Selecting the Right Barrier Film for Pet Food Packaging Solutions
The evolution of pet food packaging is a fundamental element in the growth of the pet food industry. Today, more than ever before, the requirements for pet food are aligning more closely with human food and this is being reflected in the packaging. Consumer demand for more premium, healthy and fresh products across pet food categories such as dry food like kibble and treats to cooked and raw wet food requires more versatile packaging. Safety, convenience and sustainability which are all important factors in human food packaging, also play a key role in building brand perception for pet food manufacturers. Barrier films for pet food packaging must fend off oxygen, moisture, and odours. The wrong packaging could lead to a product’s loss of flavour, nutrients and ultimately shelf life.
What are Barrier Films in Pet Food Packaging?
Barrier films are specialised materials that are designed to resist or severely limit external factors like oxygen, moisture, and light. They also prevent the internal aromas of the packed product from escaping. The following are the primary reasons why they’re used in pet food packaging:
- Ability to extend shelf life
- Maintain nutritional value and taste
- Spoilage and food waste reduction
- Enhancing branding and user experience
Types of Barrier Films for Pet Food Packaging
Oriented Polypropylene (OPP) Films
OPP films are economical with great moisture resistance and are used for dry products such as kibble and biscuits. They are often laminated with other films for better performance.
CPP (Cast Polypropylene) Films
CPP films maintain strong sealing capabilities with clarity during high-speed operations which makes them highly sought after for FFS applications demanding reliable packaging protection against leaks.
PP (Polypropylene) Films
PP films offer an excellent compromise of stiffness, clarity and moisture barrier. Mono-PP solutions are also beginning to see application in recyclable pet food packaging due to their compatibility with existing recycling streams.
PE (Polyethylene) Films
PE films provide a thin flexible sealant layer for laminates. Mono-PE barrier films are increasingly used as a sustainable alternative that provides moisture protection and are fully recyclable in most areas of the UK.
PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) Films
PET films have great strength and are often chosen as the outer layer for print and branding. Combined with a barrier coating or additional layers, PET films can provide extended shelf life.
Metallised Films (Met PET and Met OPP)
Met films are aluminium metallised films that improve oxygen and moisture barriers dramatically and are lighter and more flexible than conventional foil laminates. They are very popular for pet treats and long-life products.
Laminated Metallised Films
Laminated metallised films have multiple layers (PET, OPP, PE) with a metallised barrier. They offer excellent shelf-life and are most commonly used on premium pet treat packaging and small-portion packs for dry foods. They can, however, be harder to recycle than mono-material solutions.
Aluminium Foil Laminates
The excellent barrier properties of aluminium foil against oxygen and moisture makes it the leading choice for producing wet food pouches on the market. Despite challenges with recyclability, there remains demand for aluminium foil on high moisture, high shelf-life applications.
Key Selection Criteria for Barrier Films
Product Sensitivity:
The sensitivity of different pet food types requires different levels of protection:
- Dry kibble requires moisture barriers but only moderate protection from oxygen.
- Semi-moist treats require both moisture and oxygen barriers in balance.
- Wet food requires high-performance multi-layer laminates for the best protection.
Shelf-Life Requirements
Due to long distance transportation, metallised or foil laminates are often required for export markets or where a long shelf life is needed. Mono-material structures, which are easier to recycle, can be used where a shorter shelf life is expected.
Meeting Sustainability Targets
Growing environmental consciousness is driving demand from consumers for more sustainable pet food packaging, and there are several innovative barrier film solutions available including:
- Recyclable mono-PE or mono-PP structures
- Biodegradable films for compostable and environmentally friendly disposal
- Films with post-consumer recycled content (PCR) that are also exempt from plastic tax
- OPRL (Producer Responsibility Organisations – Packaging) compliant recyclable options, for UK customers
Packaging Format
The type of production line will affect the film you choose:
- Vertical Form Fill Seal (VFFS) systems demand films with good stiffness and sealing properties.
- Horizontal Form Fill Seal (HFFS) lines need films optimised for speed and tear resistance.
Branding & Shelf Appeal
Barrier films also affect visual appeal. Flexographic printing on metallised laminates can be used to provide high impact graphics, tactile finishes and great shelf presence.
Barrier films are an indispensable part of pet food packaging that you shouldn’t ignore. Selecting the right packaging solution will preserve the quality of your product during its lifetime, assist in extending shelf life and protect your brand image. Pet food manufacturers can discover ideal packaging solutions through an evaluation of options such as OPP, CPP, PP, PE, PET, metallised and laminated films as well as foil which contribute to ensuring customer safety and meeting sustainable packaging objectives.
Partner with a Flexible Packaging Films Expert Like Terinex Flexibles
Selecting the appropriate barrier film involves consideration of product specifications, sustainability targets and compatibility with the packaging line. At Terinex Flexibles, a specialist in flexible packaging films for the pet food industry, we:
- Offer technical guidance and sample film runs
- Have R&D facilities to trial solutions
- Provide digital proofs for reviewing pack design
- Have BRC AA certified production to guarantee food safety
Partnering with us will ensure you find the right balance of price, performance and environmental requirements and ensure excellent print quality and shelf appeal.
Get in touch for a Free Packaging Consultation – we’ll work with you to help you select the best barrier film for your pet food range.
