Communication: Level 3

Creativity: Level 3

Orientation within reach: Level 2

Conceptual thought: Level 2

Design

People who show an interest in the field of design enjoy creating forms, styles and effects that improve the aesthetics, features or user-friendliness of products and spaces. This field of interest includes all the activities related to fashion and accessories design (clothes, jewellery) and interior design (furniture, window dressing). Creativity and knowledge of new trends are key in the carrying out of these activities in the professional world.

Facilities engineer

Specialist in leisure and recreation areas

Biotechnology packaging engineer.

Prototyping engineer

Electronic engineer (Automotive industry)

• Work hours

  Usually 40 hours per week, from Monday to Friday. They may have to work in different shifts.
  
  

• Salary

  Depending on duties to be performed and the size of the company, the salary of a packaging specialist in a senior position range from 30,000 and 55,000 euros gross per year.
  
  

• Professional category

  Technician