Unconventional Paths to Packaging: Chemistry Majors

Packaging science is far more than just designing boxes. It’s a multidisciplinary field blending ergonomics, sustainability, engineering, design, and other schools of thought. 

A multidisciplinary field calls for well-rounded professionals who can step up to the plate to tackle the industry's largest challenges—from material innovations and rightsizing to EPR compliance.

Due to the array of challenges, the packaging industry currently has thousands of job openings for packaging designers, engineers, R&D professionals, and more. Seeking fresh approaches and strategies, the industry often looks to hire individuals who may not have an undergraduate degree in packaging science or engineering.

Currently, only a dozen universities in the United States offer a packaging-related undergraduate degree—including Clemson University and Michigan State University. This leads to many professionals in the packaging industry void of a packaging degree.

An example of the multidisciplinary nature of the industry can be found in our small but mighty team. Our team has the following undergraduate degrees: 

• BA in English & Creative Writing

• BBA in Marketing Management 

• BS in Chemistry 

• BFA in Communication Design

• BBA in Management Information Science

• BFA in Design & Visual Communications

• BS in Packaging Science 

• BS in Packaging Engineering

• BS in Communication & Media Studies 

• BS in Packaging Science

• BFA in Communication Design

With our diverse educational backgrounds, The Packaging School team is able to think outside the box (no pun intended) and help train packaging professionals in all corners of the globe—training 15,000+ professionals in the 10 years of our existence. 

For example, our Academic Director—Dr. Julie Rice Suggs—ended up in the packaging industry after receiving a BS in Chemistry from Westminster College and a PhD in Food Science & Technology from Clemson University.

As our seasoned chemistry major and expert on the team, we sat down with Dr. Suggs and asked her to elaborate on three key reasons why chemistry majors should look into a career in the packaging industry.

Strong Understanding of Materials and Their Properties

At its core, packaging science and design is about understanding the different properties of packaging materials and how they can be applied to packaging systems and industry applications. 

Who better to understand the possibilities and limitations of different packaging materials than someone trained in chemistry?

Whether working with plastics, paper, glass, or biodegradable alternatives, chemistry graduates can analyze material performance and help develop packaging solutions that meet both function and regulatory requirements. 

When asked about a chemistry major’s understanding of materials and properties, Dr. Suggs stated:

"Chemistry majors, like myself, are trained to understand how materials behave under different conditions, including heat, pressure, light, and chemical exposure. This knowledge is essential in the packaging industry, where selecting the right materials ensures product safety, durability, and shelf life."

Given the thousands of polymers and materials used in packaging, with new ones emerging weekly, chemistry majors are well suited to help teams understand the possibilities and limitations of various materials.

Fresh Approaches to R&D and Problem Solving

Like most STEM majors, chemistry majors have spent a lot of time in labs, making them ideal thought leaders and problem solvers for new approaches to R&D and packaging applications. 

The ability of a chemistry major to design experiments, interpret results, and validate material performance ensures that packaging solutions are backed by sound science, align with regulatory obligations, and achieve measurable environmental impact.

When asked about how a chemistry major could enhance a packaging R&D department and help to avoid “greenwashing,” Dr. Suggs stated:

"A chemistry education emphasizes critical thinking, data analysis, and evidence-based conclusions. In the packaging industry, this allows chemistry majors to cut through “greenwashing” and evaluate sustainability claims using real data rather than marketing jargon."

Chemistry majors in a packaging function can also play a key role in evaluating the performance and viability of alternative materials—helping cut through the noise and focus on material innovations that can deliver quality, sustainability, and structural performance.

With new materials emerging at a rapid pace, the industry needs professionals who understand material science and best practices when it comes to research and development.

Leadership in Sustainability and Innovation

With regulatory pressures and consumer demand, the development of more sustainable and recyclable packaging solutions is at the forefront of the industry in 2026 and beyond. Who better to answer the call than chemistry majors who combine an understanding of material science and R&D methods? 

Rather than relying on the latest trends laid out in newsletters or conferences, chemistry graduates can create innovative solutions through scientific methods that balance performance, cost, and environmental responsibility.

When asked how chemistry majors can serve as an innovative force in the packaging industry to drive packaging sustainability, Dr. Suggs stated:

"As the packaging industry places great emphasis on sustainability, chemistry majors are uniquely equipped to lead meaningful change. Their scientific background enables them to develop recyclable materials, compostable polymers, and lower-impact packaging systems that work to reduce environmental harm."

Additionally, chemistry majors typically take courses in environmental studies and biochemistry, meaning they are well equipped to evaluate the externalities of packaging systems and materials from cradle-to-grave. Instead of focusing solely on carbon emissions, chemistry majors might apply a wider lens and consider how a packaging system might impact air and water quality, ecotoxicity, and other impact categories typically found in a life cycle assessment.

See If You Have Chemistry with the Packaging Industry

If you’re a chemistry or STEM major with the skills above and are looking into a new career for 2026, take the leap of faith and see if you have chemistry with the packaging industry. 

Jumping into a fresh industry can be daunting, but with The Packaging School’s 80+ online courses and certificates, getting up to speed in packaging has never been easier.

We have 10+ years of experience training both industry newcomers and packaging experts in the art, science, business of packaging. 

Over the past few years, we’ve noticed a growing number of chemistry undergraduate students exploring our programs as a pathway into the industry. Once such example is Gabrielle Sedlar from Carlow University, who recently completed our flagship Certificate of Mastery in Packaging Management (CMPM) program as part of an ICPF-funded cohort, supported by the International Corrugated Packaging Foundation.

When asked about the benefits of the program, Gabrielle stated:

"CMPM has opened my eyes to a rapidly expanding career field, allowing me to learn more and advance my education. Chemistry has so many possible pathways, but packaging is one option that stands out from the rest for its environmental, chemical, and industrial aspects. I'm extremely grateful to the fantastic team of instructors."

Not 100% sure where to start? Set up a 15-minute demo call with our Academic Director and chemistry major to packaging industry pioneer—Dr. Julie Rice Suggs—here.