Job Description

: Lead Scientist-Fiber Science.
Location: Bangalore, India
Company: Pakka Limited
About Pakka Limited
At Pakka Ltd, we are committed to sustainable innovation, creating eco-friendly packaging solutions that align with the needs of modern businesses. With over 40 years of manufacturing excellence and a strong R&D foundation, we have been revolutionizing in three major segments, namely Wrap & Carry, Food Services & Flexible packaging. Join us to shape the future of packaging and make a meaningful impact.
Mission of the Role
To advance pulping science to improve yield, fiber morphology, and develop alternative feedstocks for paper and molded fiber, enabling stronger, lighter, and more sustainable packaging solutions.
Key Responsibilities
1. Optimize fiber morphology by enhancing fiber length, bonding, and surface characteristics to improve product strength, printability, and overall performance in paper and molded fiber products.
2. Explore and evaluate alternative feedstocks such as bamboo, wheat straw, and other agricultural residues beyond bagasse, developing tailored fiber blends for specific product applications.
3. Advance chemical process R&D by optimizing pulping formulations, improving cooking and bleaching yields, and reducing chemical load and toxicity to create more sustainable and efficient processes.
4. Lead pilot studies to scale innovative pulping methods from lab to mill level, generate data-backed feasibility assessments, and validate commercial viability through pilot runs.
5. Establish robust fiber testing protocols and lab capabilities to measure morphology, tensile strength, burst, and folding endurance, benchmarking outcomes against global quality standards.
6. Integrate sustainability across pulping operations by reducing energy use, enhancing chemical recovery, minimizing effluent load, and aligning R&D efforts with mill operations and packaging requirements for efficiency and recyclability.
7. Strengthen market and academic alignment by ensuring R&D outcomes meet customer needs, supporting lightweight and recyclable paper solutions, fostering collaborations with research institutes, publishing findings, and building Pakka's IP portfolio in fiber science.
Qualifications
Master's or Ph.D. degree in one of the following fields:

• Materials Science / Fiber Science

• Pulp & Paper Technology

• Polymer Science

Experience

• 10+ years in R&D or product development in pulping, fiber science, or molded fiber products.

• Hands-on experience with lab-to-pilot scaling of pulping methods.

• Familiarity with sustainability standards and regulatory compliance.

• Proven ability to integrate R&D with operational and commercial teams.

Skills

• Expertise in fiber morphology, alternative feedstocks, and chemical pulping.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.

• Ability to translate technical findings into commercial applications.

• Excellent collaboration and communication skills.

What We Offer
This role offers the opportunity to lead innovative sustainable packaging solutions within an innovation-focused work culture, supported by state-of-the-art R&D facilities and resources. You will enjoy a competitive salary with performance-based incentives, comprehensive healthcare benefits, and a strong focus on work-life balance. The position also provides ample professional development opportunities to help you grow and excel in your career.
To Apply:
If you're passionate about driving innovation and shaping the future of sustainable packaging, send your CV and cover letter to .
Join us to shape the future of sustainable packaging!

Skills Required