Young Talents Day interpack: Your entry into the packaging industry

Packaging technology is the core engineering degree programme in the industry. Over six to seven semesters, you will learn about materials science, machine and plant engineering, design, sustainability, logistics and quality management. Many universities place great emphasis on laboratory work, practical projects and close cooperation with industry, so that you can gain practical experience early on and implement real packaging projects. Dual or practice-integrated study models are also widespread in this field.

Studying packaging technology opens up a wide range of career opportunities – from development and production to quality assurance, sustainability projects and supply chain management. Typical employers for young people studying packaging technology are Krones, Syntegon, and Multivac.

Process engineering gives you a deep understanding of industrial material and energy processes. Topics include thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, mechanical process engineering, material processing and process simulation. You will often work in development, production or automation departments at mechanical engineering companies or packaging manufacturers such as ATP Engineering & Packaging or Henkel.

Packaging design is about combining creativity, function and sustainability. You will develop shapes, layouts, structures, prototypes and brand identities. The course covers materials science, CAD, prototyping, sustainable design and user experience. Employers include companies such as Color Service SRL or Anro.

Industrial engineering combines technology, management and economics. You will learn about production systems, logistics, quality management, project management, automation, technical fundamentals, business administration and controlling. As an industrial engineer, you will work for packaging manufacturers such as G. Mondini S.p.A. or KHS.

Electronics technicians for industrial engineering ensure that modern packaging machines and production facilities function reliably. The training lasts 3.5 years and combines electrical engineering, automation, control programming and maintenance. You will learn about PLC systems, sensor technology, drive technology, troubleshooting and process optimisation, and you will work directly on machines a lot. Career opportunities for electronics technicians for industrial engineering exist in the areas of maintenance, servicing, automation, technical management and process safety. Typical training companies are mechanical engineering firms such as Syntegon and large packaging manufacturers such as ALPLA.

Packaging technologists develop, test, and manufacture packaging made of paper, cardboard, plastic, or composite materials. The three-year training program combines materials science, machine operation, CAD fundamentals, die-cutting tools, adhesive technology, quality assurance, and production planning. You work closely with development, design, and prepress teams. You can work in production, development, technical planning, and quality assurance, and later advance to become a master craftsperson, a state-certified technician, or specialize further in the field of packaging.

There are many ways to enter the packaging industry, including through vocational training or a (dual) degree program.

It is international, innovative, sustainable, and systemically important—with secure jobs, modern technology, and many opportunities for development.

Degree programs such as packaging technology, food technology, and process engineering are in high demand.

Materials science, machine and plant engineering, sustainability, logistics, quality management, and technical processes.

Electronics technician for industrial engineering, packaging technology technician, media technology technician for printing, and machine and plant operator.

The interpack Young Talents Day helps you by putting you in direct contact with companies, HR teams, and young professionals.

Talks, networking, themed tours, career discussions, and insights into degree programs, training paths, and technical professions.

Very good. This is due to strong diversity initiatives, networks such as Women in Packaging, and growing leadership roles.