Packaging is the technique of enclosing various types of products in a protective shell for distribution and sales purposes. There are different types of materials used in packaging work such as cardboard, paper, plastic, Styrofoam, etc. Some products need additional layers of packaging owing to their fragile or combustible nature. Packaging is necessary for a number of reasons such as protection, security against tampering, convenience, marketing, and standardization.
Different job roles such as packaging technician, packaging supervisor and packaging manager are associated with this line of work. The packaging department in a manufacturing company coordinates with other departments while devising a specific layout for the packaging of a particular product. The importance of packaging in consumer as well as industrial goods is often overlooked but undeniable.
Description
Before starting with the actual packaging work, design of the packaging is done by specific skilled individuals who create a blueprint of this design. This blueprint is then implemented by the packaging technicians who use various materials to create a protective shell for the product. In many cases such as medicine capsules, can containers and shampoo sachets, the packaging work is carried out by automated machines rather than manual labor. In this case, the technicians have to operate these machines and ensure its smooth functioning at all times. In some cases, they have to carry out stress tests on the packaging to check whether it can withstand shocks and accidents or not.
Packaging supervisors inspect and check the packaged goods at regular intervals for any flaws or inconsistencies in the packaging. They have to ensure that set standards of quality are met at all times. Occasionally, they may also undertake training work for technicians who are new on the job. Packaging managers oversee the running of the entire packaging department in a company and ensure the completion of work as per the set deadlines of the senior management.
Skills and Requirements
Professionals working in this field should possess good organizational and analytical skills. Packaging designers should have a good understanding about the structural and physical properties of the product. Technicians may have to carry heavy boxes and other equipment, owing to which excellent physical condition is essential for those working in this position. For those working in supervisory and managerial positions, having good leadership and decision making skills is necessary due to their job responsibilities. They have to regularly interact with technicians, designers and engineers and should thus possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
There are specific degree courses in packaging that are taken by those who are interested in working as technologists or designers this field. Additional subjects such as food technology, nutrition, and materials science are a part of this course. Those seeking managerial and supervisory jobs need to possess a Bachelor's degree in business administration with some sort of specialization in packaging design. A Master's degree is generally preferred for managerial positions.
Career Advancement
For those who carry out entry level technician jobs in packaging, promotion to a supervisory position is obtained on the basis of experience and good skills displayed on the job. In the same manner, packaging designers advance to managerial positions on the basis of seniority in the organization as well as additional educational qualifications, which help in giving them an edge over other designers.
Salary and Benefits
Wages in this line of work greatly vary from one position to another. Packaging technicians earn around $35,000, while entry level workers get around $20000. The average salary of a packaging supervisor is around the $56,000 mark, while packaging design managers earn between $85,000 and $110,000. These figures are dependent upon a number of factors such as experience, skill level, industry and specific company. Packaging work professionals also receive additional benefits in the form of health and dental insurance plans, life pension plans, paid vacations and sick leaves.
Thus, packaging work is a fairly lucrative job option for those looking to pursue their careers in this field. It has a number of job opportunities and career advancement options that make it a viable field of work.