Pet Food Packaging Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Material (Plastic, Paper & Paperboard, and Metal), By Food Type (Dry Food, Wet Food, and Pet Treats), By Product Type (Bags & Pouches, Boxes & Cartons, Jars & Containers, Cans, and Others), By Pet Type (Dog, Cat, Fish, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The global pet food packaging market size was valued at USD 10.73 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow from USD 11.38 billion in 2024 to USD 18.48 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.25% during the forecast period. Moreover, the pet food packaging market in the U.S. is projected to grow significantly, reaching an estimated value of USD 2.54 billion by 2032, driven by the rising demand for pet food and the number of flavored and nutritious pet foods.

As a barrier against external influences such as light, moisture, and oxygen, and protection against aroma loss, packaging plays a vital role in the pet food industry. Dogs, in particular, can use their keen sense of smell to detect changes in food aroma and reject their food long before people notice the spoilage. In addition, pet food packaging must be bite-proof to prevent animals from damaging it. The surging demand for graphic printing and customized packaging to attract pet owners is contributing to the market’s growth.

The pet food packaging market growth was negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic due to disruptions in the supply chain. The pet adoption during that phase increased with the rise in the demand for the pet food. However, the closed manufacturing units and shortage of raw materials affected pet food production and packaging solutions.

Pet Food Packaging Market Trends

Surging Innovation and the Incorporation of the Smart Packaging in the Pet Food Industry is Trending in the Market

Brands recognize the demand to produce an engaging and memorable experience for both pets and their owners. Some innovative packaging comprises interactive or smart packaging elements, such as QR codes that link to informative videos or games that keep pets entertained during meals. Such features improve the overall customer experience and contribute to brand loyalty.

With the advent of personalized nutrition for humans, the same trend is also developing in the pet food industry. Brands are looking for ways to offer tailored pet food options, and packaging plays a critical role in providing these customized solutions. Custom packaging can include portion control and customizable blends to meet pets' specific nutritional needs.

Integrating technology into pet food packaging is a thrilling innovation. Intelligent packaging solutions such as RFID tags, QR codes, and freshness indicators are being used more and more frequently. These technologies allow pet owners to access real-time information about the product, with nutritional updates, expiration dates, and feeding recommendations.

For instance, one such product is developed by Crown Holdings to aid brands in advancing their product traceability and support greater consumer engagement under the name CrownSecure™. It is a code scanning system that allocates every package a unique and singular identity Quick Response (QR) code.

CrownSecure™ allows product scanning and tracking, permitting producers to build a data trail to prove authenticity to consumers and manage product recalls. In addition, it helps brand owners intensify engagement with consumers and, ultimately, brand loyalty through a range of advertising opportunities.

Request a Free sample to learn more about this report.

Pet Food Packaging Market Growth Factors

Humanization of Pets is one of the Major Driving Factors of This Market

The humanization of pets is a usual expression of the “pets as family” trend, where pet owners treat their pets such as children and are highly sympathetic to products similar to those they use for themselves. The humanization trend has increased the number of brands offering humane meals for dogs and cats. Some of these meals are intended to resemble what human family members eat, with ingredients such as sweet potatoes, whole-grain macaroni, and pumpkin.

Millennials and Generation Z are ruling the trend toward pet food humanization. These younger generations grew up with pets and viewed them as one of the integral members of the family. They also pay more attention to the well-being and health of pets and are willing to spend more on high-quality food products and services.

Dynamics contributing to Millennials and Generation Z's influence on the pet food humanization trend include the emergence of social media, which makes it easier to connect with other pet parents, share information about trends and product trends, and, most prominently, express their opinions.

As a result, the trend toward humanization has motivated pet parents to spend on a wide range of products and services for their pets. This trend has been a key factor of the pet food industry in recent years and is projected to continue to have a significant impact over the forecast period.

Benefits Provided by Wet Pet Food is Contributing to the Market's Growth

Wet pet food has a high total meat content, which is generally loved by pets. This food provides plenty of protein (and therefore a high proportion of amino acids), fat, and other macronutrients. Moreover, wet foods typically contain fewer carbohydrates, fiber, and starch. For the picky, strict carnivores, these food properties naturally provide the meat content they crave. This food contains much more moisture, and its protein content is significantly higher.

One of the main benefits of wet food is the nutritional fluid provided to the animal. Depending on the product design, ranging from gravy pieces, pate, schnitzel, puree, broth, or stew format, the moisture content of wet food in the feed state can range from 68 to 86%. The extra moisture is especially important for pets, who are more prone to urinary tract diseases.

Wet pet food packed in cans, bags, trays, and tubs is mainly cooked through a retort sterilization system, and when the product has reached commercial sterility, the food is preserved by the packaging itself. This eliminates the need for manufacturers to add preservatives to wet pet food formulations specifically for shelf life stability and freshness.

The moist, soft, and meaty texture of wet pet food makes it easier for older animals that may have dental care issues to chew. These smaller breed animals and even teething puppies and kittens can naturally tolerate smaller bites. These textures may be more acceptable to picky animals who find other forms of food less appealing relative to mouthfeel.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Low Recyclability of the Multilayer Pet Food Packaging is Hampering the Growth of the Market

Pet owners want food packaging to be premium and, at the same time, to have lesser environmental impacts. They want packaging to be artful, resealable, or single-serve packaging that keeps contents fresh for long periods. These two trends cannot go hand in hand as premium and super premium food packaging is generally made of high-barrier materials with graphic and colorful printing. Manufacturing packaging products such as pouches, bags, and containers with high barriers, especially for wet food with renewable sources, can pose problems, thus impeding the growth of the market.

Traditional flexible packaging contains a multilayer structure with materials such as polyethylene and polyester. Recycling centers cannot separate the different films and are, therefore, difficult to recycle. Unfortunately, 99% of the multilayer packaging used for most pet treats and food has no sustainable end-of-life solution and ends up in landfills, thus restricting the market's growth.

Pet Food Packaging Market Segmentation Analysis

By Material Analysis

Plastic Dominates Material Segment with Superior Durability and Versatility in Packaging

Based on material, the market is segmented into plastic, paper & paperboard, and metal.

Plastic is the dominating material segment in this market. It is highly durable, provides resistance to oxygen, air, dust, and moisture, and protects the organoleptic properties of the packed food. It can be used to manufacture flexible and rigid products, unlike other materials. Moreover, the surging innovation of bio-based plastic materials such as bio-based PE, PP, and PET and their use in the development of bags and pouches is enhancing the segment's growth.

The paper & paperboard is the second-dominating segment in this market. The growing demand for sustainable materials with less environmental impact is driving the growth of this segment.

By Food Type Analysis

Dry Food Leads Market with Convenience and Longevity Advantages

Based on food type, the market is segmented into dry food, wet food, and pet treats.

The dry food is the dominating food type segment in this market. Dry food is much easier to pre-portion and has less chance to spoil if left for the full day. Unlike wet food, which goes bad within hours once opened, dry food is less likely to be wasted. This food is also very convenient while traveling and is easier to measure for weight management plans. In addition, it is less messy, requires significantly less cleanup time, and has no strong odor, thus bolstering the growth of this segment.

The wet food is the second-dominating segment in this market. Wet food contains more moisture than other food types, and it is more aromatic and flavorful than dry food. This may attract sick or older pets to eat to increase their appetite, thus boosting the growth of this segment.

By Product Type Analysis

Bags & Pouches Lead Pet Food Packaging Market with Versatility and Sustainability

Based on product type, the market is segmented into bags & pouches, boxes & cartons, jars & containers, cans, and others.

The bags & pouches segment holds the largest market share. Bags & pouches allow pet owners to tear them open with ease, and also make the package reusable for further use, reducing food wastage. They have high printability and customizability that enhance the visual appearance, attracting the pet parents. The durability and easy transportability of such packaging is fueling the segment's growth.

The cans is the second-dominating segment in the market. Cans are generally used for the packaging of wet food. They provide long-lasting preservation with an airtight seal and protect the contents from light, air, and moisture. They are easily recyclable and help in increasing the shelf life of products, thus contributing to the segment's growth.

By Pet Type Analysis

To know how our report can help streamline your business, Speak to Analyst

Better Adaptability to the Environment is Surging the Demand for Dogs in the Market

Based on pet type, the market is segmented into dog, cat, fish, and others.

The dog segment holds the largest pet food packaging market share. Dogs are more trainable, can protect their owners, and are more active. Better adaptability to the environment, more controllable behaviors, friendliness, and an active lifestyle are increasing the number of dogs adopted as pets.

The cat is the second-dominating segment of this market owing to the less challenging training process and less expensive maintenance.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

The market is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa.

To get more information on the regional analysis of this market, Request a Free sample

Europe holds the largest pet food packaging market share. The continuous increase in the geriatric population has led to a rise in the number of pet adoptions to improve the pet owner's mental and physical health. According to the European Pet Industry, the total number of pets was 305 million in 2021, which increased to 326 million by 6.89%. Thus, the increasing ownership of pets in the region has increased the demand for pet food, thus enhancing the regional growth.

Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing region in the market. The growing younger population and humanization of pets, coupled with the presence of one of the countries with the highest pet populations, China, is driving the growth of the region.

North America is poised to grow significantly during the forecast period. Pet food production and its high demand in the region are rising with the increase in the number of flavored and nutritious pet foods, which is flourishing the regional growth.

Latin America is anticipated to experience lucrative growth during the forecast period. The surging humanization of pets has increased the opportunities for pet food innovations. In addition, pet owners in the region are keen to explore functional health options for their pets and support sustainability initiatives. The increasing adoption of pets in Brazil and Mexico is further boosting regional growth.

The Middle East & Africa is growing at a moderate rate due to the cultural shift and adoption of pets in the region.

List of Key Companies in Pet Food Packaging Market

Key Participants Emphasize Providing Advanced Packaging Solutions to Gain a Competitive Edge

The global pet food packaging market is highly fragmented and competitive. In terms of share, the few major market players dominate the market by offering innovative packaging in the packaging industry. These major players in the market are constantly focusing on expanding their customer base across the regions and innovation.

Major players operating in the pet food packaging industry include Amcor, Huhtamaki, Berry Global, Sealed Air, Sonoco Products Company, and others. Numerous other players operating in the industry are focused on delivering advanced packaging solutions.

List of Key Companies Profiled:

• Amcor plc (Switzerland)


• Mondi (U.K.)


• Berry Global (U.S.)


• Huhtamaki (Finland)


• Sonoco Products Company (U.S.)


• Crown (U.S.)


• Transcontinental Inc. (Canada)


• Silgan Holdings Inc. (U.S.)


• Winpak (Canada)


• Sealed Air (U.S.)


• American Packaging Corporation (U.S.)


• Constantia Flexibles (Austria)


• ProAmpac (U.S.)


• KM Packaging Services Ltd. (U.K.)


• ePac Holdings, LLC (U.S.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• August 2023 - Mondi collaborated with Fressnapf, one of the leaders for pet supplies, to shift their packaging for dry pet food to a new range of premium mono-material recyclable solutions manufactured by Mondi named FlexiBag Recyclable, Recyclable StandUp Pouches, and BarrierPack Recyclable. The mono-material packaging solutions offer strong barrier properties, protecting fat, moisture, and odor, and they are strong and flexible enough to pack and store.


• May 2023 - Berry Global, ExxonMobil, and Peel Plastic Products Ltd. collaborated to incorporate  International Sustainability and Carbon Certificate (ISCC) PLUS certified-circular plastics into pet food packaging. The collaboration includes advanced recycling technologies from ExxonMobil, which processes plastic waste and attributes it to new plastic for food-grade packaging.


• January 2022 - Crown Holdings, Inc. announced the expansion of food can manufacturing capacity by adding a new line to its Owatonna, Minnesota, plant. The move has been taken to meet the increasing demand for food cans for the packaging of pet food, soup, and beans.


• October 2021 - Mondi collaborated with the Hau-Hau Champion, one of Finland's recognized brands in the premium dog food segment, for the supply of a range of recyclable mono-material pet food packaging. The packaging aims to fulfill the pet food manufacturer's objective to launch a recyclable and reclosable packaging solution. The packaging can be reclosed, keeps food fresh, and obstructs any smells.


• November 2020 - Huhtamaki collaborated with Mars and SABIC to integrate recycled content into pet food packaging to support the circular economy. The steps were taken to achieve 30% recycled content and 25% less virgin plastic by 2025.

REPORT COVERAGE

An Infographic Representation of Pet Food Packaging Market

View Full Infographic

To get information on various segments, share your queries with us

The report provides a detailed analysis and focuses on key aspects such as prominent companies, competitive landscape, product/service types, Porter’s five forces analysis, and leading end-use industries of the product. Besides this, it offers insights into the market trends and highlights key industry developments. In addition to the above factors, the report encompasses several factors that have contributed to the market's growth in recent years.

To gain extensive insights into the market, Request for Customization

REPORT SCOPE & SEGMENTATION