The pet food industry is undergoing a significant transformation as consumers increasingly prioritize healthier ingredients, sustainability, and product transparency. Pet owners today expect the same level of quality, ethical sourcing, and sustainability in their pets’ food as they do in their own. In response, manufacturers are focusing on new innovations, from alternative proteins to advanced traceability technologies and sustainable packaging solutions.

Here’s a closer look at three major trends shaping the future of pet food processing and packaging, according to Pet Food Processing:

1. The Shift to Alternative Proteins

As more pet owners look for healthier, ethically sourced food options, sustainability concerns drive the rise of alternative proteins in pet food. Traditional meat-based pet foods have a significant environmental footprint due to land use, water consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions. As a result, brands are exploring novel protein sources, such as:

• Insect protein – Highly sustainable and rich in essential nutrients, insect-based proteins (e.g., from black soldier flies or crickets) are emerging as a viable alternative to traditional animal proteins.
• Plant-based proteins – Pea protein, lentils, and chickpeas are incorporated into pet food to provide high-quality nutrition while catering to environmentally conscious pet owners.

This trend is reshaping pet food formulations and impacting packaging considerations. Packaging must support extended shelf life, oxygen barriers, and sustainable materials to maintain freshness, given the rise of fresh, plant-based, and alternative protein diets.

2. The Growing Demand for Product Traceability

Transparency is no longer optional in pet food; it’s expected from pet owners. They want to know exactly where ingredients come from, how food is processed, and what safety measures are in place.

To meet this demand, companies are adopting advanced traceability solutions, including:

• QR codes on packaging – Allowing consumers to scan and access real-time information about sourcing, ingredient origins, and quality control measures.
• Blockchain technology – Enhancing supply chain transparency by providing an immutable record of ingredient sourcing and manufacturing processes.
• RFID tracking systems – Used internally to improve quality assurance and supply chain visibility.

As pet food brands embrace these technologies, packaging plays a crucial role in delivering this transparency to consumers. Labels are now being designed with interactive features that educate pet owners about ingredient sourcing, sustainability efforts, and the nutritional benefits of their pets’ food.

3. Sustainability at the Forefront: Eco-Friendly Packaging Solutions

With sustainability becoming a defining factor in consumer purchasing decisions, pet food manufacturers prioritize eco-friendly packaging solutions that reduce waste, lower carbon footprints, and support recyclability. Brands that embrace sustainable packaging align with consumer values and stay ahead of tightening environmental regulations that push for reduced plastic use and improved recycling rates.

The Shift Toward Sustainable Packaging Materials

As part of the sustainability movement, many pet food brands are phasing out traditional plastic-based packaging in favor of innovative and sustainable alternatives. This might include:

• Mono-Material Pouches – Traditional multilayer packaging is difficult to recycle due to its complex structure. Mono-material flexible packaging (e.g., all-polyethylene pouches) improves recyclability while maintaining the barrier protection needed for product freshness.
• Compostable and Biodegradable Films – Plant-based materials such as PLA (polylactic acid) and PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoates) offer compostable alternatives to plastic films, reducing landfill waste.
• Paper-Based Packaging – Advances in coated paperboard and fiber-based trays allow brands to create fully recyclable dry and wet pet food packages that still offer necessary barrier protection against moisture and grease.
• Recycled Content Packaging – Many companies now use post-consumer recycled (PCR) content in their pet food bags and cartons, reducing reliance on virgin plastics.

Reusability & Refill Programs

Beyond material selection, circular economy models are entering pet food packaging. More brands are offering:

• Reusable Containers & Bulk Packaging – Some pet food companies have introduced durable, refillable packaging solutions that allow consumers to purchase food in bulk and reduce single-use plastic waste.
• Subscription-Based Sustainable Packaging – Companies are piloting programs where reusable food containers are shipped to consumers, then returned and sanitized for reuse, creating a closed-loop packaging system.

Reducing Packaging Waste with Smart Design

While material innovation is key, packaging design is equally important in these efforts. Companies are implementing:

• Lightweight Packaging – Reducing the overall amount of material used in packaging helps reduce waste and lowers transportation emissions.
• Smaller, Optimized Bag Sizes – Some brands are moving toward right-sized packaging that minimizes excess material while protecting the product.
• Easy-to-Recycle Labels – Adhesives, inks, and label materials that don’t interfere with recyclability are becoming a major focus in sustainable design.

Why Sustainable Packaging Matters

Sustainability in pet food packaging is about meeting regulatory standards and building brand loyalty with today’s environmentally conscious pet parents. According to industry reports*, over 70% of pet owners actively seek out products with eco-friendly packaging and are willing to pay a premium for sustainable choices.

By adopting greener packaging solutions, brands can differentiate themselves in an increasingly crowded market, reduce their environmental impact, and align with consumer expectations for responsible business practices.

Join ProMach at Petfood Forum 2025 to Learn More

As the pet food industry evolves, processing and packaging innovations will be vital in supporting these trends. ProMach Pet Care Solutions will be exhibiting at the Petfood Forum in Kansas City on April 29th and 30, and experts at booth #2501 will be on hand to discuss these advancements and more.

Click here to learn more about ProMach exhibiting at Petfood Forum.

For those interested in sustainability, Troy Snader, Senior Vice President of Business Development at ProMach, will present “Sustainable Solutions for Pet Food Packaging: From Machines to Materials” on April 30 at 10:00 a.m. His session will cover:

• Advanced machinery technology for pet food packaging
• Sustainable films and container recycling solutions
• Real-world examples and key considerations for eco-friendly packaging

Whether new to sustainable packaging or looking to refine your approach, this talk will provide valuable insights into making environmentally responsible packaging choices while maintaining efficiency and product integrity.

To learn more about ProMach’s pet care processing and packaging solutions, visit ProMach’s Pet Care Solutions page and join us at Petfood Forum 2025 for expert insights and live demonstrations.

Sources

*How Pet Food Consumers Globally View Sustainability: https://www.petfoodindustry.com/blogs-columns/adventures-in-pet-food/blog/15679518/how-pet-food-consumers-globally-view-sustainability APPA: 51% of Pet Owners Willing to Pay More for Ethical, Sustainable Products: https://www.petfoodprocessing.net/articles/14858-appa-51-of-pet-owners-willing-to-pay-more-for-ethical-sustainable-products Survey: Consumers More Interested in Sustainable Pet Foods: https://www.petfoodprocessing.net/articles/18589-survey-consumers-more-interested-in-sustainable-pet-foods