Pet Food Packaging Trends 2024: How The Industry Is Evolving
There are over 1 billion pets in the world, and their owners love them. Consequently, the pet food industry in the UK has grown and is now worth £3.8bn in 2023, an impressive £400m growth in just one year. Standing out on the shelf, online, and in store is getting harder. Stay ahead of the trends, and your packaging will make a difference to your customers.
What motivates consumers to buy from pet food brands?
To package your product, you need to understand the pet owner and what drives their purchase. When choosing pet food brands, consumers are driven by a brand’s commitment to sustainability, their pet’s health, and the source of the ingredients. Consumers want to know if their purchases align with their values. That’s why brands are now embedding their sustainability stories into pet food packaging. Not all marketing fluff, but a deliberate effort to earn your trust.
Apart from the packaging, consumers are also concerned with what’s inside. Protein sources are still largely meat-based, but the growth has led manufacturers to look at new and alternative ingredients. More responsible pet parents than ever want to make sure their pet’s diet is nutritionally rich and beneficial.
And then there’s the packaging. It’s not just about looks; it’s also about the environment. Consumers want sustainable packaging. 60% of consumers will trust a brand with a clear commitment to sustainability and are willing to pay more for it. This shift in consumer values is changing the pet food industry and making it more sustainable and eco-friendly.
What are the Packaging Trends in Pet Food Packaging?
Fresh, fresh, and fresh
The freshness of the treat or pet food and its protection are key to creating the best possible packaging for these products. This means focusing on high-quality films that offer the best barrier protection as well as adding a zip seal to make the product easier to consume and extend its shelf life. This ensures that the product's freshness is preserved and protects against unwanted foreign matter.
A zip seal is a trending packaging element that is not only eye-catching on the shelf but is actually a packaging element that focuses on the needs and wishes of the end consumer.
Convenience over everything
Another important aspect to focus on is convenience. A large range of pet food packaging includes designs with stand-up pouches, handles for easy lifting, and tear-notch pouches for easy opening. These are all elements that have been developed as a response to the needs and wishes of consumers. Pet owners want packaging that they can easily lift and carry, especially if it is a bigger bag of pet food.
A key element is also the lightweight packaging. Sometimes it is not enough to simply make the package lighter, but it should also be made easier to lift. The stand-up pouch ensures that the package always stands firmly and prevents unwanted spillages and messes.
Use a see-through window
Adding a see-through window that enables the consumer to take a look at the product inside before a purchase, can strengthen the claims you have made on the label about the product’s quality. Building strength and trust with your consumer, showcasing you are proud of the product you are offering.
Sustainability
Going green is a must because it can have a big impact on your brand, bottom line, and, most importantly, the planet.
Sustainable pet food packaging isn’t just good for the environment; it also influences the purchasing decisions of eco-aware pet owners. Use recyclable film or compostable packaging to reduce your environmental footprint. These eco-friendly packaging solutions not only reduce waste but also set your brand apart in a crowded market. Another tool at your disposal is digitally printed flexible packaging, which can reduce your company’s carbon footprint.
Our RecylaFilm range provides a 100% recyclable solution without sacrificing an elegant finish or high-quality design. Paul Humpage, Pouches company director, emphasised the importance of sustainability within packaging by saying, ‘We are wholeheartedly committed to reducing our impact on the environment. With that in mind, our team of experts have designed RecyclaFilm, a product that matches the performance of a non-recyclable pouch while reducing the carbon footprint.’
Vibrant or Clean Design
When designing your pet food packaging, remember that high-impact graphics and bold, vibrant designs can grab attention and make your brand stand out in a crowded market. Pet food manufacturers are finding this very powerful, especially for dog treat packaging.
The right design isn’t just about looks; it’s a branding tool and a way to shape consumer perception. Whether you go for a bold and playful design or a simple and clean design, it can make a big impact on your product’s appeal. Use unique creative artwork, clear images, and strong colours to stand out from the competition.
With flexible packaging for pet products, you’re not limited to a label. Use every inch of your package to grab attention.
On-The-Go Packaging
We know life is busy, so pet food packaging is evolving with convenient on-the-go options to fit consumers' busy lifestyles.
As pet owners will tell you, there has been a rise in single-serve packaging in pet food. These portable packs are designed with portion control in mind, so consumers can manage their pet's diet even when on-the-go.
On-the-go packaging is all about convenience and ease; that’s how pet food brands are adapting to the fast-paced, mobile lives of today’s pet owners.
Be Transparent
With the rise of QR codes and technology in pet food packaging, focusing on transparency with the consumer helps build even more trust. Now, consumers can scan a QR code on pet food packaging to access more information. This includes where it’s from, ingredients, and nutritional information in a few taps.
This transparency in packaging builds trust between the manufacturer and the consumer, so they can make informed decisions about their pet’s nutrition and get the best product available.
Brands that use eco-friendly, recyclable materials and have user-friendly features like zip seals and tear notch pouches are the ones leading the way, especially when being transparent as well.
They’re not just catering to pet needs but also to consumers' environmental concerns and desire for convenience. Remember, packaging can say a lot about a brand’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and customer satisfaction.
Have A Question?
Should you need any assistance with finding the correct pet food packaging solution for your brand, our team would be happy to assist in any queries! Please call us on 01902 243535 or email at sales@pouches.co.uk