6 Top Trends in Pet Food Packaging You Need to Know
Pet food manufacturers are constantly looking for ways to improve their products and packaging to better meet the needs of pet owners. There are many trends emerging in this segment, so it is crucial to keep up with the trends.
The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic forced everyone to stay at home, thus triggering an increase in e-commerce sales and the purchase of large-sized pet food packaging. Convenience through online purchases for large orders has further accelerated the growth of this segment, as pet owners focus on ensuring their pets’ health as a top priority!
And what they say about pet food is true. They love their pets and will not compromise on the quality or sustainability of their food! With the growing number of consumers seeking natural and organic options for cat food and dog treats (especially those that are grain-free), it is no wonder that the popularity of both trends continues to rise among pet lovers.
What about the packaging?
Because pet owners want premium products, they also want premium packaging. According to a study from globalmonitor.us (Pet Food Packaging Market Trends, Statistics, Growth, and Forecast (globalmonitor.us)), premium packaging plays a key role in attracting consumers looking for the best dog and cat food. So, for your next pet food product packaging, consider the following six important things to grab consumers’ attention and boost sales.
1. Focus on Freshness.
Keeping pet food and treats fresh must be the top priority when designing good pet food packaging. Focus on using high-quality films with barrier film protection, and use resealable zippers. This way, consumers can safely close the bag or pouch after feeding, helping to prevent air from entering, thus keeping the food fresh and extending the product’s shelf life. Additionally, did you know that consumers prefer convenient packaging that can be opened and closed easily?
2. Choose Convenience.
For greater convenience, consider adding comfort features to the pouch such as standing capability, a handle for easy carrying, and an easy-tear opening, in addition to the aforementioned resealable zipper. Also, consider that consumers prefer bag shapes because they are lightweight, shatterproof, and easy to carry anywhere.
3. Use Transparent Windows.
Consider adding a transparent window to your pet food bag or pouch so that consumers can see the contents of the treats inside before deciding to buy. This window is a popular choice to showcase what is inside the packaging, and further supports your claims on the label that the quality of the contents remains good.
4. Eco-Friendly Technology.
According to a study from globalmonitor.us, sustainability awareness is growing among many pet owners, which impacts purchasing decisions. Consider using recyclable or compostable films, or post-consumer recycled content for packaging to reduce environmental impact. Also, consider how the use of digitally printed flexible packaging can reduce your company’s carbon footprint. And finally, did you know that using eco-friendly packaging can help make your brand stand out? Many packaging companies now use sustainable materials as a way to differentiate themselves from competitors, as sustainability plays an increasingly important role in brand design and consumer perception.
5. Choose High-Quality Graphics..
Given that branding and consumer perception are crucial, consider how good graphics can help your brand become widely recognized. Bold and vibrant colors, or simple and clean ones, the right design can have a significant impact. Use unique and creative illustrations, clear images, and bright colors to be more memorable than competing brands. Did you know that bag packaging allows for 360° printing to create designs and tell your brand story? Because it is not limited by labels, you can use every inch of the packaging to truly capture consumers’ attention.
6. Choose Custom Pouches.
Custom pouches will say a lot about your brand. And using high-quality materials with good graphics ensures that pet owners are confident in the quality of the product inside. Because of the premium look and feel, companies now use custom packaging such as pouches to provide higher added value for pet food and treats.
The Sunshine packaging Difference
Did you know that according to the aforementioned study, flexible packaging dominates the pet food market? It’s actually not surprising because this type of packaging meets all six trends mentioned here, and more.
We know you love your pets like family, and we want to ensure their needs are met. That’s why Sunshine packaging creates pet food packaging that includes all the convenience features for the best experience for pet owner customers. If you need custom packaging, or need more information on how to choose the right packaging for your pet products, contact us now!