Pet food packaging needs to suit the product, the required pack format and the way the finished product will be produced, stored and handled. For brands developing pet food products, flexible packaging provides several formats to consider depending on the requirements of the product and the finished pack.
Stand-up pouches are one option, but they are not the only format available. Pet food packaging can also include flat-bottom pouches, quad bags, retort pouches and side-gusset handle bags, with different features available depending on the packaging specification.
Pet food pouches in the UK can include stand-up pouches, flat-bottom pouches and retort pouches, while other flexible formats include quad bags and side-gusset handle bags. Resealable zips can also be incorporated into suitable pouch formats. The right option depends on the product, required pack size, packaging specification, functionality and production requirements. Pet food brands should consider these factors before choosing the final packaging format.
What types of packaging are used for pet food?
Pet food brands can choose from several flexible packaging formats, depending on the product and the requirements of the finished pack.
These can include:
- Stand-up pouches
- Flat-bottom pouches
- Retort pouches
- Quad bags
- Side-gusset handle bags
- Flexible films
Stand-up pouches provide an upright format, while flat-bottom pouches offer another pouch configuration. Quad bags and side-gusset handle bags provide different structures for products where those formats are appropriate.
The packaging specification can also include features such as resealable zips, giving brands another option when considering how the finished pack should be opened and handled.
What should pet food brands consider when choosing pouch packaging?
The packaging format should be considered alongside the product and the requirements of the production process.
Before choosing a pouch, pet food brands should consider:
- Product type
- Pack size
- Required packaging format
- Material specification
- Printing requirements
- Opening and resealing requirements
- Number of SKUs
- Expected production volumes
- Packing process
- Storage and distribution requirements
These considerations can help businesses establish which format and specification are appropriate for their particular product rather than choosing a pouch based solely on appearance.
For brands with several products, it can also be useful to consider whether the packaging approach can be applied consistently across different SKUs while still meeting the requirements of each product.
What pouch formats can UFP provide for pet food?
UFP provides a range of pet food packaging formats, including recyclable pouches and films, quad bags, flat-bottom pouches, retort pouches and side-gusset handle bags.
Its pouching operation also includes stand-up pouches with or without resealable zips. UFP operates five automated pre-made pouch lines alongside a sixth high-speed line, providing dedicated pouching capabilities for different production requirements.
This gives pet food brands several packaging options to consider when developing or scaling their products.
UFP also provides printing and wider flexible packaging services alongside contract packing, allowing the packaging specification and production requirements to be considered together.
How can UFP help with pet food packaging?
Choosing pet food packaging involves more than selecting a pouch format.
The product, packaging specification, printing requirements, production process and expected volumes all need to work together.
UFP provides flexible packaging and contract packing for pet food, alongside printing, storage and delivery services. This allows brands to discuss several parts of their packaging requirements with one supplier.
For businesses developing a new pet food product or increasing production, the right packaging format can then be considered alongside the wider requirements of getting the finished product produced and delivered.
Looking for pet food pouch packaging in the UK?
Discuss your pet food packaging requirements with UFP