Pet product packaging serves a crucial role in product protection and consumer appeal. Packaging solutions carefully shield the contents within from external contaminants and physical intrusion while also enticing shoppers with interesting, informative designs. Whether it’s pet care products, pet food, or treats, good packaging must strike the right balance between aesthetics, functionality, and safety.
Safe Materials
Just as people have started to think more about their own food, pet owners are increasingly conscious of not only what their pets consume, but also of the production behind the products they buy for their pets. Safety for pets and pet owners must also be a top priority for packaging considerations. Materials and inks used to manufacture pet care, food, and treat packaging should be non-toxic and human-grade. High-quality paperboard packaging offers a cost-effective way to meet packaging safety expectations, as it can be manufactured with food-grade and non-toxic coatings to safeguard contents from foreign substances.
Durability
Pet product packaging should be more than just structurally sturdy to last in both transit and storage. It must also be resistant to impurities that could affect product integrity, such as moisture, water, air, and dust. Paperboard is a lightweight yet durable material that can be enhanced with moisture-resistant coatings or linings to ensure pet food and treats remain fresh as intended.
Labeling
Similar to products and food items for humans, pet product packaging must maintain compliance with industry standards. Including clear, informative labeling on packaging, such as ingredient details, nutritional information, and feeding instructions, is required. Pet care packaging often provides instructions for use, safety guidelines, and storage recommendations. Paperboard is a highly printable material, making it an ideal surface for printing easy-to-read labels.
Visual Appeal
In the world of packaging, appearances matter and are a critical part of winning over customers. With so many brands to compete with, pet product packaging needs to stand out on shelves with eye-catching, relatable, and intriguing designs. Brands must use a mix of colors, typography, graphics, and messaging to develop strong shelf appeal.
Sustainability
As consumers become more environmentally conscious, the demand for sustainable packaging is on the rise. According to NielsenIQ, pet product packaging options labeled with “recycled packaging” grew 40% to $14.4 million, and products with “plastic free” packaging increased by 387% to reach $11.3 million. Eco-friendly materials like paperboard appeal to a growing number of pet owners who want to minimize their environmental footprint. Sustainability can also be a strong selling point for your brand by aligning with the values of many modern shoppers.