Become aEdible Packaging Designer

Becoming an Edible Packaging Designer means you’re not just designing for looks – you’re making a real difference in the fight against plastic pollution. By creating packaging that’s not only eco-friendly but also delicious, you could be helping to reduce waste and promote sustainable living. Plus, who wouldn’t want to combine their love for design with their love for food?

• Create eco-friendly packaging that people eat.
• Design delicious solutions to reduce plastic waste.
• Combine art and science in tasty innovations.
• Shape the future of sustainable food packaging.

As an Edible Packaging Designer, your main job is to design packaging for food products that are not only visually appealing but also edible and environmentally friendly. This involves experimenting with different materials, flavours, and textures to create innovative packaging solutions that delight consumers and help reduce the environmental impact of traditional packaging methods.

Edible Packaging Designers might work across various industries where sustainable packaging solutions are in demand. From food and beverage companies to eco-conscious startups, your skills as a designer could be highly sought after in the following sectors:

• Food and Beverage
• Hospitality and Catering
• Retail and Consumer Goods
• Sustainable Packaging Companies
• Agricultural and Farming

We think Edible Packaging Designers could need a mix of creative flair, technical skills, and a passion for sustainability.

• Creativity
• Graphic Design
• Material Science
• Food Science
• Environmental Awareness

Studying STEM subjects can prepare you for a career in Edible Packaging Design. Subjects like Design and Technology, Food Technology, Environmental Science, and Graphic Design might be important, as they give you a solid foundation in design principles, food science, and sustainability practices.

As an Edible Packaging Designer, you could push the boundaries of creativity while making a positive impact on the environment. From designing packaging that dissolves in water to creating edible straws and cutlery, your work not only looks great but also tastes great!

Develop Flavourful Edible Materials

Work on creating new edible packaging materials that not only protect food but taste amazing, like designing a crispy, chocolate flavoured wrapper for a snack bar.

Collaborate with Top Chefs

Partner with renowned chefs to craft unique packaging solutions that enhance the culinary experience, such as designing edible cups for gourmet desserts or creating packaging that complements the flavour of the food.

Test and Innovate

Experiment with different flavours, textures, and ingredients to find out which combinations are both functional and delicious, like developing biodegradable packaging that dissolves in hot drinks.

Create Customised Packaging

Design special edition packaging for holidays, events, or brand promotions, such as limited edition edible packaging for a popular holiday treat or eco-friendly wrappers for a new product launch.

Explore Advanced Technologies

Use new technology to create packaging with interactive features, like wrappers that change colour based on temperature or moisture, making your designs both functional and visually exciting.

Visit Production Facilities

Take trips to food labs and manufacturing sites to oversee the creation of your edible packaging, ensuring your designs are produced to perfection and learning how large scale production processes work.

In the realm of Edible Packaging Design, Australia has several innovators who are making waves with their sustainable and delicious creations. Rachel Lonergan stands out as a prominent figure in this field, known for her pioneering work in developing edible packaging solutions that combine aesthetic appeal with environmental consciousness. Her designs, ranging from edible wrappers for chocolates to biodegradable packaging for fresh produce, showcase the potential of edible packaging to revolutionise the way we consume and dispose of packaging materials.

Joining her in the quest for sustainable packaging solutions are designers like Fiona Andrews and Tom Dowling, whose creative ingenuity has led to the development of edible packaging innovations that are gaining attention both locally and internationally. Andrews’ focus on creating edible alternatives to single-use plastics has earned her recognition for her commitment to reducing plastic waste. Meanwhile, Dowling’s designs, inspired by nature and traditional packaging techniques, offer a glimpse into a future where packaging is not only functional but also enriches the consumer experience. 

These Australian Edible Packaging Designers inspire a new generation of designers to think creatively and responsibly about the future of packaging.

As an Edible Packaging Designer, certain personality traits could be beneficial. In addition to your creative skills, traits like innovation, passion for sustainability, attention to detail, and adaptability will help you navigate the challenges and opportunities of this dynamic field. So, if you’re curious, creative, and passionate about making a difference, then a career as an Edible Packaging Designer might just be perfect for you!

Bachelor of Food Science

A Bachelor of Food Science equips you with knowledge of food chemistry, microbiology, and technology, essential for creating edible packaging. This degree provides a solid foundation in understanding how different ingredients interact and how to ensure food safety and quality.

Bachelor of Sustainable Packaging Design

A Bachelor of Sustainable Packaging Design focuses on developing environmentally friendly packaging solutions. This course covers topics such as materials science, design principles, and sustainability strategies, making it highly relevant for edible packaging. The degree teaches students to create designs that are not only functional and aesthetically pleasing but also reduce environmental impact.

Bachelor of Environmental Science

A Bachelor of Environmental Science provides insights into environmental issues and sustainable practices. This degree is valuable for understanding the broader context of packaging waste and developing eco-friendly solutions. Courses typically include waste management, ecological impacts, and resource efficiency, which are critical when designing packaging that minimises environmental harm.

Bachelor of Product Design

A Bachelor of Product Design offers comprehensive training in designing and creating products, including packaging. This degree covers aspects of design theory, material properties, and user experience, which are crucial for creating practical and innovative edible packaging. Learn how to integrate functionality with aesthetic appeal, so designs are both practical and attractive.

Master’s in Sustainable Design

Building on an undergraduate degree, this advanced study focuses on creating sustainable and innovative packaging solutions, including edible options.

As an Edible Packaging Designer, you’re not just a master of one trade – you’re a jack-of-all-trades! Combining degrees like Graphic Design and Food Science can give you a unique edge, blending your creative flair with a deep understanding of food properties. 

Or think about mixing Environmental Science with Product Design to open doors to sustainable packaging solutions that are as good for the planet as they are for your taste buds. Don’t be afraid to mix and match – the more diverse your skills, the more deliciously innovative your designs!

During your studies, depending on the courses you choose you could learn all about the world of design, food science, and sustainability. From learning how to create visually stunning packaging that’s not only edible but also eco-friendly to mastering graphic design software to understanding food safety regulations, your education can equip you with the skills needed to bring your edible packaging dreams to life. 

Plus, you’ll get hands-on experience working with different materials and flavours, preparing you to tackle any packaging challenge with creativity and confidence.

There may not be any work experience placements in this specific role *yet* but you could look at work placements at food companies or sustainable packaging companies. Here you may have opportunities to hone your skills and learn from industry experts. Whether you’re designing snack wrappers for local cafes or creating packaging prototypes for big brands, every experience will help you grow as a designer and make valuable connections in the industry.

Certifications and Short Courses

Specialised courses in packaging design or food technology can complement a degree and provide practical skills and industry-specific knowledge.

Work Experience

Experience through work with packaging firms or food tech companies can provide valuable insights and networking opportunities in the field.

Apprenticeships and Internships

Consider seeking out apprenticeships or internships with established packaging design firms or food companies. You could get mentorship from industry professionals, allowing you to learn the ins and outs of edible packaging design while gaining skills. You could build a portfolio that showcases your talent and creativity.

Workshops and Short Courses

Explore workshops and short courses offered by design schools, community colleges, or professional organisations. These programs typically focus on specific aspects of packaging design, such as graphic design principles, material science, or sustainable packaging practices. 

Participating in workshops allows you to develop handy skills and knowledge in a shorter time frame, making it an ideal option for those looking to kickstart their career in edible packaging design without committing to a full university degree. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to network with industry professionals and fellow designers, expanding your contacts and potential career opportunities.

As the world increasingly prioritises sustainability, edible packaging designers are finding exciting opportunities across various locations. In Western Australia, local initiatives and eco-friendly projects are creating a demand for innovative packaging solutions, with Perth emerging as a hub for green design and sustainable food technologies. Across Australia, major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane are home to numerous food tech startups and research centres focused on developing new packaging materials and methods. Globally, the movement towards reducing plastic waste is driving growth in the edible packaging sector, offering career prospects in dynamic markets such as Europe, North America, and Asia. Whether you’re working on local projects or contributing to international innovations, a career as an edible packaging designer offers a chance to make a meaningful impact on both the environment and the food industry.Edible Packaging Designer: Deliciously Sustainable Career