We are looking for a motivated and curious R&D; Packaging Intern to join our team. The intern will support packaging innovation, sustainability projects, specification management, testing activities, and industrial implementation across our Italian manufacturing network.

This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in packaging development within a dynamic international food company, working closely with R&D;, Operations, Marketing, Procurement, Quality, and Supply Chain teams.

Key Responsibilities The intern will support the team in the following activities:

- Development, review and finalization of primary, secondary and tertiary packaging specifications across the Italian manufacturing facilities.
- Support the development of special packaging projects, including limited editions, promotional packs and strategic new formats.
- Contribute to finished product palletization studies, optimization projects and logistics efficiency improvements.
- Assist in the creation of packaging guidelines and project management workflows with a focus on sustainability, lean design principles and quality requirements.
- Draft packaging specifications and support packaging material coding activities.
- Participate in pilot projects related to Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and packaging sustainability action plans.
- Support the planning, execution and coordination of industrial and experimental trials aimed at qualifying new materials and suppliers.
- Help develop validation protocols, testing procedures and technical guidelines for manufacturing sites.
- Collect, analyze and consolidate data related to emerging European packaging and sustainability regulations.




- Support the development of packaging solutions in response to Marketing and Innovation briefs.
- Monitor packaging market trends, technological developments and emerging innovations.
- Provide technical support to cross-functional stakeholders including Operations, Procurement, Quality, Marketing and Sales.
- Contribute to packaging optimization initiatives focused on waste reduction, cost savings, efficiency improvements and continuous improvement opportunities.
- Analyze packaging performance data and prepare technical reports and presentations.

Requirements

- Degree completed or currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Food Technology, Food Engineering or related scientific disciplines
- Strong interest in packaging development, materials and sustainability.
- Basic knowledge of packaging materials (paper, plastic, glass, metal and flexible packaging).
- Understanding of manufacturing processes and quality principles.
- Good analytical and data management skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Proactive attitude and willingness to learn.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work effectively within cross-functional and international teams.
- Good command of English (written and spoken).

What We Offer

- Hands-on experience in packaging development and innovation projects.
- Exposure to an international FMCG environment.
- Opportunity to work on sustainability and packaging transformation initiatives.
- Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams across R&D;, Operations, Marketing and Procurement.
- Professional development and learning opportunities within a dynamic and growing organization.
- 6 months internship with monthly reimburse of 800 euros + ticket restaurants.

📌 R&D Packaging Intern (Nerviano)
🏢 Balconi - Valeo Foods Group
📍 Nerviano