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The ability to be stored and ensuring durability before the package is first opened are key functions of pet food packaging.
Legal provisions focus on feed and food safety. For instance, the feed hygiene regulations from Regulation (EC) No. 183/2005 of the European Parliament stipulate that pet food packaging should prevent contamination and pollution of the feed. Additionally, the packaging material itself must not dangerously contaminate the pet food. Thus, the regulations regarding feed packaging are consistent with those for packaging food intended for human consumption.
Besides acting as a barrier against external factors, such as moisture, light, and oxygen, protecting against the loss of aroma is crucial when packaging pet food. Especially dogs, with their acute sense of smell, can detect changes in food aroma and may reject their food long before humans notice any spoilage.
Furthermore, pet food packaging must be resistant to bites to prevent animals from damaging it.
Additionally, the consistency of the contents (dry food, wet food, liquid food) dictates the material and type of pet food packaging. Notably, treat pouches should also be consumer-friendly.
The best packaging material for dry pet food involves composite films (duplex films, triplex films, often multi-coated). These are made into convenient stand-up pouches (Doypacks) or box-shaped flat-bottom pouches that are easily stackable. For packing large quantities of dry food, metallized PET films are suitable,as they are particularly tear-resistant and less prone to wrinkling than aluminum foil. However, there is a risk of mite infestation in opened dry food packages, which is why a zip-lock is essential for protection against pests.
For smaller packages, pure plastic or aluminum pouches are advisable. Recyclable mono-films are considered environmentally friendly pet food packaging, as are paper bags, though they are heavier than composite film packaging. Square paper boxes are space-saving for storage. The necessary barrier properties and high tear resistance are achieved through coating.
Chunks, kibbles, or soft pellets can spoil quickly due to their high moisture content, which is why they are packed in small quantities so that the contents are used up quickly after opening.
To retain its moisture and flavor, semi-moist food requires an airtight package specifically designed for optimal moisture preservation. Stand-up and flat pouches are used. Since the barrier protection must function in both directions, multi-layer composite films made of aluminum, PE, or PET are utilized.
During production, the raw materials are cooked right in the packaging, necessitating heat-resistant packaging material.
An alternative to tinplate cans, which are relatively heavy and inconvenient for storage, includes pouches made from aluminum and metallized PET film (PETmet)
Clip film packaging benefits from the advantages of composite films for wet food. These plastic casings, formed into film sausages with metal or plastic clips, are composite films made of aluminum, PE, or PET. They are lightweight, require less material than cans, and guarantee a shelf life ranging from several months to a few years
Cat milk, dog smoothies, and liquid dietary supplements contain essential nutrients, vitamins, or minerals sensitive to light, oxygen, and high temperatures. Their packaging must ensure high barrier effectiveness and be firm and stable due to the liquid content.
Liquid pet food is packaged in pouches made of aluminum, metallized PET film (PETmet) or composite film Milk snacks are also available in small PETmet capsules sealed with PE or aluminum foil. Alternatively, PET bottles with a sealing foil are used.
Their packaging must maintain barrier functions for some time even after opening. Therefore, resealable packaging for pet treats is as crucial as high durability and puncture resistance. The package should be easily compressible to fit in a pocket during walks.
Stand-up pouches made from pure plastic, aluminum, or metallized PET film as well as composite films (aluminum, PE, PET, paper) are suitable for dog biscuits or catnip. To preserve aroma and taste, these should be equipped with a press or zip-lock. Flat plastic pouches are also suitable for chew snacks and dog bones.
From dried treats to wet food portions – food products require packaging precisely tailored to their characteristics. This is the only way to preserve taste and aroma during storage time. How does aluminum foil protect pet food? What are the advantages of plastic packaging? By combining different materials into composite films, packaging can be precisely adapted to the requirement profiles of different types of feed.
Aluminum foils are made by rolling aluminum and are made soft and flexible through heat treatment. For the packaging of pet food, their light, water, fat, and gas-proof properties are utilized. In this way, light and heat are reflected from the surface of the aluminum packaging, and the food retains its moisture.
To further enhance the barrier properties of aluminum or to produce packaging with high rigidity and tear resistance, aluminum foils are coated (extruded) or laminated with other foils to create aluminum composite films. Depending on the ingredients, consistency, or fat content of the food, PE, PP, PET, or paper layers are used.
For less light and heat-sensitive types of food, such as dog muesli or chew bones, plastic is used as the carrier layer for composite films. By applying aluminum to a plastic carrier layer, metallized films are created.
Metallized PET films (PETmet) are a compressible and puncture-resistant solution for treats and pet food that are sensitive to flavor loss. They are also suitable as a sealing medium for liquid pet food.
Among the sustainable solutions for pet food packaging, in addition to the monofilm of aluminum or pure plastic, are pouches or boxes made of recycled paper. These packages are suitable for dried food.
Air-dried treats, such as pig ears or meat sticks, as well as many dry feeds, are packaged in pure plastic. The material is easily moldable and cost-effective to process. Rigidity and puncture resistance are achieved with appropriate wall thicknesses. Plastic has excellent sealing properties and is easy to weld. It also has good food compatibility and is easily recyclable as a monomaterial.
Plastic is used in solid form (bottles, trays, cups) as well as flexible packaging (covers, pouches). For the packaging of pet food, the classic pouches are mainly used. Treats are packed in gusseted or stand-up pouches with oval-welded bottoms, chew sticks in space-saving flat pouches. For dry food, flat-bottom pouches in rectangular shape are ideal as they make optimal use of storage space.
Polyethylene with low density (PE-LD), which is resistant to fats, is suitable for pet food pouches and sealing films for liquid pet food. Bottles for cat milk are usually made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Polypropylene (PP) is used for firmer trays. Blister pack packaging for pet food portion packs consists of polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
With more than 40 years of experience in developing packaging films, AlFiPa’s know-how stands out. We are the competent contact for questions about product developments. Are you looking for sustainable packaging for dog food? Or have you already decided on the printed packaging designs for your premium pet food and just want to optimize the material? We have the solution. Contact us!
When it comes to pet nutrition, the quality and safety of the food stand ahead of everything else. However, the journey from production to bowl involves more than just the ingredients — it includes the packaging materials that safeguard the freshness, nutritional value, and overall quality of the food. It acts as a barrier against external factors such as moisture, air, and light that can compromise the freshness and nutritional integrity of the food. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into how pet food packaging materials impact your products, and key considerations for choosing the right packaging option.
When it comes to packaging materials, pet food manufacturers have a variety of options at their disposal.
This kind of packaging is often made from materials such as film, paper, foil, or plastic. It’s characterized by its ability to bend and conform to the shape of the product it contains. Most pet food is packaged using these materials.
Flexible packaging materials are also starting to gain traction because of their sustainability factor. Some flexible packaging is made from more renewable materials — rather than fossil fuels — which can help attract eco-conscious consumers.
This may include materials like plastic, glass, and metal. Rigid packaging is frequently employed for products that require a high level of protection, such as fragile or sensitive items, liquids, and products that need to maintain a specific shape.
Selecting the right packaging material is a critical decision for manufacturers, impacting not only the presentation of the product but also factors like cost, customizability, preservation of freshness, and sustainability. Each consideration plays a crucial role in meeting consumer expectations and industry standards.
Cost-effectiveness is a paramount consideration when it comes to packaging materials. They must strike a balance between providing adequate protection for the product and being economically viable. Manufacturers must seek materials that offer the best value for money without compromising on quality.
Overall, flexible packaging offers a cost-effective solution that provides superior protection for your products. These durable materials are usually less expensive than their rigid counterparts and still provide the same protection that a rigid material would.
Customizability is a key factor in creating a distinctive brand identity and meeting consumer preferences. Customized packaging not only enhances brand recognition but also provides an opportunity to communicate essential information and establish a connection with consumers. The ability to tailor packaging to specific product requirements contributes to a memorable and marketable brand presence.
With flexible packaging materials, you can get customizable packaging without breaking the bank. Your manufacturer can print directly on the material, providing a polished look that delights consumers.
Innovative packaging designs prioritize user-friendliness, making it easy for pet owners to handle, store, and serve pet food. Some innovations include resealable and easy-open features, single-serve packaging, and transparent packaging for visibility.
Packaging materials must possess barrier properties that protect against moisture, air, and light, preventing the deterioration of the product. That packaging should contribute to extending the shelf life of perishable goods, ensuring that consumers receive products with optimal taste, texture, and nutritional value.
The materials used in flexible packaging, such as laminated films, create a shield that safeguards perishable goods. This barrier helps prevent oxidation, moisture absorption, and light-induced degradation, all of which can compromise the taste, texture, and nutritional content of the packaged items.
More consumers are becoming environmentally conscious, and they’re looking for brands to make sustainable changes. That’s why it’s so important to choose sustainable packaging materials. Flexible packaging has now evolved to the point where it can use more renewable materials with a lower environmental footprint. This not only helps you protect the environment, but appeals to sustainably minded consumers, as well.
When you need pet food packaging that stands up to tough environments and grabs consumer attention, trust the experts at PPC Flex. As a reliable partner dedicated to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction, we provide a diverse range of customizable packaging solutions tailored to the specific needs of each brand. Choosing us means opting for high-quality materials supported by a friendly and knowledgeable team.
Our state-of-the-art manufacturing processes, numerous industry certifications, and robust materials ensure that your packaging not only meets but exceeds your expectations, delighting your customers with every use. Emphasizing sustainability, we also offer eco-friendly packaging options to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers and contribute to a greener future.
From initial design to final shipment, our team is committed to understanding your brand and providing assistance at every step. With our fast and flexible factories, we adapt to your production needs, eliminating the challenges of over- or under-production.
Ready to elevate your packaging experience? Contact our team for an initial consultation and discover what PPC Flex can do for you.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Custom Printing Services. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.