Pet Food Packaging Market Report by Material, Food Type, Animal Type, Packaging Form, and Region 2024-2032

The global pet food packaging market size reached US$ 11.3 Billion in 2023. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach US$ 16.8 Billion by 2032, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 4.4% during 2024-2032. The market is driven by the increasing ownership of pet across the globe, rising demand for sustainable and technologically advanced packaging solutions, growing urbanization and need for convenient packaging solutions, and heightened consumer preferences for premium, health-oriented products.

Pet Food Packaging Market Analysis:

Major Market Drivers: The market is driven by increasing pet ownership and the humanization of pets, rising environmental sustainability concerns that boost the shift towards more eco-friendly packaging solutions. Moreover, innovations are being carried out in biodegradable and recyclable materials to align with consumer preferences for sustainability and comply with stricter global environmental regulations.

Key Market Trends: There is a notable shift towards the use of advanced technology in pet food packaging, including smart packaging that incorporates quick response (QR) codes and near-field communication (NFC) technology. These technologies enhance consumer engagement by providing additional product information and interactivity.

Geographical Trends: North America is currently the largest segment in the market, driven by high levels of pet ownership and consumer spending on pet care. The region is also a leader in adopting innovative and sustainable packaging solutions. Other regions are also growing due to rising pet ownership and increasing consumer awareness about pet health and nutrition.

Competitive Landscape: Some of the major market players in the pet food packaging industry include Amcor plc, American Packaging Corporation, Berry Global Inc., Blue Buffalo Co. Ltd. (General Mills Inc.), Coveris, Huhtamaki Oyj, Mondi plc, ProAmpac, Silgan Holdings Inc., Smurfit Kappa Group plc, Sonoco Products Company, Transcontinental Inc., and Winpak Ltd., among many others.

Challenges and Opportunities: One of the main challenges in the market is the need to balance cost with sustainability. However, opportunities in the market lie in the development of packaging that combines convenience with sustainability.

Pet Food Packaging Market Trends:

Increasing Ownership Rates of Pets

The rise in pet ownership is a primary driver of the pet food packaging market. More people are adopting pets, which increases the demand for pet food, subsequently boosting the need for effective packaging solutions. 66% of U.S. households own a pet, which equates to 86.9 million households. As per the American Pet Products Association (APPA), in 2024, a total of $150.6 billion in sales is expected in the U.S. on pets, as compared to $147 billion in 2023. Among these, $66.9 billion is accounted for pet food and treats. Packaging companies are responding to this data by creating innovative packaging that serves the needs of many pet food products, such as dry kibble, wet food, and treats.

Rising Concerns of Sustainability

Consumers are becoming more environmentally conscious, which is being reflected in their purchasing preferences. In a recent Nielsen global survey, a whopping 81% of respondents said that it is extremely or very important that companies implement programs to improve the environment. About 73% said they would either definitely or probably change their consumption habits to reduce their impact on the environment. In response, packaging manufacturers are innovating with recyclable materials, biodegradable options, and designs that minimize the use of plastics. Companies like Mondi offer food packaging solutions for pets, such as BarrierPack Recyclable. These premade pouches and FFS roll-stock contain plastic laminates that are recyclable in areas where flexible packaging is accepted and through store drop-off.

Changes in Consumer Lifestyle and Preferences

People are leading busier lives which increases the demand for convenience in pet food products. Increased urbanization has resulted in longer commutes for many individuals, which consume large amounts of their day and contribute to a hurried lifestyle. This has prompted many pet owners to opt for convenient food packaging solutions that are easy to carry and store. According to Our World in Data, Tokyo in Japan had the world's highest capital city population in 2018, with over 37 million inhabitants. This was followed by Delhi, India at over 28 million, Mexico City, Mexico at 21 million, and Cairo, Egypt at 20 million. Pet owners in these regions prefer easy-to-open and resealable packaging, single-serving containers, and lightweight packaging to support their love for pets and contribute to convenience in daily life.

Pet Food Packaging Market Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market, along with forecasts at the global, regional, and country levels for 2024-2032. Our report has categorized the market based on material, food type, animal type, and packaging form.

Breakup by Material:

Paper and Paperboard

Plastic

Metal

Plastic accounts for the majority of the market share

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the material. This includes paper and paperboard, plastic, and metal. According to the report, plastic represented the largest segment.

As per the pet food packaging market trends and forecast, plastic remains the largest segment due to its versatility, durability, and cost-effectiveness. Plastic packaging offers exceptional barrier properties that protect pet food from moisture, oxygen, and contaminants, thus extending shelf life and preserving freshness. It also allows for a wide range of design options, including various shapes, sizes, and colors, enhancing shelf appeal. Furthermore, rapid innovations in recyclable and biodegradable plastics that align with increasing consumer demand for sustainability are promoting the pet food packaging market share.

Breakup by Food Type:

Dry Food

Wet Food

Others

Dry food holds the largest share of the industry

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the food type have also been provided in the report. This includes dry food, wet food, and others. According to the report, dry food accounted for the largest market share.

Based on the pet food packaging market analysis and overview, dry food represents the largest segment due to its widespread popularity and convenience. Dry pet food requires specific packaging solutions that provide excellent barrier properties to prevent exposure to humidity and contaminants, which can degrade the food's quality and shelf life. Packaging for dry pet food features multi-layered materials that ensure durability and maintain the product's freshness over extended periods. Additionally, rapid innovations such as resealable zippers and robust structural designs to enhance consumer convenience by making the packaging easier to store and use are fostering the pet food packaging industry growth.

Breakup by Animal Type:

Dog Food

Cat Food

Others

Dog food represents the leading market segment

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the animal type. This includes dog food, cat food, and others. According to the report, dog food represented the largest segment.

According to the pet food packaging market outlook and segmentation, the dog food segment holds the largest share, reflecting the high population of dogs and their status as a primary pet in numerous households. Packaging for dog food caters to a variety of products, including dry kibble, wet food, and treats, each requiring different packaging characteristics to maintain freshness, nutritional value, and ease of use. Moreover, rapid innovations in packaging, such as robust materials that protect against spoilage and convenient features like easy-open tabs and resealable closures, are contributing to the pet food packaging demand.

Breakup by Packaging Form:

Pouches

Metal Cans

Folding Cartons

Bags

Others

Bags exhibits a clear dominance in the market

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the packaging form have also been provided in the report. This includes pouches, metal cans, folding cartons, bags, and others. According to the report, bags accounted for the largest market share.

Based on the pet food packaging market research report, bags are the largest segment due to their practicality and efficiency in packaging a wide range of pet food types. They are favored for their lightweight properties, reducing shipping costs and making them easy for consumers to handle and store. Bags offer excellent barrier protection against moisture, air, and contaminants, which is crucial for maintaining the freshness and nutritional integrity of pet food. Additionally, they are highly customizable, supporting various printing technologies that allow for vibrant and attractive designs.

Breakup by Region:

North America

United States

Canada

Asia-Pacific

China

Japan

India

South Korea

Australia

Indonesia

Others

Europe

Germany

France

United Kingdom

Italy

Spain

Russia

Others

Latin America

Brazil

Mexico

Others

Middle East and Africa

North America leads the market, accounting for the largest pet food packaging market share

The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and the Middle East and Africa. According to the report, North America represents the largest regional market for pet food packaging.

Based on the pet food packaging industry trends, North America holds the largest segment, driven by high pet ownership rates, a robust pet care industry, and strong consumer spending on pet products. The significant number of households that own pets and show a willingness to invest in premium pet care products, including specialized and health-oriented pet foods, is creating a positive outlook for the market growth. Furthermore, the ongoing shift towards more innovative, sustainable, and convenient packaging solutions, such as recyclable materials and smart packaging technologies that enhance user experience and product safety, is fostering the market growth.

Competitive Landscape:

The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the market. Detailed profiles of all major companies have also been provided. Some of the major market players in the pet food packaging industry include Amcor plc, American Packaging Corporation, Berry Global Inc., Blue Buffalo Co. Ltd. (General Mills Inc.), Coveris, Huhtamaki Oyj, Mondi plc, ProAmpac, Silgan Holdings Inc., Smurfit Kappa Group plc, Sonoco Products Company, Transcontinental Inc., Winpak Ltd., etc.

(Please note that this is only a partial list of the key players, and the complete list is provided in the report.)

The top pet food packaging companies are pursuing innovation and sustainability to cater to evolving consumer demands and regulatory standards. They are investing in advanced packaging technologies that offer enhanced barrier protection, extended shelf life, and improved convenience through features such as easy-open and resealable closures. Moreover, major players are also at the forefront of sustainable practices, increasingly incorporating recyclable and biodegradable materials into their product lines in response to growing environmental concerns among consumers. Furthermore, they are engaging in strategic partnerships and acquisitions to expand their technological capabilities and market reach. For instance, they are forming collaborations with material science innovators and startups to enable the development of next-generation packaging materials that are high-performing and eco-friendly.

Pet Food Packaging Market News:

In August 2023, Mondi plc collaborated with Fressnapf to switch their packaging to a new range of premium mono-material recyclable solutions using process color printing technology. These mono-material packaging solutions provide strong barrier properties providing protection from moisture, fat and odor and are strong and flexible to pack and store. The adaptability of the packs enabled Fressnapf | Maxi Zoo to design around 150 food packaging designs for pets from 300 g to 12 kg.

In May 2023, Berry Global Group, Inc., Peel Plastic Products Ltd., and ExxonMobil announced that they are collaborating to integrate International Sustainability and Carbon Certificate (ISCC) PLUS certified-circular plastics into pet food packaging for household brand names. The collaboration leverages ExxonMobil's ExxtendTM technology for advanced recycling, which processes plastic waste and attributes it to new plastic for food-grade packaging through a mass balance approach.

Key Questions Answered in This Report:

• How has the global pet food packaging market performed so far, and how will it perform in the coming years?
• What are the drivers, restraints, and opportunities in the global pet food packaging market?
• What is the impact of each driver, restraint, and opportunity on the global pet food packaging market?
• What are the key regional markets?
• Which countries represent the most attractive pet food packaging market?
• What is the breakup of the market based on the material?
• Which is the most attractive material in the pet food packaging market?
• What is the breakup of the market based on the food type?
• Which is the most attractive food type in the pet food packaging market?
• What is the breakup of the market based on the animal type?
• Which is the most attractive animal type in the pet food packaging market?
• What is the breakup of the market based on the packaging form?
• Which is the most attractive packaging form in the pet food packaging market?
• What is the competitive structure of the market?
• Who are the key players/companies in the global pet food packaging market?