How to Choose the Best Packaging Solution for Your Pet Brand’s Success

Introduction

The size of the global pet food market was estimated at USD 120.87 billion in 2023 and is expected to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.45% from 2024 to 2032, from USD 126.66 billion to USD 193.65 billion. In 2023, North America held a market share of 42.55% in the pet food industry. Moreover, the pet food market size in the U.S. is projected to grow significantly, reaching an estimated value of USD 59.76 billion by 2032, driven by high pet ownership and a rising trend of pet humanization

The pet food industry is booming, with an increasing number of pet owners willing to invest in high-quality, nutritious meals for their furry friends. The global market offers pet food items in a variety of forms, including snack treats, wet foods, and dry foods. These goods may come from plants or animals.As a result, the demand for innovative pet food packaging solutions has never been higher. The right packaging not only ensures the safety and quality of the product but also plays a crucial role in branding, convenience, and sustainability.

In this article, we will dive deep into the essential aspects of pet food packaging solutions. We’ll answer common questions, explore the key benefits of various packaging types, and provide you with actionable insights to help you choose the best packaging solution for your pet food brand.

Type of Pet Food

Dry pet food usually includes dry food, freeze-dried food, etc., with the following characteristics:

• Low water content, generally below 10%.
• Easy to store, with a relatively long shelf life.
• Harder texture, which can help pets clean their teeth.

Wet pet food, on the other hand, such as canned food and Wonder Bread, has the following characteristics:

• High water content, usually around 70%-80%.
• Tastes better and is closer to what pets eat in their natural environment.
• Nutrients are relatively easier to absorb.

Dry pet food and wet pet food also have different requirements when it comes to packaging:

• For dry pet food, the packaging needs to have good moisture and insect resistance to keep the food dry and of good quality.
• Packaging for wet pet food, on the other hand, should focus on sealing to prevent soup leakage and entry of outside air leading to spoilage.

Why is Packaging Crucial in the Pet Food Industry?

Pet owners are becoming more conscious of the ingredients in their pets’ food, and they are more interested in controlling what their pets eat and how often they eat it. This growing awareness of diseases caused by pets’ food consumption habits has led to the development of personalised and customised products.

So Pet owners are discerning buyers, often looking for packaging that offers:

• Product Safety: The first priority is ensuring the pet food remains fresh and uncontaminated. Packaging plays a pivotal role in preventing spoilage and maintaining the nutritional integrity of the food.
• Brand Appeal: Attractive packaging not only grabs attention on crowded shelves but also reinforces your brand identity. Eye-catching designs, clear labeling, and convenient formats can significantly boost sales.
• Convenience: In today’s fast-paced world, convenience is king. Pet owners want packaging that is easy to open, store, and reseal. Packaging that delivers on this front enhances customer satisfaction and brand loyalty.
• Sustainability: With growing environmental concerns, sustainable packaging is becoming a top priority for both businesses and consumers. Eco-friendly materials and minimalistic designs are winning over pet owners who want to reduce their carbon footprint.

The Most Common Pet Food Packaging Solutions

Stand-Up Pouches: The Game Changer

Stand-up pouches are one of the most versatile and cost-effective packaging solutions available for pet food brands. These pouches are widely popular due to their:

• Space-Efficient Design: Unlike traditional cans or boxes, stand-up pouches save valuable shelf space, allowing brands to maximize storage and distribution.
• Durability: Made from multi-layered materials, these pouches offer excellent barrier properties to protect the contents from moisture, oxygen, and light—ensuring the freshness of the pet food.
• Customization: Stand-up pouches offer ample space for branding, with vibrant designs that are sure to catch the consumer’s eye.

Statistical Insight: According to recent market reports, the global demand for stand-up pouches is projected to grow by 7.5% annually between 2020 and 2027, driven by consumer preference for convenience and eco-friendly options.

Cans: The Classic Choice

Cans have been a staple in pet food packaging for decades, particularly for wet pet food. They are known for their:

• Long Shelf Life: Cans are excellent at preserving food for extended periods without the need for refrigeration. Their airtight seal ensures that the pet food remains fresh and free from contaminants.
• Protection Against External Factors: The metal used in cans protects pet food from sunlight and air, which could otherwise degrade the quality.
• Perceived Quality: Many consumers perceive canned pet food as a higher-quality option, often associated with premium brands.

While cans offer many advantages, they are heavier and less space-efficient compared to flexible options like pouches.

Flexible Pouches with Zipper Closures: Convenience and Freshness Combined

A rising trend in the pet food industry is the use of flexible pouches with zipper closures. These pouches offer several key benefits:

• Re-sealable: The ability to reseal the pouch after opening helps preserve the pet food’s freshness, which is essential for both dry and wet food.
• Lightweight and Portable: Unlike cans or rigid containers, flexible pouches are lightweight, making them easy to carry and store.
• Eco-Friendly: Many flexible pouches are made from recyclable materials, which aligns with the growing trend of sustainability among consumers.

Tetra Paks: The Sustainable Choice

Tetra Pak cartons are increasingly being used for wet pet food due to their excellent barrier properties. Some key benefits of Tetra Pak packaging include:

• Sustainability: Tetra Paks are made from renewable resources, such as wood and paper, and are fully recyclable, making them an attractive option for eco-conscious brands.
• Shelf Stability: Tetra Pak packaging offers an airtight seal that extends shelf life without requiring refrigeration.
• Branding Opportunities: Tetra Pak provides a large surface area for brands to create visually appealing designs and convey their sustainability message.

Pet Food Bags: Traditional Yet Effective

Pet food bags are another popular choice for dry pet food. While not as flashy as other packaging options, they offer several advantages:

• Large Volume: Bags can hold large quantities of pet food, making them ideal for families with multiple pets or those looking for bulk options.
• Cost-Effective: Bags are generally more affordable than other forms of packaging, making them a popular choice for mass-market brands.

Equipped with a recyclable box

All packaging solutions are composed of recyclable, resource-conserving corrugated cardboard.

• Increases pressure resistance and protects the product inside from being crushed and deformed
• Enhanced branding: standardized product name, weight, fragile information to protect the safety during transportation.
• Recyclability: For nature, sustainability is a constant.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Food Packaging Solutions

1. What makes a good pet food packaging design?

A good pet food packaging design should be functional, visually appealing, and easy to use, with airtight options for dry food and moisture protection for wet food. Resealable options are also beneficial for convenience.

2. How do I choose the right packaging material for pet food?

Choose packaging material based on pet food type, brand values, shelf life, sustainability, and customer preference, considering freshness, preservation, eco-friendly options, and premium brand preferences.

3. What role does sustainability play in pet food packaging?

Sustainability is a major concern for many consumers today, and the pet food industry is no exception. Eco-friendly packaging can help reduce your environmental footprint and increase brand loyalty. Options like biodegradable pouches, recyclable cans, and sustainable Tetra Paks are gaining popularity as more pet owners look for environmentally responsible brands.

4. Can pet food packaging help increase sales?

Yes! Pet Food Packaging design is a powerful tool for marketing. Studies show that 70% of purchasing decisions are made in-store, and packaging plays a significant role in that process. Attractive, functional packaging that communicates your brand’s values can help differentiate your products and encourage customers to choose your brand over competitors.

Finding the Best Pet Food Packaging Solution for Your Brand

Maybe your pet brand is positioned differently, and maybe the materials used for the pet food will be different. Just like the packaging options for snack treats, wet foods, and dry foods will also be different.

Selecting the right pet food packaging solution is crucial for your brand’s success. It’s not just about keeping the food fresh; it’s about creating a brand experience that resonates with consumers. From stand-up pouches and resealable bags to sustainable Tetra Paks, each option offers unique benefits.

As the pet food market continues to grow, staying ahead of the packaging trends can give you a competitive edge. Focus on choosing packaging that is functional, visually appealing, and aligned with your brand’s values—whether that’s through sustainability, convenience, or quality.

Lintyco Pack continuously ensure we understand our customers’ changing challenges and commit to meeting your unique performance and sustainability goals. We do this through dialogue and by understanding the needs of your markets, production and value chains. the best packaging solution is one that ensures your pet food remains fresh, stands out on the shelf, and makes a lasting impression on your customers.

In turn, we apply our solid technical knowledge and smart data analytics to ensure lifetime productivity reaches its full potential. Do not hesitate to contact us.