PACKAGING ENGINEER 17 16 RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT Packaging Engineer Packaging is not just about marketing a food product. It’s a crucial element that ensures the safety and quality of the food we consume. It provides functions including the marketing of a food product, protection of foods from dirt and bacteria, and security to indicate if a product has been tampered with. Food product developers typically focus on creating and perfecting new food products. In contrast, the responsibility of designing food packaging falls into the hands of food packaging engineers. This profession is important for the manufacturing world because almost all foods are packaged somehow. If it weren’t for packaging engineering our grocery stores would look a lot different from what they are right now! 1. Food Packaging Engineers Design And Test Food Packaging Packaging engineers design, test and carry out packaging designs for food products. They begin by determining the characteristics of the product being packaged. They begin with a comprehensive analysis of the product to be packaged, considering the product’s pH levels, state of matter, storage temperature, product and shelf life and the product will be marketed. In the next step, packaging engineers develop ideas for what the packaging might look like. They might start by sketching the design on paper or utilizing computer-aided design software to create detailed blueprints. During the design phase, engineers carefully consider the product’s characteristics and how it will be positioned in the market to ensure that the packaging meets both functional and marketing requirements. Once a viable design is established, engineers create physical prototypes to be rigorously tested for performance. For example, the tensile strength and thickness of shrink film might be tested to ensure its suitability for the product. The engineers persistently iterate on prototypes until they find the design that works. This job is not just about trial and error, it’s about creative problem-solving and innovation! 2. Food Packaging Engineers Typically Graduate With An Engineering Degree Packaging is a specialized field within engineering, and surprisingly, many programs offer this specialization. Most packaging engineers hold bachelor’s degrees in packaging engineering. When students enroll in this program, they will study a variety of topics. Packaging science majors start with courses related to the general sciences, which provide a solid foundational knowledge. In their later years, they focus on subjects such as packaging design theory, polymer science, and the mechanical properties of packaging. Alternatively, some packaging engineers attend schools to study other types of engineering, such as mechanical engineering, materials science, chemical engineering, or environmental engineering. These programs also provide transferable knowledge. Professionals seeking certification in packaging technology can seek accreditation through the Institute of Packaging Professionals. This accreditation shows a commitment to the excellence of the packaging profession. They provide two certification levels: Certification Professional in Training (CPIT) and Certified Packaging Professional (CCP). The CCP requires individuals to have at least six years of experience, pass an essay test and a multiplechoice exam, and submit a résumé of activities. The CPIT certification is open to college and university students. Packaging Engineer Creating solutions to protect and preserve food products Photo by ArthurHidden/freepik.com Photo by ThisIsEngineering/pexels.com
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