Pet Food Packaging: three Trends To Follow In 2021

Competition in the pet food field is fierce. Changing industry market conditions and consumer values are changing the face of increasingly diverse pet food shelves. Since artificial, local and global brands share the same supermarket shelf, pet food packaging can choose consumers' purchasing options. Since packaging is usually the last step in the customer’s buying journey, it should not only be functional, but also attractive and innovative. So, what is the best way to distinguish yourself? The following are some common pet food packaging development trends being implemented by successful brands.

Sustainability

In pet care, sustainability is still a factor in consumer behavior, with 75% of consumers saying that they would prefer brands with more sustainable packaging. Consumers are paying more and more attention to ensuring that the products they buy are produced in an ethical and sustainable manner. For pet food packaging, this means increased use of biodegradable and recyclable materials.

The challenge for manufacturers is that sustainability often conflicts with other packaging development trends. Not all environmentally friendly packaging materials provide the best quality, durability, and food safety features required by pet food manufacturers. One sustainable option that has proven to be the most effective is recyclable plastic. Compared with traditional paper bags and mixed plastic pet food bags, recyclable plastics have the same or even better barrier properties, which can meet the storage requirements of manufacturers and the environmental protection requirements of customers. In addition to improving the recyclability of their packaging, successful brands also provide clear recycling instructions and encourage their end users to participate in recycling programs.

Quality packaging

As the humanization of pets continues to spread, pet owners want their animals to eat as healthy as they do. According to statistics, more than 40% of pet owners now buy high-quality pet food for their cats or dogs. As more and more brands launch high-quality pet food series, these products require high-quality packaging to protect and preserve their ingredients.

Flexible packaging is one of the most widely used forms of pet food packaging. It has high barrier properties, high temperature resistance and good durability, while being cost-effective. High-quality pet food ingredients require good barrier characteristics to maintain their nutritional and health benefits. Flexible packaging film prevents the transfer of aroma, moisture and oxygen, thereby extending the shelf life of pet food. Pouches equipped with resealing technology also help to maintain the best freshness of high-quality pet food.

The eye-catching patterns, high-quality printing technology and unique material decoration all show consumers that they are buying high-quality products. Popular surface enhancement options, such as paper-like varnishes, soft matte finishes, high gloss or partial register varnishes, provide consumers with a visual and tactile experience and provide brand owners with more opportunities to stand out in the retail environment

Convenience

Resealability, product freshness and ease of use are all factors to consider when choosing pet food packaging. Now, pet owners are pushing the demand for convenience in the pet food field more than ever. To this end, many successful pet food brands are adopting the forms and functions commonly used in the snack food industry, such as stand-up pouches, resealable zippers, and tear openings.

Reseal technology can not only retains its functionality and consumer appeal in a demanding supply chain environment but also enables efficient manufacturing throughout the filling and shipping process.

Although it is a driving factor when considering a purchase, convenience doesn’t just apply to the end-user. In order to ensure streamline production and distribution of their product, brands should require packaging that not only retains its functionality and consumer appeal in a demanding supply chain environment but also enables efficient manufacturing throughout the filling and shipping process.

Looking Ahead

Pet care trends may shift again as consumer attitudes and requirements change, but demand for convenience, sustainability and premium packaging is likely to shape brands’ choices in pet food packaging for years to come.

If you are a pet food brand looking for advice on your packaging, please get in touch. A member of our team would be happy to assist.