"Brands that gain the trust of pet owners have good growth prospects. This is because pet owners react positively to brands that focus on food safety, sustainability and pet health," is the insight offered by Zoo Inc. What does this have to do with packaging? The function of packaging is to contain and protect products. It can also be the starting point for a relationship between a customer and a brand, however, by attracting attention, making a brand recognisable or communicating brand values by its design, material and functionality.
Sustainable alternatives
Pet owners prefer brands with sustainable packaging options. They think about social responsibility and the environment and notice when products are manufactured in an ethical and sustainable manner. This signifies an upswing in biodegradable and recyclable materials. Paper-based packaging has been a safe, eco-friendly option hitherto, but recyclable plastic is becoming increasingly popular. This is due to the fact that, although paper-based packaging is environmentally compatible, it does not offer the same durability and food safety as plastic. Recyclable plastic ensures optimal product conservation and also satisfies the desire of consumers for sustainability. Another plus factor would be not only to use this type of material but also to print clear recycling advice on the outside, prompting consumers to recycle it themselves.
The Mexican premium dog food brand Kantek, for example, has developed a concept that focuses both on supplying a nutritious, sustainable recipe and on environmental protection. The design concept also revolves around the brand's Mexican identity.
Convenience and efficiency
Convenience for the end user is a key factor to be taken into account when designing the packaging for a product. Thought must also be given to its manufacture, handling, transportation and distribution. The packaging design must permit efficient production throughout the process as well as being extremely practical and appealing to the consumer.
Many pet owners like to open the pet food pack, transfer the product to another container and dispose of the original packaging. This is the case in particular with larger bags, which are cumbersome to handle and cannot be reclosed. This could be avoided if the packaging were easy to handle and the freshness of the product was not impaired.
Exploring new business opportunities
Over 170 industry representatives met in Brussels in October for the…