ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Sustainable Packaging Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSustainable Packaging Jobs

Sustainable Packaging information

See salary details

$12

$18

$27

How much do sustainable packaging jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for sustainable packaging in the United States is $18.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $19.95 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Sustainable Packaging vs Packaging Designer?

AspectSustainable PackagingPackaging Designer
CredentialsEnvironmental certifications, design knowledgeDesign degrees, creative skills
Work EnvironmentManufacturing, eco-focused companiesDesign studios, marketing departments
Industry UsageEco-conscious brands, packaging firmsConsumer goods, branding

Sustainable Packaging focuses on creating eco-friendly packaging solutions, emphasizing environmental impact and materials. Packaging Designers develop visual and functional packaging designs, often balancing aesthetics with usability. While both roles involve packaging, Sustainable Packaging professionals prioritize sustainability and materials, whereas Packaging Designers focus on design and branding. Understanding these differences helps companies find the right expertise for eco-friendly and attractive packaging solutions.

What is sustainable packaging?

Sustainable packaging refers to the development and use of packaging solutions that have minimal environmental impact and footprint. This typically involves materials that are recyclable, biodegradable, or made from renewable resources, as well as designs that reduce waste and improve efficiency across the supply chain. The goal of sustainable packaging is to protect products while also conserving resources, reducing pollution, and supporting a circular economy. Companies are increasingly adopting sustainable packaging practices in response to consumer demand and regulatory requirements.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in sustainable packaging roles?

Professionals in sustainable packaging often encounter challenges such as balancing environmental goals with cost constraints, sourcing eco-friendly materials that meet product requirements, and staying updated with rapidly evolving regulations. Collaboration across departments—such as design, supply chain, and marketing—is essential to ensure packaging solutions are both sustainable and practical for mass production. Additionally, measuring and communicating the true environmental impact of alternative packaging solutions can require specialized knowledge and cross-functional coordination.

What are examples of sustainable packaging?

Sustainable packaging includes materials like recycled paper, biodegradable plastics, plant-based plastics, and compostable containers. These options reduce environmental impact by minimizing waste and using renewable resources, which is important for professionals in sustainable packaging roles to understand and promote.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Sustainable Packaging, and why are they important?

To thrive in Sustainable Packaging, you need a solid background in materials science, environmental studies, or packaging engineering, often supported by a relevant degree or certifications like ISTA Certified Packaging Laboratory Professional (CPLP). Familiarity with life cycle assessment (LCA) tools, packaging design software, and regulatory compliance systems is essential. Creativity, strong problem-solving skills, and effective communication are important soft skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams and innovating eco-friendly solutions. These skills and qualities are crucial for developing packaging that meets sustainability goals while aligning with business and regulatory requirements.
More about Sustainable Packaging jobs
What cities are hiring for Sustainable Packaging jobs? Cities with the most Sustainable Packaging job openings:
What states have the most Sustainable Packaging jobs? States with the most job openings for Sustainable Packaging jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Sustainable Packaging jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Sustainable Packaging jobs are:
Sustainable Packaging jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sustainable Packaging job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,198 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Sustainable Packaging

Maine's Public Universities

Orono, ME

$50K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

This position will develop wood-fiber based solutions for sustainable packaging, focusing on development of base papers and barrier coatings, using nanocellulose materials and other bio-derived materials. 

This position is a joint postdoctoral fellowship on Sustainable Packaging between the University of Maine and the USFS Forest Products Laboratory in Madison, Wisconsin. The objective of this position is to develop films and coatings that meet the barrier properties required for food packaging and have the viscosity and thermal stability needed for commercial scale use. Typical hiring salary for this soft-money funded position is up to $50,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience. 

Complete Job Description
About the University:
The University of Maine is a community of more than 11,900 undergraduate and graduate students, and 2,500 employees located on the Orono campus, the regional campus in Machias, and throughout the state. UMaine is a land, sea and space grant university, and maintains a leadership role as the University of Maine System's flagship institution. UMaine is the state's public research university and a Carnegie R1 top-tier research institution, dedicated to providing excellent teaching, research and service for Maine, the nation and the world. More information about UMaine is at umaine.edu. 
The University of Maine offers a wide range of benefits for employees including, but not limited to, tuition benefits (employee and dependent), comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short and long term disability as well as retirement plan options. 
UMaine is located in beautiful Central Maine. Many employees report that a primary reason for choosing to come to UMaine is quality of life. Numerous cultural activities, excellent public schools, safe neighborhoods, high quality medical care, little traffic, and a reasonable cost of living make the greater Bangor area a wonderful place to live. Visit the Maine Office of Tourism to learn more about what the Bangor region has to offer.
Qualifications:
Required: 

  • PhD in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, or Pulp and Paper Science and Engineering/Forestry, or similarly related fields.
  • Prior research experience related to lignocellulosic materials, their processing and value-added product development. 
  • Prior research experience in biobased films and coatings for use in recyclable food packaging.
  • Demonstrated strong ability to develop reports/manuscripts. 
  • Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment. 

Preferred: 

  • Experience working with cellulose nanomaterials.
  • Experience in food packaging design, particularly using AI/ML tools.
  • Ability to perform in diverse working settings, e.g., industrial clients, students, and other researchers. 
  • Experience in lignocellulose refining processes, enzyme treatment of lignocellulosic materials. 
     

Other Information: 

To be considered for this position you will need to "Apply" and upload the documentation listed below:

1.) a cover letter which describes your experience, interests, and suitability for the position
2.) a resume/curriculum vitae

Candidates selected to proceed to the final stages of the search process will be requested to provide a list of names and contact information for references.

Incomplete application materials cannot be considered. Materials received after the initial review date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University.
For full consideration, materials must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. EST on March 13, 2026.

For questions about the search, please contact search committee chair Colleen Walker.
The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screening and post offer physical. 


 

The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability (physical or mental), genetic information, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator at www.maine.edu/title-ix/.

 
Clery Act
The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions, such as the University, prepare, publish and distribute an Annual Security Report, (ASR) and provide notice of the availability of the ASR to all prospective employees. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University's crime statistics for the past three calendar years; and disclosures regarding the University's current campus security policies. You may view the University's Annual Security Report. If you wish to have a paper copy of the ASR or you need to have a copy of the ASR in an accessible format, the University will provide such a copy upon request. Please contact: UMaine Police Department, 81 Rangeley Rd., The University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5794, or call 207.581.4053.

Apply