Coveris targets recyclable packaging solutions for pet food

Coveris has introduced new recyclable and PFAS-free packaging solutions for pet food applications, aiming to address one of the most challenging areas of flexible packaging redesign.

Pet food packaging requires high levels of protection against moisture, oxygen, grease and odour migration, which has traditionally led manufacturers to rely on complex multilayer structures.

The new solutions are designed to simplify packaging structures while maintaining the performance required for demanding pet food products.

Recyclability challenges in pet food packaging

Flexible pet food packaging has historically been difficult to recycle because many bags combine several polymers, barrier layers and functional coatings.

While these structures provide excellent product protection, their complexity can prevent efficient separation and recovery within existing recycling systems.

Coveris is focusing on mono-material approaches that are designed to improve compatibility with established recycling streams while reducing dependence on multi-layer constructions.

PFAS-free solutions respond to changing requirements

The new packaging concepts are also developed without PFAS, addressing growing regulatory and brand-owner concerns around substances of concern in food-contact and animal-feed packaging.

As European regulations increasingly restrict certain chemicals and demand greater transparency across packaging supply chains, manufacturers are searching for alternatives that combine safety, performance and recyclability.

Performance remains critical for pet food applications

Replacing conventional structures requires more than changing the material composition of the bag.

Pet food packaging must withstand filling, transportation and storage while preventing the migration of oils, aromas and moisture that could affect product quality.

Coveris says its solutions maintain the barrier and sealing properties required for pet food while improving the packaging’s circularity profile.

Mono-material structures support future packaging compliance

The move towards mono-material packaging reflects a wider industry shift driven by both regulation and customer expectations.

Under the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, packaging producers are facing increasing pressure to improve recyclability and reduce unnecessary complexity.

For pet food brands, this creates the challenge of redesigning high-performance packaging without compromising shelf life or consumer convenience.

Pet food sector accelerates sustainable packaging transition

The pet food market has become an important testing ground for sustainable packaging innovation because products often require stronger barrier properties than many other dry food applications.

Companies are therefore exploring a combination of mono-material films, recyclable coatings and improved barrier technologies to create solutions that can enter existing recycling systems.

Coveris’ latest development reflects this broader transition towards packaging designed around both product protection and end-of-life considerations.

Future packaging must balance protection and circularity

The challenge for pet food packaging manufacturers is finding the right balance between functionality and sustainability.

Highly protective structures have traditionally relied on complexity, but new material technologies are allowing companies to rethink packaging architecture.

As regulatory pressure increases, recyclable and PFAS-free solutions are expected to become increasingly important across pet food and other sensitive food categories.