The way pet food is packaged can make a huge difference in the eyes of the consumer. What are the requirements for pet food packaging, what are the most common types and how can you stand out from your competitors? Read on to find out.
According to a study by Veterindustria in collaboration with the Spanish Association of Pet Food Manufacturers (Spanish acronym ANFAAC), some 50.2% of households have a pet, and the figure is on the rise. Given the increasing demand for pet food, the packaging for these products can really help a brand stand out.
The pet food sector and the food sector in general share a lot in common in terms of the packaging used. That said, each has its own set of requirements. The variety of products available and their features, together with the needs of pet owners, should be taken into account by any brand wishing to use packaging to their full advantage. At SP Group, we’re here to help you choose the right packaging solution.
WHAT DOES GOOD PET FOOD PACKAGING NEED?
Various factors come into play when creating the perfect pet food packaging.
OPTIMAL PRESERVATION TO ENSURE HEALTH AND SAFETY
The primary purpose of any type of food packaging is to keep the product in optimal condition and lengthen its shelf life as much as possible. Dried food packaging should include seal and clip closure systems to keep the product fresh as long as possible, as Kiwoko explains in this article.
In addition, the packaging should provide health and safety guarantees at all times, no matter the food being preserved.
Below are some of the most common pet foodstuffs requiring packaging solutions:
- Biscuits and treats
- Semi-dried foods
- Dried foods
- Wet foods
Pet food must be isolated from the environment so that neither light, moisture, air nor any other external agent can enter.
FLEXIBLE AND STRONG TO ADAPT TO THE SIZE OF EACH PRODUCT
Customers buying these products choose items of different sizes depending on the product and their pet. A cat has very different dietary needs than a large dog, for example, and different pet foods have different packaging requirements. The packaging must be highly flexible to suit the product in question. And very large packaging, such as 18 kg bags, must be extremely strong, particularly when being transported, and be able to withstand heavy weights.
EASE OF TRANSPORTATION
Another key factor for pet food packaging is how easy it is to handle and transport the product. It may seem like a purely aesthetic matter, but ease of transportation can influence which brand a customer chooses.
The type of closure is just as important, as is the resistance of the packaging to tears.
WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON TYPES OF PET FOOD PACKAGING?
There are many types of packaging designed to preserve pet food. Among the most popular are side pleat pouches that expand when filled. They are a common packaging solution for other food products aside from pet food and are available in different sizes.
Other formats suitable for a range of different products are dried food bags, stand-up pouches with zipper (ideal for treats), vacuum packs for bones, and stick packs. The choice of packaging depends on the size of the product, how it should be preserved, and the transport requirements.
SP Group supplies pet food packaging in a wide variety of formats to suit each particular product. Go to our website to choose from numerous types of pouches such as flat or stand-up formats, as well as trays and/or lids, VFFS and HFFS. You can also select a packaging solution based on the specific product storage needs, for example anti-fog, vacuum packing, easy open, high tear resistance or deep draw thermoforming.
STANDING OUT FROM THE COMPETITION: PET FOOD PACKAGING AS A MARKETING TOOL
The pet food market is highly competitive, which means packaging aesthetics have a huge influence on consumers. Packaging must be well-designed and tailored to the brand. It’s not just the front of the packaging that matters – it’s the whole thing.
This is particularly true for side pleat formats. Both faces of the packaging can be exploited in the design and printing process enabling additional information to be included without spoiling the front.
Packaging sustainability should also be factored in, not as a marketing matter but as a standard for the sector as a whole. Sustainability helps reduce environmental impact and can help a brand stand out from the rest. The plastic used to create packaging should be 100% recyclable and made from 100% recycled materials.
Given the range of pet food packaging solutions available, at SP Group we recommend you choose packaging that meets the needs of your customers. For more information, or if you have any questions, visit our dedicated pet food packaging website or get in touch.
