How the pet industry is rising to the global packaging challenge

The need for a transformation

As plastic waste proliferates in the ocean, thousands of marine animals are dying because of it every year. Environmental consciousness is growing just as fast, and food packaging is obviously an area of concern. So there is a need for packaging solutions which can accelerate the innovation race for sustainability and enhance the potential for packaging transformation in the pet food market. 

Bioplastics and biobags

Bioplastics have emerged as an environmentally superior alternative to conventional, petroleum-based plastics such as PP (polypropylene) and PS (polystyrene). Made from renewable feedstock, they help users reduce both their energy use and their carbon footprint. Bioplastics are really gaining ground in the packaging industry, and the economic production and versatility they offer will provide significant growth opportunities over the next decade.

Biobags produced from bioplastics are a timely solution for the pet industry as the natural substitute for plastic bags made from fossil fuels. Market forces, and the innovations they spark, are greatly contributing to the use of biobags. Their greener profile is paving the way for substantial and quantifiable benefits, without compromising on the unique characteristics of the traditional type of bag.

Award-winning sugar cane 

Compostable bags have become a force to reckon with in the pet food packaging sector. In early 2019, ProAmpac won the AmeriStar award for its innovative packaging solutions using a sugar cane based renewable resin. Resolutely focussed on plant-based bioplastics, the company is working hard to provide a diversified range of green packaging solutions for pet food manufacturers. 

30% reduction in carbon footprint 

Canadian company Petcurean is known for creating unique and premium quality recipes for dogs and cats. Its new pet food line Gather is sourced from sustainably produced, organic ingredients and is also sold in packaging made from sugar cane based polyethylene. 

The family-owned business is demonstrating its commitment to the sustainability revolution by introducing bioplastic flexible bags for this new product. The bags are made from Braskem’s I’m GreenTM polyethylene, using sugar cane ethanol that utilises carbon dioxide and releases oxygen, giving the material a negative carbon footprint. With these USDA certified plant-based bags for their pet food, Petcurean has reduced their carbon footprint by nearly 30%.

Poop bags with no plastic at all

Recent research points to an average of 500 million plastic bags being used globally per year for dog poop removal. A single plastic bag takes 500 years to degrade in landfill, which is why 68 countries are already banning the use of plastic bags completely. 

Responsible dog owners owe it to themselves to reduce plastic pollution by using something other than single-use plastic bags and the oxo-biodegradable poop bags that are notoriously clogging up landfills. Companies such as K9 Clean are meeting this challenge by introducing Eco Poop Scoop bags that do not contain any plastic. These bags are completely recyclable and degrade effectively through microbial action. 

Game-changing effect

Bans on single-use plastics are an important impetus for organisations to develop the technological know-how to limit their use. As all ‘packaging stakeholders’ see a world with affordable and resilient energy production as an opportunity, and the reduced use of plastic continues on its current trajectory, this will all have a game-changing effect on sustainable economic growth.