Packaging in the pet food industry

 

Introduction

Packaging plays a vital role in the pet food industry. The container allows manufacturers to stand out among cat and dog owners looking for sustainable options, personalized diets for their little companions, and ingredients similar to their diets.

Consumers have shown it time and time again. This is because of sustainable packaging with practical options (a zipper, for example) without difficulty find their audience even offered at higher rates.

The animal, considered today as a member of the family in its own right, has allowed the development of superior quality food. While the production of animal feed is increasingly regulated, the custom packaging for small business now reflects the transparency of manufacturing. Windows offer the contents to view, and natural ingredients are increasingly emphasized. Packaging becomes more flexible to meet needs. The containers are lighter with superior protection to provide solutions to current trends, such as wet treats.

Booming Market

And animal food packaging has taken by storm even the most upscale niches of this booming market. To this end, we are seeing a marked increase in packaging solutions for high protein options, chilled and frozen, as well as individual sachets of sauces for dry kibble.

As recipes improve, the packaging needs to adapt. And shelf life, moisture, fat, flavor, and density are critical factors in packaging design. Beyond the material, the format of the packaging will also be a key differentiator. So will distribution, retail, and portability.

What expectations of brands and consumers?

With so many different varieties of pet food on the shelves, it's evident that brands are looking to differentiate themselves with brighter colors, premium graphics, unique finishes, and printing techniques. Finishes provide visual and tactile experiences to consumers and give brands additional opportunities to stand out in the retail world.

On the eco-design side, the wealth of news and information to which we have access today has helped the progress of green packaging. Today, around 75% of consumers say they feel in favor of a brand offering sustainable packaging. Add to that packaging that is easier to transport, open, and reseal, and you have the perfect pet food packaging.

Your pet food packaging

Your pet food packaging should link functionality, cost, and durability. The launch of a new product is stimulating in that it offers the opportunity to combine all these attributes best where it is sometimes more challenging to reorient an already existing packaging.

Cardboard, what types?

There are several possibilities for the development of packaging dedicated explicitly to the packaging of animal feed. If the cardboard case plays the role of secondary or tertiary packaging (in other words, it is not in direct contact with the product), all types of cardboard can be used. This type of configuration also offers the possibility of printing on the back of the box (inner face).

Uses

In the case of direct contact between the food and the packaging, and for dry products, cardboard made from virgin fibers can be considered. GC2 (smooth and white cardboard), kraft, cellulose-based GZ… You will have a wide choice here. Depending on the product types or digital printing desired, it will be possible to apply specific treatments to the surface: a coating or a lamination in particular.

Flexible packaging to the test of your little companions

In terms of animal food packaging, it is generally towards flexible packaging that all preferences turn. Lightweight, foldable and durable, the bag, whether flat-bottomed or stand-up, can be quickly taken and used.

We also like the zipper options, which prevent animals from accessing the bag's contents, which will retain all its freshness. Also ideal for avoiding any spillage of the contents on the ground. A small revolution, when we know how frequently this happens!

Cigarette boxes and smaller aluminum trays will fit right into your closet. The flexible bags, more imposing, can, on the other hand, remain on the ground without fear of the familiar passage of your furry companions.

What future for the packaging of pet food?

After that? Well, the trend towards sustainability will undoubtedly continue to gain importance. Brands continue to work on greener solutions and want to increase the number of recyclable options in packaging.

SM Custom Packaging is also constantly looking for innovations to reach new levels of cost and efficiency within a global framework of responsible packaging. At the forefront are the continued needs for product freshness, packaging convenience, and shelf appeal.