How Important Is the Right Pet Food Packaging to Your Pets?

Pet food packaging is a protective layer for protecting the pet food during storage. It keeps your pet food safe and sound while making it super easy to transport. Much of the steady expansion of the pet food market can be attributed to packaging. It is available in a variety of forms, including bags, pouches, jars, cans, etc.

The World Animal Foundation says that 17.2 million (60%) of UK households own a pet with this growing rapidly during the pandemic. In 2018, the global pet care market was worth over $190.1 billion, and pet food made $81.2 billion from sales. This figure is only expected to grow further now and 2025.

Pet owners are paying more attention to making sure their pets are well-fed. They care more about eco-friendly solutions, safe and personalised storage packaging that appeal to humans too. A right packaging can let your products stand out. Let’s dive straight to the section below to learn more about pet food packaging.

Why Pet Product Packaging Matters?

When it comes to packaging, the basic things are protecting pet food from mould and keeping it fresh for as long as possible. At the same time, the packaging meets the need for safety and portability, providing perfect convenience for pet owners on the go. And it is committed to sustainability, also offers opportunities for custom design and branding. All in all, pet food packaging serves multiple purposes.

1. Keeping Freshness and Extending Preservation

Packaging is necessary to keep the freshness of the pet food and extend its shelf life. Pet food contains fats and minerals. They are easily oxidized and can develop an unpleasant taste if not stored properly. Proper packaging helps maintain freshness by protecting it from exposure to air, moisture, and contaminants. For example, materials like metalized PET or Aluminum foil or other high barrier functional films are widely applied in Pet foods packaging. So that pets can get optimal nutrition from the food.

2. Safety and Quality

High-quality packaging also provides the necessary protection that can prevent the penetration of harmful substances. Seal designs for flexible packaging can increase customer satisfaction and brand loyalty. Pet food cannot be tampered with or accidentally exposed, so it’s safe to eat.

At Gozen Packaging, we only use materials that is food contact safety grade in compliance with USA FDA standards and EU CE standards. For example, under regulation (EU) No. 10/2011, all of our bags raw materials pass the overal migaration test.

We also pass the migration of heavy metal tests under regulation (EU) No.10/2011 and (EU) 2017/752.

And you are welcome to contact us via info@gozenpackaging.com for more other reports.

3. Convenience and Practicality

Modern pet owners want things to be easy to use and to have a better experience. Easy-to-open and resealable packaging is now a necessity. It not only helps to keep food quality, but also is convenient for easy storage and portion control. Their needs of seeking convenience and freshness for pets can well catered for.

4. Customization and Branding

On the package, brands can provide pet owners with information about the ingredients, nutritional content and feeding guidelines. This enables pet owners to select the most suitable pet food, effectively building consumer trust. Digital printing brings more possibilities to custom design and branding. Brands can create custom packaging with logos, colours, graphic designs, etc. This will enhance the brand image and appeal to consumers.

5. Promoting Sustainability

In the growing market of pet food, the industry is actively pursing eco-friendly packaging solutions. Eco-friendly packaging is now very popular. Gozenpackaging is committed to the environment. We are leading the way by offering a wide range of sustainable packaging options: ReCycle 4 packages; PLA and kraft paper biodegradable packages; using water-based inks in digital printing.

To provide high barrier mono-material PE laminate bags, we now launch MDO-PE ct PVA //PE laminate bags as alternative to recycle 7 pet packaging bags.

Types of Pet Food Packaging

Pouches and Bags

Pouches are the most popular choice in the pet food industry. They offer convenience and flexibility, consuming less energy than rigid containers. There are many types, such as stand-up pouches, side gusset bags, flat bottom bags and side seal pouches. All of them are available in different sizes to match the product portion, and can be printed with unique colours and designs.

Based on specific product storage requirements, we can offer the special functional films such as puncture-resistant, high tear-resistant and UV-resistant films. The choice depends on the size of the product, the preservation method and the transport requirements.

Can (Aluminium Can, Tin Can, Plastic Can)

Cans are the best packaging solution for wet pet food. Based on the specific requirements of your product, there are a variety of materials that can be used, such as aluminum, plastic, or tin. Aluminum cans are lightweight and have good barrier properties. Tin cans are heavier and stronger, providing reliable protection. Plastic cans are much lighter than other and are easy to carry. Cans offer airtight seal to keep food fresh for a very long time, but they cannot be resealed.

Jars

The glass jar is also an attractive choice, as a traditional solution for pet food packaging. It’s an environmentally friendly and reusable packaging alternative. Glass jars are particularly suitable for high-end or gourmet pet foods by providing excellent visibility and premium appearance to products. But, they are heavier, more fragile and more expensive than other packaging options.

Stick Packs

The stick pack is a modern, convenient and stylish pet food packaging. Typically made in a tubular shape, it’s especially ideal for single-serve portions. Easy to open, use and dispose of, stick packs are very suitable for travel or on-the-go feeding. In addition, they use much less film materials, about 40% less than conventional pouches of similar size. This reduces packaging waste.

Box and cartons

Cardboard display boxes or corrugated cartons are also used for pet products packaging on the shelf in the point of sales, for protecting the packaging pouches and boxes and better display purpose.

Materials Used In Pet Food Packaging

A broad range of food packaging materials is available. Each has its own pros and cons. To get a better understanding about them, the following are the most common types:

Plastics

Plastics are used in two forms: solid (in things like bottles, trays, and cups) and flexible (in covers and pouches). For pet food, the classic pouches are mainly used. These materials protect pet food from oxygen and moisture. They are available in different types such as polyethylene(PE), polypropylene (PP) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

PE material is non-toxic, tasteless, high safety, but its heat resistance is poor. PE packaging includes the sub-types as HDPE, LDPE and PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate). Among these, PET is the most common which is strong and moisture-resistant. Cat bottles are typically made from PET. Grease-resistant, low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is suitable for pet food pouches and sealing films for liquid pet food.

PP has better rigidity, heat resistance, often used for firmer trays. And with smaller density, it’s light weight, easy to process and transportation. PVC has good abrasion resistance and corrosion resistance, however, the production process may release harmful substances. Blister pack packaging for pet food portion packs consists of polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

Metals

Metals are often used to package food because they are strong and long-lasting. They are bale to provide excellent protection for a wide variety of foods. Aluminum and tin are commonly used in pet food packaging.

Aluminum protects against light and oxygen, which helps keep the freshness and nutrition of pet food. Tin, used in cans, has similar benefits and an added layer of protection. Aluminum and tin both are environmentally friendly because they can be recycled. They help keep pet food fresh and protected from outside influences. However, without a protective layer, metals tend to corrode, and this packaging is not flexible enough.

Paper and Cardboard

Paper and cardboard are cost-effective and best suited for low-budget business. These materials are commonly used for outer packaging, such as boxes. But, they are not suitable for wet pet foods, and do not provide as much barrier protection as metals or plastics. Paper packaging is weaker and easily torn, while cardboard with added barrier properties has incredible strength. Boxes, trays and cartons can be made using paperboard.

Paper is eco-friendly and can be recycled. With our paper bags, you can easily tailor them to your brand’s unique concept and design.

Aluminum Foils and Composite Films

Aluminum foils are made by rolling aluminum. Heat treatment makes them soft and flexible. Pet food packaging takes advantage of the light-proof, waterproof, fat-proof and gas-proof properties of aluminum foil. These merits keep the pet food moist and fresh. Aluminum composite films can further enhance the barrier properties or package’s rigidity and tear resistance. According to the characteristics of the food, PE, PP, PET, or paper layers are used.

Composite materials are constructed by combining different substances, such as paper, plastic, and metal layers. They are designed to provide superior barriers against light, moisture, and air. They can be designed with options for recyclable or degradable packaging. Also, they are mostly lightweight that can reduce transportation costs.

Glass

Glass is a recyclable material and also provide an excellent seal. It does not easily react chemically with the ingredients in the pet food. Whether the food is dry food, wet, or even acidic, all can be packaged in glass jars.

Glass bottles are transparent and beautiful, allowing and attracting people to see the appearance and quality of the pet food. But glass bottles are fragile and heavier, not as convenient as plastic packaging for storage and display.

How to Choose a Pet Food Bag? 

Pet food bag design not only affects the appearance of the product, but also cost, customizability, freshness and sustainability. Each of the following considerations does important in meeting consumer expectations and industry standards.

• Material Quality: High-quality packaging materials has effective barrier properties to keep pet food fresh and nutritious. They extend shelf life and ensure your pet gets the best product. Different materials offer different advantages in flexibility, strength and barrier properties.
• Bag and Pouch dimension: Flexible packaging provides all range of sizes from small to large packaging needs. When you decide the sizes, you are welcome to contact us via info@gozenpackaging.comfor a set of samples to do the testing after the quotations offered.

• Product quantity: The amount of pet food you need determines the style, shape and size of the bag you will need. Once you decide how much you need, what size bag will be fittest.
• Budget: For small businesses or a limited budget, paper or plastic materials are typically the most economical options. And purchasing in bulk often results in lower prices. Flexible packaging offers a cost-effective solution. The materials used in flexible packaging is durable and less expensive, while still has the same protection as rigid materials.
• Design and Customizability: Packaging design is the first thing your customers see. Customized packaging can make your brand stand out and meet consumer preferences. With flexible packaging materials, brands can get customized printed packaging at no additional cost.
• Consumer Convenience: Innovative packaging prioritizes consumer convenience. It enables pet owners to easily handle, store and serve pet food. Some innovative designs include resealable and easy-open features, single-serve packaging, and transparent packaging.
• Sustainability: As consumers are more aware of sustainability, the environment impact of packaging is an necessary consideration. In flexible packaging, many eco-friendly materials can be used without environment pollution. Choosing biodegradable and recyclable materials for pet food, such as PLA, paper or glass can reduce pollution and improve brand

Start Creating the Optimal Packaging

Now that you know the ins and outs of pet food packaging, you’re all set to make your mark in the pet food packaging business. Gozenpackaging is your go-to source for top-notch packaging. Our Gozen experts are here to help you upgrade your packaging to offer the best for pet parents and their furry friends.

We have extensive experience with a variety of packaging equipment for different types of pet food. Moreover, we have developed advanced techs in processing MDOPE, BOPE, EVOH-PE, PVA coated PE to meet different application needs. With our technology and professional solutions, your flexible packaging can not only protects and preserves your products, but also appeals to your target market and aligns with your brand values! Contact us today via info@gozenpackaging.com or via Whatsapp +86 18571566509.