Technical Packaging Expert – Cup Forming & Converting (Europe)

APP Group; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading packaging company in Birmingham is seeking a hands-on Technical Packaging Expert to ensure Foopak products run smoothly on customer lines. Responsibilities include leading NPI trials, providing technical support, and collaborating with global teams to drive product adoption. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree and strong experience with cup forming and diecutting. This role offers the chance to contribute to sustainable food packaging innovations and significant growth opportunities.

Benefits

Long-term career opportunities

Hands-on work with top converters

Contribution to sustainability impact

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Science, Paper Engineering, or related field.
• Strong experience with cup forming, diecutting, and printing lines.
• Familiarity with global cup forming machines.

Responsibilities

• Lead New Product Introduction (NPI) trials on customer machines.
• Provide technical support to converters and brand owners.
• Collaborate with global teams to drive successful product adoption.

Skills

Hands-on experience with cup forming

Knowledge of food packaging boards

Problem-solving mindset

Excellent communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Science or related field

Tools

Newtop Debao

Discovery

PMC

Houraf

Job description

Asia Pulp & Paper (APP) is one of the world’s largest pulp and paper producers, delivering sustainable fibre‑based products to over 150 countries. Our Foopak portfolio, including Foopak Bio Natura, is at the forefront of recyclable, compostable, and PFAS‑free food packaging, helping brands reduce environmental impact.

We are expanding our technical capability in Europe and are looking for a hands‑on Technical Packaging Expert to ensure Foopak products run smoothly on customer lines and consistently deliver high‑quality output.

🚀 What You’ll Do

• Lead New Product Introduction (NPI) trials for Foopak boards on customer machines.
• Ensure smooth operation on cup forming machines (Newtop Debao, Discovery, PMC, Houraf), diecutting, and printing lines (offset, flexo, digital).
• Reduce trial failures, shorten qualification timelines, and improve machine compatibility.
• Provide on‑site technical support, troubleshooting, and guidance to converters, cup manufacturers, and brand owners.
• Act as the technical expert on Foopak boards: performance, stiffness, barrier properties, and forming behaviour.
• Mediate and resolve technical customer complaints quickly and effectively.
• Collaborate with global teams (Technical, R&D, Product Development, Operations) to deliver solutions that drive successful product adoption and revenue growth.
• Contribute to sustainable food packaging adoption and APP’s Regenesis Sustainability Program.

Learn more about our Sustainability Roadmap Vision 2030 and Forest Conservation Policy, and watch this video about our Regenesis Sustainability Program.

✅ What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Science, Paper Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• Strong, hands‑on experience with cup forming, diecutting, and printing lines.
• Familiarity with global cup forming machines: Newtop Debao, Discovery, PMC, Houraf.
• Knowledge of food packaging boards and market alternatives.
• Problem‑solving mindset, collaborative spirit, and excellent communication skills.
• Six Sigma or continuous improvement experience is a plus.
• Fluent in English; additional European languages (Spanish, French, German, Portuguese) advantageous.
• Willingness to travel extensively across Europe.

🌱 Why You’ll Love This Role

• Work hands‑on with Europe’s top converters and food packaging manufacturers.
• Play a key role in accelerating adoption of renewable, recyclable, and PFAS‑free solutions.
• Contribute to a globally respected brand with long‑term career opportunities.
• Be part of a team that combines technical innovation, customer success, and sustainability impact.

📩 Interested? Apply now. Only candidates with relevant technical experience in cup forming and foodboard converting will be considered.