Discover your next big idea at PACK EXPO Las Vegas this September
Experience a breakthrough in packaging & processing and transform your business with solutions from 2,300 suppliers spanning all industries.
REGISTER NOW & SAVE

Where have all the packaging professionals gone?

Are you having trouble finding good packaging professionals? Not long ago, the process was simple. There were a few good recruiters specializing in packaging.

Pw 3688 Colleen Profile R

You could count on them to fill open positions and pay their fees ranging from 25-35% of the first year salary. It was well worth it, because they understood the nuances of the profession, understood that there are only a few schools offering degrees in packaging, they had personal relationships with hiring managers and candidates, and the recruiters could be trusted—i.e. we never referred to the good ones as “head hunters.” Today, there are many challenges, and new, innovative approaches are needed. Here are some thoughts on the challenges, as well as some potential solutions.

Challenges:

• The Internet of HR—Over the last 15 years, we have seen Monster.com, Careerbuilder.com, and others offer Internet-enabled job and resume posting services. Universities offer job and resume posting services for Alumni. Many recruiting firms outside of packaging have decided they can work in packaging, using the web and emails to communicate with candidates—they “sell” their one-stop-shop service to corporate HR, suggesting they can take care of all their R&D needs, and they offer to do so for 20% fees.

Coding, Marking, and Labeling Innovations Report
Explore our editor-curated report featuring cutting-edge coding, labeling, and RFID innovations from PACK EXPO 2024. Discover high-speed digital printing, sustainable label materials, automated labeling systems, and advanced traceability solutions that are transforming packaging operations across industries.
Access Report
Coding, Marking, and Labeling Innovations Report
Annual Outlook Report: Workforce
Hiring remains a major challenge in packaging, with 78% struggling to fill unskilled roles and 84% lacking experienced workers. As automation grows, companies must rethink hiring and training. Download the full report for key insights.
Download Now
Annual Outlook Report: Workforce