Transforming Pet Food Packaging: Trends to Watch in 2025

Packaging for pet food products is changing as well, as the global pet food business moves into a new stage of expansion and innovation.  Packaging is much more than just a container; it's a potent instrument to improve shelf appeal, lessen environmental impact, and provide ease for contemporary pet owners.

At a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.2% from 2025 to 2033, the global pet food packaging market is projected to reach USD 17.1 billion by 2033, up from USD 11.8 billion in 2024, according to the IMARC Group.  This increase is a result of rising pet ownership rates as well as rising consumer demands for better packaging in terms of sustainability, use, safety, and aesthetics.

Sustainability Is Essential Now

Sustainability is one of the key factors altering pet food packaging.  Governments are tightening rules in response to modern consumers' demands that brands lessen their environmental impact. The European Pet Food Industry Federation, or FEDIAF, highlights the industry's obligation to reduce its environmental impact.  It encourages packaging that minimizes resource consumption and environmental damage and supports laws at the EU level. As a result, package producers are giving recyclable, biodegradable, and compostable materials first priority.  

Gaining Market Share with a Premium Look and Feel

According to a GlobalPETS , "If you want to stand out and charge more, the first step is premium-looking packaging, as consumers are willing to spend more on their pets."  It highlights the need for packaging to match the caliber of the product within, particularly in light of the growing perception of pets as members of the family.  High-end packaging, such as metallic finishes and custom-printed matte laminates, is influencing consumers' decisions to buy.  One excellent example is Nestlé Purina's gourmet-style packaging, which helps the company stand out from the competition in a market that is becoming more and more crowded.  

Functionality and Convenience Are More Important Than Ever

Because pet owners are busy these days and frequently shop online, packaging needs to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing.  Easy-tear notches, one-way valves, and resealable zippers are becoming necessities.  Mars' success in Canada with its SHEBA BISTRO single-serve and resealable packaging demonstrates how consumers respond to packaging that is mess-free and portion-controlled. 

Innovation and Startups Are Changing the Market

Through collaborations and government investments, industry titans are fostering the development of creative packaging.  Startups concentrating on environmentally friendly and useful pet food bag have received support from Nestlé's Unleashed accelerator program.  These projects advance research and development and expedite the release of innovative solutions.  

Changes in Pet Food Bag Design Are Being Driven by E-Commerce

Pet food sales online have increased by more than 40% since 2020, therefore packaging must be strong, impervious to tampering, and shipping-friendly.  Brand strategy now includes customer evaluations and unboxing experiences, particularly on sites like Amazon and Tmall Global.  

RJ PACK: A Reliable Collaborator in Innovative Pet Food Bag

The demands on packaging will increase in tandem with the pet food market's continued growth and development.  The most successful brands will be those who adopt four changes: sustainability, convenience, premiumization, and digital readiness.

With over ten years of experience in flexible packaging, RJ PACK supports pet food businesses globally by fusing cutting-edge technology with in-depth market knowledge.  With the use of several production lines, our manufacturing facilities can create a variety of custom pouch types, such as gusset pouches, spouted pouches, stand-up pouches, and more.  

We provides accurate, quick, and reliable solutions for custom printing, high-barrier film laminations, and sustainable materials.From recyclability and premium shelf presence to logistics-friendly design, our commitment to innovation guarantees that every solution we provide is in line with current trends.  Numerous international  pet food brands have benefited from our assistance in developing pet food pouch that fosters enduring growth and customer loyalty.

Now is the moment to innovate, whether you're introducing a new line or improving your current pet food pouch.  Discover how RJ PACK's high-performance materials, striking designs, and dependable production support may help you realize your next innovative pet food packaging idea.