Transitioning pet food multipacks to fiber-based packaging

The numbers surrounding plastic packaging waste are hard to argue with.

The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) found global plastic production reached 460 million tonnes in 2019, more than double what it was at the turn of the millennium. Just nine percent of that total tonnage was successfully recycled, while roughly 20 percent was disposed of in uncontrolled dumpsites or leaked into the environment.

Almost 40 percent of plastic use was attributed to packaging – and the impact of this is driving stricter regulations around the globe, as governments and industries enact initiatives to reduce dependence on single-use plastics in favor of more sustainable alternatives.

It is clear that plastic shrink wrap and film are not the sustainable pet food multipack materials needed to guide the industry into the future. Luckily, pet food companies can meet these expectations head-on by exploring the benefits of fiber-based multipacks as a viable alternative.

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The benefits of fiber

Compared to plastic, paper and paperboard are far more likely to be recycled, with recycling rates that are more than double in Europe, and nearly fifteen times higher in the United States.

Recent research from the Paper & Packaging Board shows consumers are actively choosing to support paper-based alternatives, with four in ten consumers stating they actively avoid plastic packaging, while 87 percent stated they preferred paper-based packaging.

In fact, an Ipsos study found that 63 percent of consumers felt fiber-based packaging makes products seem more premium. This is important when considered next to the millennial-driven trend for ‘humanization’ in pet products. With pets increasingly being seen as part of the family, many pet parents are treating their ‘fur babies’ to higher quality, more nutritious food, made with human-grade ingredients. More sustainable packaging may also go a long way toward influencing the purchasing decisions of these consumers.

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Performance through the supply chain

The purpose of packaging is to protect and preserve its contents through the supply chain. Paperboard’s versatility means it offers plenty of opportunities to do so – the key is to ensure a packaging solution achieves this while using the minimum amount of material possible.

Packaging must cope with the rigors of a modern pet food supply chain. It has to offer flexibility in terms of pack styles, formats, and size capabilities. It should be offered in combination with a range of integrated automation solutions to ensure operational efficiency. And, crucially, it should consider consumer needs, with safe and convenient carrying, opening, and dispensing features.

Ensuring all of these boxes are ticked — while delivering packs that create real differentiation and impact on the retail shelf — is a task best accomplished in collaboration with a fiber-based packaging expert like Graphic Packaging.

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Thinking of making the switch?

Our recent eBook provides vital insights into making the switch to fiber-based packaging for your pet food multipack portfolio. It also contains a case study on how the leading UK pet food business Butcher’s Pet Care replaced its plastic packaging on key product lines with a fiber-based alternative. The result was a consumer-friendly multipack with value-added features of handles and a tear-off dispensing panel to help the pack stand out in what is a fiercely competitive market.

Download the eBook for free or get in touch today to discuss your project with our team of specialists.