The Plastic Tax: A Cost of Doing Business or a Catalyst for Genuine Innovation?

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In recent years, sustainability has shifted from a peripheral concern to a strategic imperative. Regulations such as the Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT) in the UK—and similar measures emerging globally—reflect a growing expectation: organisations must take responsibility for the environmental impact of their packaging choices.

But as these taxes take hold, a critical question arises: Are companies treating the Plastic Tax merely as a cost of doing business, or as a catalyst for meaningful innovation and competitive advantage?

A Necessary Compliance or a Strategic Turning Point?

For many businesses, the introduction of the Plastic Tax has triggered a familiar response—absorb the cost, pass it on to customers, or adjust margins. But this compliance-led mentality misses the broader opportunity. The organisations leading the way view the tax not as a burden, but as a signal to accelerate transformation.

These companies are leveraging sustainability pressures to:

  • Rethink product and packaging design

  • Adopt recyclable or bio-based materials

  • Invest in circular economy models

  • Rebuild supply chains with transparency and resilience in mind

Such moves do more than mitigate tax liability—they redefine value propositions, appeal to increasingly eco-conscious customers, and build long-term brand equity.

Innovation as a Response to Regulation

The Plastic Tax has already begun to influence trends across the manufacturing and packaging sectors. We’re seeing a marked rise in:

1. Recycled Content Integration

Demand for high-quality post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials has surged, prompting investment in advanced recycling technologies and smarter material sourcing strategies.

2. Material Science Advancements

Innovators are developing lightweight, stronger, more sustainable materials—often reducing overall material use rather than simply opting for “greener” plastics.

3. Circular Economy Partnerships

Manufacturers, retailers, waste managers, and technology providers are collaborating at unprecedented levels to keep materials circulating longer and more efficiently.

4. Digitalisation for Traceability

From blockchain to advanced sensors, digital tools are helping companies track recycled content, ensure compliance, and optimise material flows.

Regulation is no longer just a compliance framework—it’s an innovation engine.

The Leadership Imperative

Innovation does not happen in a vacuum. It is led—by teams who recognise that change is not only inevitable, but advantageous.

In this environment, organisations require leaders who can:

  • Navigate shifting regulatory landscapes

  • Drive sustainable transformation without compromising profitability

  • Inspire cross-functional collaboration

  • Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation

  • Translate sustainability into commercial opportunity

The Plastic Tax is not simply a challenge for operations and compliance teams; it is a strategic leadership issue.

A Future Defined by Forward-Thinking Talent

As pressure intensifies—from governments, consumers, and global supply chains—those with the right leadership will turn regulatory constraints into differentiators. The companies that thrive will be those that invest in visionary, technically skilled, sustainability-minded executives capable of delivering long-term transformation.

At Athena Executive Search, we see firsthand how pivotal these leaders are in shaping the future of manufacturing, packaging, and materials innovation. The organisations embracing innovation today will be the ones redefining their industries tomorrow.

Call to Action

If your organisation is navigating sustainability challenges or seeking to capitalise on the opportunities created by the Plastic Tax, the right talent will be your most powerful asset.

Athena Executive Search specialises in identifying and securing the innovation-driven leaders who can guide your organisation through this era of transformation.

👉 Connect with us today to discuss how we can support your leadership and talent strategy:
Email: enquiries@athena-executive.com

Resumes that Stand Out in Packaging & Print: Avoiding Common Mistakes and Highlighting Achievements

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In the fast-paced world of packaging, printing, and related manufacturing sectors, employers are looking for more than just experience—they want candidates who clearly demonstrate their technical capabilities, project results, and ability to drive innovation. Yet many talented professionals undersell themselves simply because their resumes lack clarity, industry relevance, or measurable achievements.

At Athena Executive Search, we work closely with leaders and technical specialists in packaging, print, and FMCG-supporting industries. Below, we share practical insights to help your resume rise above the competition.

1. Showcase Industry-Specific Technical Expertise

General descriptions won’t capture the attention of hiring managers who understand the complexity of packaging and print operations. Be specific about your technical toolkit.

Highlight the technologies and systems you work with

  • Printing processes: flexographic, digital, gravure, offset, screen

  • Packaging materials: rigid plastics, flexible packaging, corrugate, labels, sustainable substrates

  • Machinery & equipment: die-cutting, laminators, extruders, slitter-rewinders, finishing lines

  • Software proficiencies: Esko, ArtPro, Prisma, CAD, colour management systems

Mention certifications and compliance knowledge

  • G7/Colour Management Certification

  • ISO standards (e.g., ISO 9001, ISO 14001)

  • Food safety & hygiene regulations

  • Sustainability frameworks (e.g., recyclability standards, lifecycle assessments)

Specificity makes you memorable—and demonstrates competence immediately.

2. Translate Responsibilities into Measurable Achievements

A common mistake candidates make is listing duties rather than accomplishments. Packaging & print employers want to see impact, not just activity.

Better phrasing example

❌ “Managed a production line.”
✔️ “Reduced press setup time by 18% through workflow optimisations, increasing throughput by 25%.”

Other achievement areas to highlight

  • Waste reduction (e.g., reducing scrap, improving yield)

  • Cost savings through material optimisation or process improvements

  • Successful new product launches or packaging redesigns

  • Efficiency gains driven by automation or lean manufacturing

  • Sustainability contributions (recyclability improvements, downgauging, carbon reduction)

Numbers strengthen credibility—use them wherever possible.

3. Integrate Sustainability Contributions Thoughtfully

Sustainability has become a hiring priority across packaging and print. If you have contributed to eco-friendly materials, waste reduction, or compliance improvements, make sure these initiatives are clearly highlighted.

Examples of strong sustainability statements

  • “Led LCA assessments resulting in a 22% reduction in packaging footprint.”

  • “Introduced recyclable mono-material structures, improving recyclability from 30% to 90%.”

  • “Implemented ink and solvent recovery systems reducing hazardous waste by 40%.”

These specifics show not only environmental awareness but also strategic thinking and innovation.

4. Avoid Common Resume Mistakes

Even highly skilled professionals fall into these traps:

Overly generic job titles

If your title doesn’t reflect the breadth of your work, clarify it:

“Production Manager (Flexo & Digital)” rather than simply “Production Manager.”

Lack of context

Always provide scale:

  • Team size

  • Budget responsibility

  • Facility throughput

  • Number of SKUs managed

Not tailoring your resume to specialised roles

A prepress specialist, a packaging engineer, and a plant manager each require different emphases. Make sure the resume matches the target role.

Neglecting soft skills valued in the sector

  • Leadership in technical teams

  • Cross-functional collaboration with sales, design, procurement or R&D

  • Process troubleshooting under pressure

  • Client-facing communication for print accuracy & approvals

These are critical differentiators.

5. Structure Your Resume for Maximum Impact

A clear, modern layout improves readability and conveys professionalism.

Suggested structure

  1. Professional Summary (3–4 lines tailored to your niche)

  2. Key Technical Skills (equipment, processes, software)

  3. Career Experience with Metrics

  4. Notable Projects & Achievements

  5. Education & Certifications

  6. Sustainability Contributions (if relevant)

  7. Awards, Publications, or Patents (optional but impactful)

Make sure your summary communicates your value to the industry—not just your job title.

Final Thoughts: Packaging & Print Resumes Must Tell a Story of Technical Impact

In a competitive industry where precision, efficiency, and innovation matter, your resume should reflect the depth of your contributions. A well-crafted CV helps employers immediately recognise your fit, experience, and potential to drive results.

Ready to Advance Your Career in Packaging & Print?

At Athena Executive Search, we specialise in connecting top-tier talent with leading companies across packaging, print, manufacturing, and FMCG. If you’re ready to elevate your resume or explore new opportunities:

👉 Send your CV to our team for a confidential review
👉 Connect with us for guidance on positioning yourself for senior roles
👉 Let us help you take the next step in your professional journey

Your expertise deserves to stand out—let’s make sure it does.

Email: enquiries@athena-executive.com