For many owners, their pet is a member of the family, and therefore they try to give it the best care – visits to the vet, enough attention or quality food. In recent years, the pet food segment in Europe has recorded an average annual growth rate of 2.8%. The requirements that must be met by packaging solutions increase along with the segment.
In general, end customers place high demands on the quality of packaging and its design, which is related to the humanization trend. As is the case for many other goods, sustainability comes to the fore. Trends also include requirements for reclosable and single-dose packaging solutions.
Different types of food – different requirements
The pet food segment can be divided into wet and dry pet food packaging. Each one has specific demands and challenges.
Wet food packaging is more demanding in terms of the structure of the packaging (individual layers), as it must undergo, for example, pasteurization or sterilization process. The packaging must meet high barrier properties. The packaging of this type of food is also a challenge in terms of sustainability, as packaging solutions are often composites using aluminium and PET films.
Packaging solutions for dry food are progressing to fully recyclable structures based on polypropylene (PP) or polyethene (PE). The sustainability principles also apply to the design – there is a reduction in colour coverage and printed areas. We also choose lighter colour tones.
Biodegradable packaging for pet food is under development as it must meet food contact requirements.
Appearance is also important
Even in the case of pet food, the packaging often decides whether the product ends up in the end customer’s shopping basket. It is possible to stand out from the competition by various visual elements. This can be achieved, for example, with numerous types of final coating or attractive graphics. Different types of technology, such as offset printing, are used in printing. It is a sustainable printing technology that offers new possibilities in creating designs.
Are you interested in additional information on pet food packaging? Our colleagues at Chemosvit Folie will be happy to answer your questions.