If there’s one thing the packaging industry knows about, it’s sustainability. Long the front line for reduce-reuse-recycle campaigns as well as more complex combinations of eco-demands, packaging innovation is being driven by the ever-evolving concept of a sustainable container. Pet food in particular has grappled with the idea for years now, the most visible target of a larger consumer desire for more conscientious production on the manufacturer side and more intentional purchasing on the pet owner side.
“Sustainability remains the most prominent trend in pet food packaging,” said Oksana Lylak, director of packaging engineering for BSM Partners, a business services consulting firm operating in the pet care space. “Whether driven by brand values, consumer demand or tightening regulations like extended producer responsibility (EPR), the push toward sustainable solutions is shaping packaging decisions across the board. Brands are actively seeking materials and designs that minimize environmental impact — be it through recyclability, compostability or reduced material use — while still maintaining performance.”
