Sustainable Packaging Recruitment Overview
Sustainable packaging recruitment is key for businesses exploring eco-friendly options, particularly in light of the UK’s plastic packaging tax. However, to be successful in this area, your business needs knowledge around materials science, circular design, and the legislation surrounding it.
This is where sustainable packaging recruitment can plug the gap. By hiring a specialist in sustainable packaging you can ensure your business maintains compliance and a competitive advantage.
Why Sustainability Expertise is Important in Packaging Roles
There are several reasons why sustainability expertise is important. You’ll need to:
- Navigate Complex Regulations: Ensure compliance with a growing web of UK and international legislation, such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and the Plastic Packaging Tax.
- Select Sustainable Materials: Apply proven knowledge of material properties to specify effective options, from compostable polymers to advanced recycled content.
- Implement Circular Principles: Design and manage packaging systems based on circular economy models, including reuse, refill, and recycling.
- Drive Cost-Effective Innovation: Lead projects that reduce environmental impact while maintaining performance and controlling costs, future-proofing the business.
This combination of skills allows organisations to mitigate risk, meet consumer demand, and build a more resilient and responsible supply chain.
The Sustainable Packaging Recruitment Process
Finding the right sustainable packaging talent requires a targeted, multi-stage process.
We follow a clear, step by step approach to ensure we find and secure professionals who are both technically competent and a good cultural fit for your business.
Step 1: In-Depth Role & Strategy Scoping
Our process starts with a deep dive into your specific needs. We go beyond the job description to understand your sustainability goals, team dynamics and the strategic impact this hire will make, so we target the right candidates from the outset.
Step 2: Proactive & Targeted Sourcing
We then use our dedicated networks within the sustainability and packaging sectors to proactively find and engage high calibre candidates, including those not actively looking for a new role, who have the niche skills you need.
Step 3: Rigorous Skills & Competency Assessment
Each candidate goes through a thorough evaluation. This reviews their technical experience (e.g. with LCA tools and material innovation) and includes competency based interviews to explore their practical experience of leading sustainable projects and influencing cross functional teams.
Step 4: Shortlist Presentation & Interview Coordination
We present a curated shortlist of the most suitable candidates, including detailed profiles and interview recommendations. We then manage all logistics for a smooth and efficient interview process for your team.
Step 5: Offer Management & Onboarding Support
Finally we provide industry benchmarking to support a competitive offer and manage the negotiation process. Our support continues through to the final acceptance so the transition is as smooth as possible and onboarding is successful.
Key Candidate Qualities and Skills
When finding top sustainable packaging talent we look for a blend of technical and strategic skills. Essential requirements are:
- Technical Proficiency: Hands on experience with LCA and deep understanding of sustainable material properties.
- Regulatory Knowledge: Up to date knowledge of compliance standards, such as the UK Plastic Packaging Tax and EPR.
- Supply Chain Acumen: Understanding of how packaging decisions impact the entire sustainable supply chain.
- Collaborative Mindset: Ability to work cross functionally with marketing, procurement and R&D to embed sustainability.
- Consumer Insight: Awareness of shifting consumer attitudes and how to communicate sustainability credentials.
Take a look at our case studies to see how we’ve helped other brands achieve their new hire goals.
Challenges and Market Trends in Recruiting for Sustainable Packaging
The market for skilled sustainable packaging professionals is highly competitive. A major challenge is the scarcity of candidates with proven experience, which leads to a bidding war for top talent.
This is compounded by the rise of ESG credentials where candidates now evaluate potential employers on their environmental commitments. Organisations are responding to tightening regulations and heightened consumer expectations, creating more demand for specialists who can navigate this complex landscape.
Companies must act fast and present a strong employer value proposition to attract the best.
Best Practices for Long-Term Success
Securing top talent is just the first step. Retaining and empowering your employees is key to help you achieve your long term sustainability goals.
Take a look at some of the strategies below to see how you can support long-term success.
Effective Onboarding & Integration
- Start with a structured onboarding process that immerses new hires in your company’s sustainability mission and values from day one.
- Introduce them to key stakeholders in supply chain, marketing and R&D to embed them in cross functional teams immediately.
Retention & Development
- Create career progression paths and ongoing professional development in areas like circular design and advanced recycling technologies.
- Mentorship programmes and high visibility projects to keep them challenged and engaged.
Sustainability Culture
- Allow your packaging experts to be internal champions and nurture a company wide sustainability culture.
- Encourage them to share insights and lead initiatives that shape business strategy, so their expertise drives continuous improvement.
Let’s Build Your Sustainable Packaging Team?
The market for sustainable packaging talent is competitive.
Let Acre be your partner in success. Our dedicated consultants have the industry networks and expertise to find and secure the talent that will drive your packaging strategy.
Get in touch today to discuss your requirements.
