Circularity Specialist

As a Circularity Specialist at Avery Dennison, you will serve as a core technical expert and enterprise catalyst within the global Circularity & Waste Center of Expertise. In this high-impact, global role, you will drive portfolio readiness roadmaps across circularity pathways—specifically focusing on the recyclability, reusability, and compostability of packaging and materials across all Avery Dennison business units. This position bridges deep technical engineering with enterprise-wide leadership, translating complex environmental science, packaging trade dynamics, and global regulatory mandates into clear commercial strategies.

Key Responsibilities

Employees work in a hybrid mode at our Mentor, OH facility.

Responsibilities

Deep Technical Circularity Leadership: Serve as the enterprise subject matter expert on material technicalities across recycling (mechanical & chemical), reuse models, and compostability (bio-based and compostable packaging formats), conducting detailed technical evaluations on product recyclability and circular design.; Enterprise Collaboration & Influence: Partner across global business units to translate complex circularity challenges into actionable commercial opportunities and present technical positions to senior business unit leaders and multi-disciplinary teams.; External Advocacy & Standards Setting: Actively participate and sit on key industry committees, trade associations, and standards organizations to advocate for progressive, harmonized global circularity standards.; Regulatory Readiness & Roadmap Execution: Build and execute global readiness roadmaps to navigate complex evolving legislation, including Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), PCR minimum content mandates, and Truth-in-Labeling laws.; Global Market Intelligence: Monitor global circularity pathways, tracking PCR feedstock supply chains, bio-derived innovations, and textile/apparel circularity frameworks to keep the enterprise ahead of market shifts.

Requirements

Experience: 5–7 years of hands-on experience in corporate sustainability, packaging engineering, material science, or technical sustainability consulting.; Education: Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Materials Science, Environmental Sciences, Sustainability, or a related technical field (Master’s degree preferred).

Nice to have

Functional knowledge of textile and apparel circularity and end-of-life pathways (distinct from traditional packaging).; Active engagement or leadership history on industry trade association technical committees.; Technical Depth: Proven technical capability in Design for Recycling (DfR), circular packaging design, compostability standards, and end-of-life recovery systems across global markets.; Communication & Executive Presence: Demonstrated ability to simplify complex technical topics for diverse business audiences and influence decision-makers across matrixed, cross-functional global business units.; Regulatory Acumen: Working knowledge of current and emerging global environmental regulations impacting packaging and labeling (e.g., EU PPWR, global EPR schemes, FTC Green Guides / Truth in Labeling).

Benefits

Health & Financial Benefits: We offer a benefit for the supplemental package of mandatory health insurance, access to Lyra (our confidential Employee Assistance Program) for personal and professional support, a free health check every 4 years, and free fruit on-site. We provide mandatory participation in the Avery Dennison Pension Fund (where the employer pays ⅔ of the premium), along with a holiday allowance and a year-end allowance.; Time Off & Flexibility: Annual Leave starts at 24 days, increasing to 26 days after 4 years (pro-rated). You will also receive 13 additional days per year (+4% ATV allowance, pro-rated) and a bridge day off. We offer flexible working hours and hybrid work options for most positions.; Commuting & On-site Perks: Take advantage of free and enclosed parking in a well-located building, or opt for a commuting allowance/100% reimbursement for public transport.; Professional Development: Invest in your growth with a €500 annual individual training budget, access to numerous internal training and mentoring programs, and a budget for hardware when working from home.