Pet industry scales investment in green packaging, renewable energy and low-carbon

As sustainability expectations continue to rise across the pet industry, companies are expanding efforts to improve circularity, cut emissions and support more resource-efficient production and distribution systems.

Mono-material packaging and EVs

In a recent sustainability report, Belgian pet product supplier Flamingo Pet Products outlined its efforts. 

This year, it will introduce new recyclable packaging solutions after expanding the use of mono-PE packaging (packaging made from a single type of plastic) to 14 additional snack products. The move builds on the launch of its first snack packaging made from mono-PE in the third quarter of 2025. 

According to the company, the material is easier to recycle as it does not contaminate recycling streams if consumers do not separate the components.

In addition, Flamingo plans to introduce its first optimized reusable transport box this year, with the aim of expanding the lifespan of transport and packaging materials.

To reduce carbon emissions, the company expanded its vehicle fleet in 2025 to include 13 hybrid and 24 fully electric vehicles (EVs), up from 8 EVs in 2024. Flamingo also plans to install solar energy storage batteries in its car park to improve energy efficiency.

Low-carbon funding

Mars Petcare, in collaboration with Big Idea Ventures, a global venture capital firm and startup accelerator, launched the Next Generation Pet Food Program. 

The initiative is aimed at supporting early-stage companies developing low-carbon and alternative ingredients for pet food, with a strong focus on alternative proteins (including plant-based, fermentation-derived and cultivated sources), novel fats and oils, and sustainable functional ingredients.

It also supports the development of new raw materials designed to reduce environmental impact compared to conventional meat-based inputs.

Selected companies will receive expert guidance, potential commercial partnerships, $15,000 (€12,914) and the opportunity to showcase their solutions at the Asia-Pacific Agri-Food Innovation Summit in Singapore.

The program is supported by industry players AAK, Bühler, Givaudan and Ingredion.

Renewable energy

Ukrainian pet food manufacturer Kormotech is completing the construction of a ground-mounted solar power plant. With a capacity of 366 kW, this addition will increase the total solar generation at the Prylbichi production site in southwestern Ukraine to 808 kW.

The plant is being built by investor Ecotech Invest, which fully finances the station’s construction, while Kormotech purchases the electricity it generates at a pre-agreed tariff.

According to the company, the solar power plants will be able to cover up to 50% of the facility’s electricity demand during sunny summer days at midday. 

On a monthly basis, the company’s own green electricity is expected to account for around 13% of total consumption, and annually, around 8%.

Packaging solutions

Cincinnati-based flexible packaging manufacturer ProAmpac launched 2 new packaging technologies in April. The solutions are designed for applications including dry kibble, treats, freeze-dried products, retort packaging (multi-layered metal-plastic laminate packaging) and pet litter.

One of the launches is a recyclable quad-seal pouch designed for strength and shelf impact in medium- to high-weight pet food applications, including kibble bags of up to 40 lbs. According to the company, the packaging helps preserve product quality while offering multiple reclose options.

ProAmpac also introduced multiwall paper bags featuring grease resistance and durable construction for various pet food applications.

In May, Austrian packaging solutions firm Coveris introduced a new range of packaging solutions for pet food applications in response to increasing regulatory pressure. 

The new line includes a bag designed to reduce material consumption, and a fully recyclable mono-PE solution developed to protect against oxygen and moisture. All the packaging solutions are free of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

Recycling initiatives

Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash have recycled 69 tons of pet food, treat and litter bag packaging through their in-store recycling program, which encourages customers to return empty bags at designated drop-off points.

The initiative is part of the retailers’ partnership with US-based recycling company TerraCycle, which began in 2023.

Meanwhile, in France, a new pet food bag recycling plant opened in March. The facility, owned by sustainability solutions company Animo Impact, aims to reduce plastic waste in the pet food industry and save up to 50,000 tons of raw material annually.

In addition, Animo Impact plans to expand its recycling network to 3,000 collection points by 2027.