Americans do love their pets as indicated by the strong growth in pet-related food, healthcare and supplies. As you may have personally witnessed in your own neighborhood, new pet ownership has increased since the pandemic, leading to a total pet revenue growth of a whopping 63% since 2020. Along with the changes in pet ownership, pet food packaging is undergoing a transformation as consumers demand transparency in ingredients and improved sustainability in packaging.
Multiwall Sacks, Pouches and Packs
Dry food packaging presents several challenges to the pet food industry. Pouches and bags must be grease-proof, printable and super strong. Traditional pet food bags are not easily recyclable that’s why manufacturers are driving initiatives to deliver bags and pouches that are either recyclable, compostable or made from recycled content.
For example, paper liners are now replacing plastic inside and outside of multiwall sacks. The use of mineral coatings on paper liners provides a sustainable alternative for grease-resistant coatings. Other suppliers have also introduced high-performance kraft papers for pet food packaging.
NaturPak Pet, a premium pet food brand, is also getting in on the action with paper-based packs made from 70% renewable resources for wet food products.
Treats in a Tube
Some brands like Eco Treats are taking a step outside the box – literally – with their cat and dog treats packaged in recyclable, reusable cardboard tubes. To counter the amount of nonbiodegradable materials that can wind up in our oceans, Eco Treats is choosing paper to align with their all-natural ingredients and motto, Better for your pet, better for your planet.
