This month’s salary spotlight focuses on one of the most striking trends in our 2024 data: the consistent and growing salary premium commanded by packaging roles with a genuine sustainability mandate.
The Numbers
- Head of Sustainability in a UK mid-market packaging business: £95,000–£130,000 base, versus £80,000–£105,000 for a comparable Head of Quality or Head of Operations
- Sustainability Director at Group level in a listed business: £160,000–£200,000, with LTIP participation becoming standard
- R&D Manager — Sustainable Materials: commanding 18–24% premiums over equivalent R&D Managers without a sustainability specialism
Why the Premium Exists
The premium reflects a genuine supply-demand imbalance. Regulatory pressure (EU PPWR, CSRD, EPR frameworks) is forcing boards to prioritise sustainability resourcing. The pool of individuals with the combination of genuine technical expertise, packaging sector credentials, and senior leadership experience is structurally limited. Until supply catches up — which will take at least 5–7 years given the pipeline of sustainability-educated talent currently in mid-career — the premium will persist and likely grow.