PetFood PRO 3/2025
We publish feature articles, reports and announcements about new ingredients, technology, equipment and processes, packaging machinery and materials as well as marketing trends and developments. Readers are executives, product developers and specialists in the pet food industry, including process and packaging engineers. PetFood PRO will be published in English. Circulation is worldwide, with an emphasis on important growth markets.
We publish feature articles, reports and announcements about new ingredients, technology, equipment and processes, packaging machinery and materials as well as marketing trends and developments. Readers are executives, product developers and specialists in the pet food industry, including process and packaging engineers. PetFood PRO will be published in English. Circulation is worldwide, with an emphasis on important growth markets.
- No tags were found...
Transform your PDFs into Flipbooks and boost your revenue!
Leverage SEO-optimized Flipbooks, powerful backlinks, and multimedia content to professionally showcase your products and significantly increase your reach.
International Magazine September <strong>2025</strong> ISSN 2628-5851<br />
Technology & Marketing 3/25<br />
Ingredients: Palatability in Wet Pet Food, Organic Antioxidants, Plant based Diets, Protein<br />
Processing: Performance & Flexibility Growth, Trends in Cutting Applications<br />
Packaging: Sustainable Snacks, Recyclable Pouches, Driving Innovations<br />
Marketing: Love to Pets from Ukraine, Fi Europe <strong>2025</strong>, Zoomark <strong>2025</strong>, Interzoo 2026
Enquire<br />
about a stand<br />
The unmissable<br />
ingredients event<br />
Fi Europe is where the<br />
F&B ingredients industry<br />
comes together to connect,<br />
innovate and drive the<br />
future of food.
EDITORIAL<br />
Trends & Innovations<br />
Packaging & Processing<br />
We have reached a time of year where<br />
trends and innovations are in high<br />
demand. Some of them are new and<br />
others may be surprising. Many current<br />
shows will place an emphasis on<br />
sustainability. Anything we can do to save<br />
the environment has to be good news,<br />
right?<br />
Since many of these hot topics are being<br />
driven by consumer and regulatory<br />
pressures, it is easy to find approval, at<br />
least on the surface. This is true in the<br />
reduced use of plastic packaging, with<br />
84% of consumers reported as being<br />
“very” or “highly” concerned about<br />
its environmental impact. Pet food<br />
manufacturers have recognised this trend<br />
early and are actively seeking solutions.<br />
The packaging section of this issue already<br />
has some positive examples.<br />
Of course we will see the continuing use<br />
of plastic packaging, given its key role in<br />
maintaining hygiene, keeping products<br />
safe, and extending shelf life. That said,<br />
there’s a growing emphasis on the use<br />
of lightweight and reusable plastic<br />
packaging, as well as the reduction to<br />
single or mono-materials which can be<br />
better recycled.<br />
Everyone has an opinion on AI. The pet<br />
food industry is also seeing a greater use<br />
being made of automation and artificial<br />
intelligence for improved efficiency,<br />
decision-making, and sustainability. With<br />
its vast capacity for data processing, trend<br />
forecasting, and automation of complex<br />
activities, AI is helping in the eco-friendly<br />
transformation of the supply chain.<br />
Immersive technologies are also being<br />
used for training and maintenance, with<br />
improvements of efficiency and waste<br />
minimisation. Some people are calling this<br />
Industry 5.0.<br />
Pet food packaging is becoming<br />
increasingly integrated with smart<br />
technologies such as sensors which lead<br />
to more data analytics. Such technologies<br />
enable the remote monitoring of<br />
everything from product temperature to<br />
humidity, helping to ensure that products<br />
reach consumers in the best condition.<br />
Supply chain traceability is also being<br />
improved through the integration of QR<br />
codes and the blockchain. This all helps<br />
increase product integrity and reduce<br />
waste.<br />
Less common in pet food so far, but<br />
certainly around the corner is greater<br />
focus on the delivery of unique, tailored<br />
product experiences. This is being seen in<br />
the personalisation of packaging, with the<br />
variable data printing of labels. Limited<br />
edition and seasonal packaging designs<br />
Ian D. Healey, Editor-in-Chief<br />
are also boosting levels of customer<br />
engagement, encouraging the retention<br />
and re-use of packaging. This serves to<br />
remember that the target customers in<br />
animal nutrition are not the consumers as<br />
such, but the paying pet parents.<br />
Don’t forget: the best way to discover new<br />
trends at trade exhibitions, is to walk the<br />
aisles and talk with as many people as you<br />
can.<br />
Sincerely<br />
If you like it subscribe!<br />
Issue 3 <strong>2025</strong><br />
3
CONTENTS<br />
International Magazine September <strong>2025</strong> ISSN 2628-5851<br />
Technology & Marketing 3/25<br />
Issue 3 September <strong>2025</strong><br />
NaturDrops’ commitment to sustainability is evident in every aspect of their<br />
business, from ingredient sourcing to production. With Sonoco’s GreenCan®<br />
solution, the company ensures that its packaging is not only functional but also<br />
environmentally responsible.<br />
Ingredients: Palatability in Wet Pet Food, Organic Antioxidants, Plant based Diets, Protein<br />
Processing: Performance & Flexibility Growth, Trends in Cutting Applications<br />
Packaging: Sustainable Snacks, Recyclable Pouches, Driving Innovations<br />
Marketing: Love to Pets from Ukraine, Fi Europe <strong>2025</strong>, Zoomark <strong>2025</strong>, Interzoo 2026<br />
See the story on page 26<br />
Cover photo: Sonoco Europe / NaturDrops<br />
Ingredients<br />
8 Palatability in Wet Pet Food<br />
12 Organic Antioxidant Innovations<br />
14 Future of Petfood<br />
16 About Faba Bean Protein Concentrate<br />
Processing<br />
20 Major Capacity Expansion in Pet Food Production<br />
23 Qlar Returns to the Food & Animal Feed Industry<br />
24 Trends, Processing Solutions and Popular Cutting<br />
Applications in Pet Food<br />
As pet owners demand cleaner labels and more natural<br />
ingredients, the push for innovation in pet food is accelerating.<br />
At the Nordic Pet Food Conference, Brenntag and BTSA are<br />
showcasing the next generation of organic antioxidants –<br />
natural solutions that boost shelf life, reduce waste, and meet<br />
rising expectations for quality and sustainability.<br />
The full story is on page 12.<br />
As demand for pet food soars, manufacturers face mounting<br />
pressure to boost output without sacrificing quality. A major<br />
facility expansion – executed without interrupting production<br />
– showcases how cutting-edge technology and smart system<br />
integration can unlock new levels of performance, flexibility, and<br />
hygiene in pet food manufacturing.<br />
More details can be found on page 20.<br />
4<br />
Technology & Marketing
Departments<br />
3 Editorial<br />
42 Upcoming Events<br />
42 Impressum<br />
Events / Marketing<br />
6 Love to Pets from Ukraine<br />
36 Planning for Interzoo 2026<br />
38 Zoomark Hits the Target!<br />
40 Pet Fair Asia <strong>2025</strong>, Shanghai<br />
Packaging<br />
26 A Revolution in Sustainable, Functional Healthy Dog Snacks<br />
30 Why Ethical Pet Food must come in equally Sustainable<br />
Packaging<br />
32 Oil for Pets in Spouted Pouches<br />
34 Driving Innovation<br />
You<br />
NEWS?<br />
have<br />
Are you looking for new<br />
advertising opportunities?<br />
Take advantage of our newsletter!<br />
Targeted mailing to a global specilaist<br />
audience.<br />
Ask us: food@harnisch.com<br />
<strong>PetFood</strong> <strong>PRO</strong> Newsletter<br />
Your sponsored news + banner in the<br />
general <strong>PetFood</strong> <strong>PRO</strong> newsletter.<br />
(Dispatch globally to approx. 8,800 addresses)<br />
DISTRIBUTION DATES <strong>PetFood</strong> <strong>PRO</strong> Newsletter<br />
For <strong>2025</strong><br />
October 21 November 18<br />
December 16<br />
Ethical ingredients alone no longer cut it—today’s ecoconscious<br />
pet owners demand packaging that aligns with<br />
the same sustainability values. As compostable and plasticfree<br />
solutions gain ground, brands like Naturaw are proving<br />
that truly ethical pet food must come in packaging that’s as<br />
responsible as the product itself.<br />
See page 32.<br />
For 2026<br />
January 20 February 17 March 17<br />
April 21 May 19 June 16<br />
Dr. Harnisch Publications<br />
Britta Steinberg<br />
Eschenstr. 25, 90441 Nuremberg<br />
Germany<br />
steinberg@harnisch.com<br />
Issue 3 <strong>2025</strong><br />
5
MARKETING<br />
Creating Food for those we Love<br />
The desire to become a worldwide pet food player at its founding has been a driving force behins Kormotech's<br />
building a production network in Ukraine and the EU and a distribution network in 51 countries in just two<br />
decades. The love to pets motivated CEO and Co-founder of Kormotech Rostyslav Vovk, Ulyana Fitsa and the<br />
entire Kormotech team to change the business environment around them and to build mutually beneficial<br />
relationships. The company's Ukranian roots make them even more proud and brave in reaching these heights<br />
Asked about her professional journey,<br />
Ulyana describes how her studies<br />
focussed on international and business<br />
relationships. She started work doing<br />
translations for a company in the yeast<br />
sector. When the opportunity arose, she<br />
chose Kormotech for her new trajectory in<br />
pet food. Ulyana represents the company<br />
with pride and ambition. “I have been<br />
with the company since the beginning”,<br />
she says, “Kormotech is part of my life.”<br />
Kormotech’s ambition is clear: to make<br />
pets in Europe happier and healthier with<br />
the best Ukrainian products. Ulyana firmly<br />
believes that the company’s success is a<br />
by-product of its ethos. “The money is a<br />
consequence of doing good things.” The<br />
family-owned company has developed<br />
pet food since 2003. “Pets in Eastern<br />
Europe used to be fed table scraps. Now<br />
[the owners] have a choice.” Nowadays<br />
Kormotech offers a portfolio of over 650<br />
products.<br />
We sit down with Ulyana Fitsa of company<br />
Kormotech, a global pet food manufacturer<br />
with Ukrainian roots. She performs a dual<br />
role as Global Chief Supply Chain Officer<br />
and leads Brands Sales in Europe. The<br />
setting is Kormotech’s stand at the trade<br />
show Zoomark in Bologna, Italy. The<br />
large stand exhibits some of their major<br />
lines: Optimeal, Club4Paws, Delickcious<br />
and MyLove. Their initiative “Save Pets of<br />
Ukraine” coordinates efforts from nonprofit<br />
and commercial institutions to save<br />
animals in trouble and has a dedicated<br />
space.<br />
As we sit down, the human-pet connection<br />
is deliciously present. “An Italian chef has<br />
prepared these dishes based on our pet<br />
food”, Ulyana explains. We are presented<br />
with marinated salmon, beetroot with<br />
chicken, and a vol-au-vent with vegetables<br />
and dried tomato. “The smoothy with<br />
mango and strawberry is based on the<br />
Delickcious range.”<br />
Photos: Kormotech<br />
6<br />
Technology & Marketing
MARKETING<br />
“Some People are having pets instead<br />
of kids. It’s a new culture. Kormotech<br />
strongly believes in this attitude to our<br />
four-pawed friends.” The population of<br />
pets is increasing. Pets are partners, part<br />
of the family. The relationship between<br />
people and pets shines through in the<br />
Delickcious range. The philosophy is to<br />
enjoy mealtime interaction using a highly<br />
palatable product. This range provides a<br />
variety of liquid products from soups, to<br />
drinks and creams. Imagine treating them<br />
while you’re enjoying your own snack<br />
on the sofa and you have the gist of the<br />
liquid sticks.<br />
The war in Ukraine has fuelled Kormotech’s<br />
spirit. “We are responsible to show the<br />
soul of Ukrainian people.” On the business<br />
side, they are strong and committed in<br />
their daily work. They have stepped up<br />
their performance through service, such<br />
that pet shops and owners can still get<br />
food to their pets. Kormotech has adapted<br />
its product formats, introduced doorto-door<br />
delivery, and is developing this<br />
model in Ukraine and several European<br />
countries to continue meeting the needs<br />
of households. This allows pet owners to<br />
access high-quality food more quickly<br />
and conveniently – even if there’s no pet<br />
store nearby. “The driver is people.”<br />
Particularly for a family-owned company<br />
with such strong focus on people, a<br />
question about more personal challenges<br />
feels natural. Alongside office staff,<br />
particularly young, strong men from the<br />
factory are called to serve. We discuss<br />
the harsh reality that some do not return.<br />
It is moving to hear about the loss of<br />
a team member and how they paused<br />
production to provide space and time for<br />
remembrance. The family nature of the<br />
company also comes through here.<br />
The common focus allows strong decisions<br />
and growth, even in times of uncertainty.<br />
When supply chains drop, prices fluctuate,<br />
then the variety of team members use<br />
their individual abilities to fulfil the vision<br />
by finding alternate solutions. The drive to<br />
fight the adversity with greater force has<br />
Since April 20 th 2023, Ukrainian’s national version of the ‘borscht’ dish was included in the<br />
UNESCO list of cultural heritage of Ukraine. The beetroot we were served upon entry was a<br />
take on this. In September, Kormotech will launch the pet food version.<br />
seen an increase in Kormotech’s turnover,<br />
enough for it to become one of the top<br />
55 global and top 20 European pet food<br />
producers.<br />
For more information<br />
www.kormotech.com<br />
The Author:<br />
Alexandra Wesker<br />
(Msc, RNutr) is an<br />
independent Pet<br />
Nutritionist and<br />
Formulator in the<br />
EU and UK.<br />
Technology & Marketing<br />
Issue 3 <strong>2025</strong><br />
7
INGREDIENTS<br />
Palatability in Wet Pet Food:<br />
Key Insights for a Growing Market<br />
With pet owners increasingly viewing their furry companions as members of the family, demand for<br />
nutritionally rich, flavorful, and sustainable pet food continues to surge, especially in wet formats. Across the<br />
EMEA region, Wet Cat Food has emerged as the dominant force in new product development, maintaining its<br />
lead since 2020. i This growth reflects not only shifting consumer preferences but also the industry’s ability<br />
to innovate in areas such as health-focused formulations, packaging solutions, and ingredient sourcing. One<br />
dimension remains crucial to both pets and their owners: palatability. Understanding the factors that influence<br />
flavor, aroma, and texture particularly through processing and formulation is key to creating wet pet food<br />
products that succeed in a competitive and rapidly evolving market.<br />
All Figures: Kemin Industries<br />
Wet Pet Food Takes the Lead:<br />
Trends, Insights, and Innovation<br />
In 2024, Wet Cat Food dominated new<br />
pet food product launches in the EMEA<br />
region, continuing a trend that has held<br />
strong since 2020. According to the<br />
Innova Database, this segment accounted<br />
for 25% to 30% of all new launches over<br />
the past five years. While Wet Dog Food<br />
trailed slightly, it maintained a steady<br />
presence, contributing between 12%<br />
and 18% of annual launches in the same<br />
timeframe. Combined, wet formats for<br />
cats and dogs have represented over 40%<br />
of new product development efforts since<br />
2020, a testament to their enduring appeal<br />
(figure 1). In this context, understanding<br />
the key drivers behind consumer choices<br />
becomes essential for developing products<br />
with true differentiation.<br />
The wet pet food market’s sustained<br />
growth is powered by converging trends<br />
in premiumization, health-focused formulation,<br />
and sustainability. Today’s pet<br />
owners seek organic, grain-free recipes<br />
enhanced with visible functional benefits<br />
to support overall health and wellness.<br />
Figure 1: Innova Database New Pet Food Launches in EMEA <strong>2025</strong> ii<br />
Wet food has a high moisture content<br />
which helps with hydration and digestion.<br />
Convenient packaging is also a big<br />
advantage. Formats like single-serve trays<br />
and resealable pouches keep food fresh<br />
and easy to use. At the same time, ecoconsciousness<br />
is growing. Brands are now<br />
expected to use recyclable materials and<br />
source ingredients responsibly. iii<br />
Palatability has long been a cornerstone<br />
of product differentiation and premium<br />
positioning within the pet food industry.<br />
Wet food, in particular, is widely recognized<br />
for its superior palatability. However, in<br />
the face of intensifying competition, an<br />
expanding variety of products, evolving raw<br />
materials, and new processing techniques,<br />
manufacturers are now exploring ways to<br />
further enhance palatability offering added<br />
value and reinforcing brand loyalty in an<br />
increasingly crowded market. iv<br />
Palatability in wet pet food remains a<br />
complex and evolving field, with much<br />
still to uncover. However, recent research<br />
continues to reveal promising strategies<br />
to enhance flavor appeal and feeding<br />
enjoyment. In this context, two key areas<br />
deserve closer attention: the influence of<br />
processing techniques on palatability and<br />
the strategic use of palatants to elevate<br />
sensory experience.<br />
Time, Temperature, and Safety:<br />
The Role of F₀ in Wet Food<br />
Manufacturing<br />
To truly grasp how wet pet food processing<br />
influences palatability, it's essential to start<br />
with the parameters that control thermal<br />
treatment, primarily time and temperature.<br />
These two factors shape what’s known in<br />
the industry as the F₀ value.<br />
Figure 2: Formula of the retorting value vi<br />
In wet pet food production, F₀ is a key<br />
measure used during heat processing<br />
(called retorting) to make sure the food<br />
is safe. It tells us how efficient the heat<br />
treatment is to kill harmful bacteria. F₀<br />
is expressed in minutes and represents,<br />
for a certain temperature and time, the<br />
equivalent duration of the sterilization<br />
at 121.1°C (figure 2). It was determined<br />
that to eliminate Clostridium botulinum<br />
in 12 logarithmic units (12D), foods must<br />
be exposed to a temperature of 121.1 °C<br />
(250°F) for 3 minutes. Thus, an F0 value<br />
of 3 minutes is generally regarded as the<br />
standard in the wet pet food industry,<br />
ensuring adequate reduction of most<br />
microorganisms to meet safety requirements. v<br />
However, many pet food manufacturers<br />
will choose to have higher values such as<br />
5, 25, or even more.<br />
But safety is just one side of the equation.<br />
The F₀ value also plays a critical role in<br />
8<br />
Technology & Marketing
Pet Food<br />
Cutting Solutions<br />
Rely on Urschel,<br />
The Global Leader in<br />
Food Cutting Technology,<br />
to deliver cutting solutions<br />
for all types of pet food products.<br />
From slices and dices of chubs<br />
and preformed logs to flake cutting meat<br />
or emulsifying fish products, Urschel<br />
excels at meeting your processing goals.<br />
Explore pet food cutting<br />
solutions at urschel.com.<br />
#1 Best Selling Provider<br />
of industrial cutting machinery<br />
throughout the world.<br />
www.urschel.com<br />
® Urschel, Urschel logo symbol, and The Global Leader in Food Cutting Technology<br />
are registered trademarks of Urschel Laboratories, Inc. U.S.A.
INGREDIENTS<br />
preserving the flavor, texture, and nutrient<br />
density of the final product. Typical<br />
sterilization processes operate within a<br />
temperature range of 120 - 130 °C, with<br />
cooking durations ranging from 10 to 120<br />
minutes, depending on the formulation<br />
and packaging. Fine-tuning these variables<br />
can profoundly impact not only microbial<br />
control, but the sensory experience that<br />
drives consumer acceptance and animal<br />
enjoyment.<br />
Cracking the Code: How<br />
Retorting Conditions Impact<br />
Palatability in Wet Pet Food<br />
To explore how thermal processing<br />
influences palatability in wet pet food,<br />
Kemin conducted a targeted study using<br />
a turkey and giblet loaf recipe for cats. The<br />
formulation included 1% PALIVATE WP.65<br />
Dry as a palatant. Seven distinct versions<br />
of the loaf product were prepared by<br />
varying the retort time, temperature, and<br />
resulting F₀ values. Cooking temperatures<br />
were set at 110 °C, 120 °C, and 130 °C,<br />
while time ranged from 36 to 150 minutes,<br />
generating calculated F₀ values between<br />
10 and 140 minutes.<br />
To evaluate palatability, all variants were<br />
subjected to a versus test at a third-party<br />
cattery in the United States. Each product<br />
was tested one versus each other over<br />
two days, involving a panel of 30 cats. The<br />
statistical significance of the preferences<br />
was assessed for each test using a Student<br />
t-test, allowing for a rigorous analysis of<br />
the impact that processing conditions<br />
had on sensory acceptance.<br />
The summarized palatability results of this<br />
evaluation are presented in the following<br />
table (figure 3).<br />
Among the retorting processes tested,<br />
the longest heat treatment (303 minutes)<br />
showed a clear decline in flavor appeal,<br />
while the shortest process, just 36 minutes,<br />
consistently delivered the best results<br />
across the board. Shorter retorting times<br />
at a constant temperature clearly emerged<br />
as a key factor in boosting palatability.<br />
Higher temperatures also played a<br />
positive role, with the top-performing<br />
recipe processed at 130 °C for 36 minutes<br />
(F₀ ≈ 80), closely followed by 130 °C for<br />
41 minutes, which had the highest F₀.<br />
Surprisingly, a product processed at the<br />
lowest temperature and F₀ value (110 °C<br />
for 148 minutes) still ranked well against<br />
medium F₀ products, suggesting that<br />
maximum heat treatment does not always<br />
equal maximum palatability.<br />
These findings reaffirm that the retorting<br />
process plays a significant role in shaping<br />
the palatability of wet pet food. Both<br />
processing temperature and duration<br />
influence the final sensory quality,<br />
with shorter cooking times and higher<br />
temperatures generally yielding more<br />
palatable results.<br />
Tailoring Taste: Innovations<br />
in Palatability for Wet Pet<br />
Nutrition<br />
While wet pet food is known for its high<br />
palatability, there remains room for<br />
improvement. As seen together, one key<br />
area is process optimization, particularly<br />
the thermal treatment during retorting.<br />
Figure 3: Palatability Results Across Seven Wet Cat Food Formulations vii<br />
Another promising avenue is the use of<br />
palatability enhancers. It’s important to<br />
note that these enhancers differ from<br />
those used in dry pet food, both in<br />
composition and application.<br />
In dry formulations, palatants are typically<br />
sprayed onto the surface of kibbles after<br />
processing, delivering immediate flavor<br />
impact. In contrast, wet pet food requires<br />
palatants to be incorporated directly into<br />
the blend prior to the retorting phase. This<br />
distinction means that wet food palatants<br />
undergo transformation during cooking.<br />
Flavor development occurs through inprocess<br />
reactions such as protein hydrolysis<br />
and the Maillard reaction, the latter being<br />
particularly influential during retorting. To<br />
be effective, wet palatants must include the<br />
right precursors to enhance these reactions<br />
and generate a desirable aromatic profile<br />
by the end of processing.<br />
To evaluate palatant efficacy in wet<br />
food, manufacturers often rely on<br />
similar testing protocols as for dry food;<br />
Typically, preference trials involving 20<br />
or more animals over a two-day period.<br />
Beyond flavor, texture is another critical<br />
consideration. Producers are now looking<br />
at how palatants can be tailored to<br />
complement the physical characteristics of<br />
wet formulations, ensuring both sensory<br />
appeal and technical compatibility.<br />
Figure 4: palatability test with different inclusion in chunk and gravy formula ix<br />
Palatants in Chunk-in-Gravy Pet<br />
Food: Where Placement Makes<br />
the Biggest Impact<br />
One frequently asked question in wet<br />
pet food development, in chunk-in-gravy<br />
formats, is where to incorporate palatants<br />
for optimal palatability: in the chunks or<br />
10<br />
Technology & Marketing
INGREDIENTS<br />
in the gravy? While further research and<br />
palatability testing are needed across<br />
various formulations, palatants, and<br />
processing conditions, initial findings have<br />
begun to reveal some promising trends.<br />
A series of trials conducted with three<br />
different palatants offered early insights.<br />
For the first two palatants, 2% was added<br />
either into the chunk or into the gravy<br />
and compared against a control with no<br />
palatant. The first palatant demonstrated<br />
a clear improvement in overall palatability<br />
versus the control, though no distinction<br />
could be made between the two<br />
application methods. In contrast, the<br />
second palatant yielded better results<br />
when added to the gravy, indicating that<br />
the carrier matrix can influence palatant<br />
effectiveness. viii<br />
Whether enhancing Maillard reactions<br />
through controlled heat exposure or<br />
determining the optimal placement<br />
of palatants within chunk-in-gravy<br />
formulations, these refinements are pivotal<br />
to delivering elevated sensory experiences<br />
that drive pet preference and owner<br />
satisfaction. The path forward will require<br />
continued experimentation, deeper<br />
understanding of ingredient behavior<br />
under thermal stress, and a willingness<br />
to rethink conventional approaches, all in<br />
pursuit of the perfectly palatable bite.<br />
References:<br />
i<br />
Innova Database New Pet Food Launches in EMEA <strong>2025</strong><br />
ii<br />
Innova Database New Pet Food Launches in EMEA <strong>2025</strong><br />
iii<br />
https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/wet-pet-food-market<br />
iv<br />
Euromonitor (World_Market_for_Pet_Care 2024 )<br />
Technology & Marketing<br />
v<br />
FEEDIAF Guide to Good Practice for the Manufacture of Safe Pet Foods<br />
vi<br />
https://www.terrafoodtech.com/en/importance-of-f0-value-in-sterilization/<br />
vii<br />
Kemin data : US24F193-198 ; US24F231-235 ; US24F236-245<br />
viii<br />
Kemin data : SD-24-27221 ; TD-25-10312<br />
ix<br />
Kemin data : TD-25-10312<br />
The Author:<br />
Maïlys Le Thiec is a food<br />
industry engineer who began<br />
her career in human food<br />
before transitioning to pet food.<br />
After developing palatants and<br />
hydrolyzed proteins in China,<br />
she became the Technical<br />
Service Manager for Kemin Nutrisurance Europe.<br />
Maïlys provides tailor-made solutions to enhance<br />
palatability and health benefits for pets.<br />
For more information<br />
www.kemin.com/nutrisurance<br />
A more comprehensive study was then<br />
performed using a third palatant applied<br />
at 1%. Four formulations were tested:<br />
one without any palatant (Control 1), one<br />
with a 50/50 distribution between chunk<br />
and gravy (Control 2), one with palatant<br />
entirely in the chunk, and one with palatant<br />
entirely in the gravy. Both palatantenhanced<br />
products outperformed<br />
Control 1, with the gravy-only application<br />
showing statistically stronger results.<br />
Compared to Control 2, only the gravyfocused<br />
formulation showed a significant<br />
increase in consumption, suggesting that<br />
incorporating palatants in the gravy may<br />
be the most effective strategy (figure 4).<br />
However, this approach is not without<br />
its trade-offs. The inclusion of palatants<br />
in the gravy can impact product color,<br />
which is an important aesthetic and<br />
consumer acceptance factor. To mitigate<br />
this risk, a balanced application, splitting<br />
the palatant between chunks and gravy,<br />
might offer a functional compromise.<br />
While the preliminary data points to<br />
promising directions, further in-depth<br />
studies will be essential to confirm these<br />
findings and refine best practices.<br />
Improving Quality of Life<br />
for our most trusted companions<br />
– Bioactive Collagen Peptides (BCP ® ) proven<br />
to stimulate joint cartilage metabolism in pets<br />
– A pure non-allergenic collagen protein<br />
for clean label products<br />
Conclusion<br />
As wet pet food continues to capture a<br />
significant share of product innovation,<br />
the challenge for manufacturers goes<br />
beyond meeting basic nutritional and<br />
safety standards. The insights gathered<br />
from research into thermal processing,<br />
F₀ values, and palatant strategies underline<br />
the importance of precision in both<br />
recipe design and production techniques.<br />
Issue 3 <strong>2025</strong><br />
GELITA AG<br />
Uferstraße 7 · 69412 Eberbach · Germany · www.gelita.com<br />
11
INGREDIENTS<br />
Organic Antioxidant Innovations at<br />
the Nordic Pet Food Conference<br />
Brenntag Specialties Animal Nutrition will participate in the Nordic Pet Food Conference, which will take place<br />
from September 22-24, in Gothenburg, Sweden. As a Platinum Sponsor, Brenntag joins forces at a business<br />
table at the exhibition area with the long-standing partner BTSA, a leading specialist in natural antioxidants, to<br />
present the next generation of organic antioxidant solutions for pet food, rendering and feed applications.<br />
Photos: Brenntag<br />
Antioxidants are an essential component<br />
in the Animal Nutrition and Rendering<br />
industries. They help extend shelf-life,<br />
protect nutrients and improve overall<br />
quality and palatability of the products<br />
by minimizing spoilage produced by<br />
oxidation. At the conference, Diego García,<br />
About<br />
Brenntag Animal Nutrition:<br />
Brenntag Animal Nutrition is the<br />
expert for innovative solutions for safe<br />
feed and pet food. The team of experts<br />
develops safe-to-use and effective<br />
solutions in several production<br />
facilities with the aim of producing<br />
feed with less use of medication. For<br />
this reason, Brenntag has developed<br />
the "Total Concept" - a tool that<br />
takes care of feed and water intake,<br />
pathogen control, intestinal health<br />
and optimal digestion.<br />
R&D director of BTSA will present how<br />
their unique range of organic tocopherols<br />
was developed to meet both market<br />
and functional requirements, offering a<br />
powerful alternative to synthetic solutions.<br />
These innovations not only extend<br />
product stability but also support the<br />
global effort to reduce food waste.<br />
Paula Sánchez Pimley, Industry Market<br />
Manager for Petfood and Rendering in<br />
EMEA: “Pet food producers are under<br />
growing pressure to improve product<br />
stability and transparency while reducing<br />
synthetic additives. At Nordic Pet Food<br />
Conference, we’ll show how our tailored<br />
antioxidant solutions meet these needs,<br />
naturally and effectively!”<br />
Technology & Marketing<br />
For more information<br />
www.brenntag.com<br />
Paula Sánchez Pimley<br />
12<br />
Technology & Marketing
MORE THAN PALATANTS.<br />
SERVICES.<br />
AFB is more than just palatants. Our services are tailored to the<br />
specific needs of each customer. Its how we bring value to pet food<br />
companies, through research expertise and technical support.<br />
TECHNICAL<br />
PALATABILITY<br />
BEHAVIOR<br />
PILOT<br />
PLANT<br />
ANALYTICAL<br />
TESTING<br />
Our experts will collaborate with you to evaluate the best services<br />
for your needs. We are your global partner!<br />
Argentina | Australia | Brazil | China | Mexico | Netherlands | United States | Thailand | afbinternational.com<br />
© <strong>2025</strong> AFB International
INGREDIENTS<br />
The Future of Petfood: Three<br />
Trends Driving the Evolution<br />
Photos: FI-Europe<br />
From personalized nutrition to sustainable<br />
innovation, its new report reveals the<br />
forces reshaping the € 29.3 billion 1<br />
European pet food market. Fi Europe, the<br />
world's leading food ingredients event,<br />
today reveals the three most significant<br />
trends set to transform the global pet food<br />
industry in 2026. Precision pet nutrition,<br />
sustainable innovation, and transparency<br />
demands all present significant opportunities<br />
for retailers, brand owners and<br />
pet food producers, according to “The<br />
Future of Pet Food,” a report that draws on<br />
Informa’s comprehensive Fi Global Insights<br />
platform, which combines real-time<br />
market intelligence, exhibitor innovations<br />
and industry expert consultations.<br />
Yannick Verry (left with his dog Nano),<br />
Brand Director, at Fi Events Portfolio,<br />
said: "Our data tells a compelling<br />
story – while cost-consciousness<br />
still prevails, in 2026, pet owners will nonethe-less<br />
demand premium ingredients,<br />
targeted nutritional solutions and<br />
transparency that increasingly rival<br />
human food standards. This creates a<br />
unique market dynamic where innovation<br />
isn't just rewarded, it's becoming essential<br />
for survival. Brand owners and ingredient<br />
suppliers that can deliver on both<br />
sustainability credentials and functional<br />
benefits will find a growing market that’s<br />
both discerning and highly rewarding."<br />
Three trends poised to share the<br />
pet food market in 2026 are:<br />
1. Precision nutrition – Personalized<br />
products to improve pet health & wellbeing<br />
The era of generic pet food is ending.<br />
As pet owners increasingly view their<br />
companions as family members, they're<br />
demanding the same level of individuality<br />
and personalization they seek for<br />
themselves.<br />
This shift means a move beyond simple,<br />
undifferentiated nourishment. It is driving<br />
unprecedented innovation in conditionspecific<br />
formulations, with manufacturers<br />
moving beyond basic life-stage feeding<br />
to address individual health concerns,<br />
including long-term or future ones.<br />
Advanced AI platforms are now enabling<br />
14<br />
Technology & Marketing
INGREDIENTS<br />
Photo: Adobe Stock #495492024<br />
truly customized feeding plans, while<br />
functional ingredients target everything<br />
from gut health and joint mobility to<br />
cognitive function and mental well-being.<br />
2. Sustainable innovation revolution –<br />
Circular economy drives transformation<br />
The 52% of pet owners actively seeking<br />
sustainable packaging is just one example<br />
of sustainability continuing to rise up the<br />
pet food sector agenda. Suppliers are<br />
responding with innovative ingredient<br />
sourcing and packaging but more and<br />
better solutions are on the horizon, as,<br />
brands strengthen their sustainability<br />
offering by exploring everything from<br />
regenerative agriculture sourcing to<br />
biodegradable materials. 1<br />
Manufacturers are also adding value<br />
to underutilized raw materials through<br />
upcycling to prevent waste and /or add<br />
nutritional value. Alternative proteins –<br />
from insects to cultured meat – move from<br />
niche experiments to commercial reality.<br />
Environmental credentials increasingly<br />
influence purchasing decisions, making<br />
sustainability both an ethical imperative<br />
and competitive advantage.<br />
3. Transparency & trust – Consumers<br />
want the truth, and now<br />
pet food labelling – with many asking a<br />
fundamental question: "Can I happily put<br />
the health and well-being of my beloved<br />
pet in the hands of this brand? 2<br />
This scrutiny is reshaping the entire<br />
industry. Processing methods are<br />
becoming key differentiators, with raw,<br />
clean label and minimally processed<br />
foods gaining market share as owners<br />
question traditional recipes and<br />
manufacturing methods. "Natural" and<br />
"ingredient source" claims now carry<br />
the most purchasing power, while social<br />
media amplify both success stories and<br />
failures at unprecedented speed. At a time<br />
of rising costs, brands must earn trust<br />
through verifiable claims and transparent<br />
practices. Those that succeed are seeing<br />
premium pricing acceptance; those that<br />
don't face swift consumer abandonment<br />
in favor of more trustworthy alternatives.<br />
Actionable insights<br />
These insights form part of Fi Europe's<br />
comprehensive research into the future<br />
of pet food, analysing market data from<br />
across the € 29.3 billion European pet<br />
food market, which serves 108.3 million<br />
cats and 89.6 million dogs. 3 The full report<br />
expands on areas such as alternative<br />
proteins that are achieving commercial<br />
breakthrough, how AI is reshaping formulation<br />
strategies and more.<br />
As well as downloading the report, industry<br />
professionals can explore these trends,<br />
related presentations and corresponding<br />
innovations and inspiration firsthand in<br />
the dedicated Pet Food Suppliers Hub at Fi<br />
Europe <strong>2025</strong>, taking place 2-4 December<br />
at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles.<br />
References:<br />
1<br />
FEDIAF (European Pet Food Industry Federation) proprietary data<br />
<strong>2025</strong>.<br />
2<br />
Fi Global Insights, "The Future of Pet Food: Innovation, Sustainability,<br />
and Consumer Trust" (<strong>2025</strong>), 14.<br />
3<br />
Fi Global Insights, "The Future of Pet Food: Innovation, Sustainability,<br />
and Consumer Trust" (<strong>2025</strong>), 3.<br />
Technology & Marketing<br />
For more information<br />
www.figlobal.com<br />
Photo: Adobe Stock #650889096<br />
Pet owners have become ingredient<br />
detectives. As the boundary continues to<br />
blur between feeding their families and<br />
their furry friends, 88% of consumers now<br />
prioritize accuracy and transparency in<br />
Issue 3 <strong>2025</strong><br />
15
INGREDIENTS<br />
Faba Bean Protein Concentrate<br />
with Strong Potential in Pet Food<br />
BENEO's new trials reveal technical, sustainable and cost benefits<br />
Photo: BENEO<br />
BENEO can now reveal the positive<br />
results of its technical trials that show its<br />
faba bean protein concentrate can be<br />
successfully used as an alternative to spray<br />
dried animal blood plasma (ABP) in wet<br />
pet food. The faba bean ingredient can be<br />
used for full or partial ABP replacement,<br />
with no significant change in the end<br />
product’s weight or texture, offering<br />
producers cost savings compared to<br />
ABP. The results also show that faba bean<br />
offers better binding properties than pea<br />
protein concentrate when replacing ABP.<br />
pets’ food. Thanks to the recent trials, pet<br />
food manufacturers now have a costeffective,<br />
plant-based alternative that<br />
offers similar proven functional properties<br />
to ABP in wet pet food products.<br />
Initial technical trials conducted on behalf<br />
of BENEO by Passion4Food, a specialist<br />
service provider for the pet food industry,<br />
investigated the performance of faba<br />
bean protein concentrate when partially<br />
or fully replacing ABP by 50% and 100%<br />
respectively, in high protein wet pet<br />
food loaves (paté). The results were so<br />
promising that follow up trials were<br />
carried out using a test recipe suitable for<br />
commercial scalability.<br />
As part of the additional trials, the<br />
same percentages of ABP and faba<br />
bean protein concentrate were used<br />
and compared to a test recipe in which<br />
ABP was partially replaced at 50% with<br />
pea protein concentrate. The results<br />
Demand for wet pet food is on the rise,<br />
with growth being driven by pet owners<br />
looking for premium and nutritionally<br />
balanced pet foods with good palatability. i<br />
However, with a relatively high total<br />
moisture content of at least 50 wt%, the<br />
quality of premium and super-premium<br />
wet pet food is standardized and<br />
maintained through the addition of ABP.<br />
Although this ingredient has excellent<br />
texturizing and emulsifying properties,<br />
these functional benefits can come at a<br />
high cost. Additionally, due to its animal<br />
origin, ABP is increasingly perceived as<br />
undesirable by consumers that want to<br />
see more plant-based offerings in their<br />
16<br />
Technology & Marketing
Come and see for yourself:<br />
www.harnisch.com<br />
Perfectly<br />
positioned.<br />
The international specialist magazines from Dr. Harnisch Publications<br />
In addition to the haptic charm of<br />
classic print magazines, we also<br />
offer newsletters, news, events and<br />
subscriptions on our magazine<br />
websites in addition to the digital<br />
editions that can be read free of charge.<br />
Take a look at www.harnisch.com<br />
for all relevant content.<br />
Our publications include:<br />
- Technology & Marketing -
INGREDIENTS<br />
showed that BENEO’s faba bean protein<br />
concentrate is an excellent and more<br />
cost-effective alternative binder to ABP,<br />
with no significant changes recorded in<br />
terms of the height, weight, hardness<br />
or adhesiveness of the loaves. Partial<br />
replacement of ABP with pea protein<br />
concentrate led to a significant decrease<br />
of hardness, demonstrating that faba bean<br />
protein concentrate has a higher binding<br />
capacity in wet pet food loaves. This can<br />
improve the texture of the end product,<br />
making it a valuable alternative to ABP in<br />
such applications. Following the positive<br />
trial results, BENEO filed an international<br />
patent application for its faba bean protein<br />
concentrate as an alternative to spray<br />
dried animal blood plasma in wet pet food,<br />
which was published in August <strong>2025</strong>.<br />
As well as offering technical and cost<br />
benefits, faba bean protein concentrate<br />
offers strong sustainability credentials<br />
related to BENEO’s local sourcing and<br />
production process. With a protein<br />
content of 61g/100g on dry matter and an<br />
ileal digestibility score of almost 90%, it is<br />
a highly digestible source of protein. Its<br />
amino acid profile is relatively rich in lysine<br />
and can nicely complement cereal protein<br />
like rice protein or vital wheat gluten,<br />
to achieve a complete essential amino<br />
acids profile. BENEO’s faba bean protein<br />
concentrate is included in EU Catalogue<br />
of Feed Materials, ii and is suitable for “no<br />
grain” claims in pet food.<br />
Dr Maygane Ronsmans, Product Manager<br />
Animal Nutrition at BENEO says: “With<br />
two in three pet owners considering<br />
plant-based proteins to be better for the<br />
environment iii , demand has grown for<br />
sustainable and locally sourced vegetal<br />
protein ingredients. As the trials show,<br />
BENEO’s faba bean protein concentrate<br />
offers pet food manufacturers a winwin<br />
scenario: producers can decrease<br />
their recipe costs while benefitting from<br />
secure supply and meeting consumer<br />
expectations for more sustainable and<br />
plant-based pet foods, without impacting<br />
the quality of the end product. This is<br />
good news for the growing number<br />
of producers committing to clear<br />
environmental targets.”<br />
References:<br />
Technology & Marketing<br />
i<br />
Wet Pet Food Market Analysis - Size, Share, and Forecast Outlook<br />
<strong>2025</strong> to 2035, Future Market Insights Inc, 2024.<br />
ii<br />
Commission Regulation (EU) No 68/2013 of 16 January 2013 on the<br />
Catalogue of feed materials – Faba bean protein concentrate is listed<br />
under entry 3.7.5: “Horse bean protein”<br />
iii<br />
BENEO Consumer Research On Pet Care <strong>2025</strong>. FMCG Gurus<br />
conducted a quantitative online survey in <strong>2025</strong> with 2.500 pet<br />
owners in the US, Brazil, UK, Germany, and China (250 cat and 250<br />
dog owners per country).<br />
Photo: Adobe Stock #286402682<br />
For more information<br />
www. beneo.com<br />
Issue 3 <strong>2025</strong><br />
19
<strong>PRO</strong>CESSING<br />
More Performance & Flexibility<br />
Major Capacity Expansion<br />
in Pet Food Production<br />
The challenges of pet food manufacturing are increasing: rising demand, strict quality standards, and growing<br />
requirements for high-performance production processes. To meet these challenges, an existing facility was<br />
extensively expanded and technologically upgraded. This project demonstrates how a significant capacity<br />
increase can be realized within an existing building structure – without interrupting ongoing operations.<br />
and well-planned system architecture,<br />
hygroscopic and temperature-sensitive<br />
raw materials had handled with greatest<br />
care. Given the client’s global market<br />
presence, it was critical that all formulations<br />
be processed with uncompromising<br />
quality and batch purity. To support this,<br />
all system components were designed<br />
to prevent material build-up and ensure<br />
easy accessibility and cleanability of<br />
equipment. Every new system element was<br />
implemented in hygienic design, including<br />
mechanisms for quick changeovers.<br />
Photos: Daxner<br />
When a pet food production plant set out<br />
to expand their operation and increase<br />
production capacities (an investment<br />
representing well over 10 million euros),<br />
Austrian bulk material specialist Daxner<br />
showcased its technical expertise and<br />
performance capabilities. Executing the<br />
project during live operations posed<br />
high demands on planning, fabrication,<br />
and installation. Given their international<br />
operations, this established pet food<br />
manufacturer selected a partner with<br />
the following: proven experience in<br />
bulk material handling, a high level of<br />
adaptability, and the necessary resources.<br />
Integrating new systems within the existing<br />
infrastructure while maintaining the<br />
existing production rates required precise<br />
calculations and coordination, along with<br />
a meticulously planned execution strategy.<br />
Thanks to close collaboration between<br />
the client and the system integrator, a<br />
production solution was developed that<br />
meets their growing demands for both<br />
capacity and quality. Five new systems<br />
for storage, conveying, and dosing were<br />
integrated into the existing facility to<br />
enable precise processing of various feed<br />
blends while maintaining the highest<br />
hygiene standards. Whether bulk, major,<br />
minor, or micro components, all are<br />
dosed with pinpoint accuracy, ensuring<br />
consistently high processing quality.<br />
The flexible project execution enabled<br />
efficient implementation of ongoing<br />
adjustments and allowed processes to be<br />
fine-tuned to the client’s evolving needs.<br />
Challenges in Planning and<br />
Execution<br />
The planning and implementation<br />
phases were characterized by continuous<br />
adaptations. High requirements for<br />
conveying capacity, short-term changes,<br />
and structural constraints demanded a<br />
great deal of flexibility. Daxner addressed<br />
every adjustment request and skillfully<br />
incorporated it into the concept.<br />
One of the key technical challenges<br />
involved designing pneumatic conveying<br />
systems with a throughput capacity of up to<br />
50 tons per hour while maintaining drying<br />
and cooling for process air throughout the<br />
system. In addition to precise calculations<br />
Structural conditions also played a crucial<br />
role. The existing building structure had to<br />
be integrated in a way that did not disrupt<br />
ongoing production. The originally<br />
planned construction would have led<br />
to substantial foundation costs due to<br />
height, prompting a design change.<br />
Daxner applied its modular system<br />
concept to efficiently embed the new<br />
systems into the existing infrastructure<br />
and ensure a seamless expansion.<br />
20<br />
Technology & Marketing
<strong>PRO</strong>CESSING<br />
System Design and Technical<br />
Integration<br />
The expanded facility now includes eleven<br />
large-capacity (bulk) silos – eight of which<br />
were existing units integrated into the<br />
system, while three new bulk silos were<br />
manufactured and incorporated into the<br />
storage and dosing systems. Due to the<br />
high pneumatic conveying capacity of 50<br />
tons per hour, specific wear-protection<br />
measures were implemented, including<br />
the use of highly wear-resistant pipe<br />
bends and appropriately sized conveying<br />
lines. High-performance filter separators<br />
with rotary valves and diverter tubes<br />
enable flexible and contamination-free<br />
filling of major component silos (day bins).<br />
Additionally, 18 major component silos<br />
are fed via pneumatic conveying systems<br />
from both the bulk silos and bulk bag<br />
(super sack) unload stations. Component<br />
allocation was carefully planned as part<br />
of an explosion-protection concept. From<br />
the major component silos, raw materials<br />
are dosed into scales according to specific<br />
recipes and conveyed via pneumatic lines<br />
to the receiving hoppers in the milling<br />
tower – minimizing any risk of crosscontamination.<br />
DISCOVER THE WIDEST<br />
AND MOST VERSATILE<br />
BELT SORTER<br />
ON THE MARKET<br />
3-in-1 combination<br />
of camera, laser and<br />
metal detection<br />
Advanced<br />
sorting software using<br />
Artificial Intelligence<br />
Perfect hygiene,<br />
optimal flexibility and<br />
integration options<br />
Issue 3 <strong>2025</strong><br />
BOOK YOUR<br />
FREE DEMO<br />
INNOVATIVE<br />
SORTING SOLUTIONS<br />
FOR PET FOOD<br />
WWW.OPTIMUM-SORTING.COM<br />
21
<strong>PRO</strong>CESSING<br />
The facility also includes five bulk bag<br />
(super sack) dosing stations, allowing for<br />
flexible material input – either into the<br />
major component day silos or directly<br />
into the component scales. The system is<br />
further complemented by 25 minor and<br />
20 micro components. A high degree<br />
of automation in the dosing process<br />
minimizes manual intervention and<br />
ensures precise, traceable formulation<br />
composition. The system's smart<br />
scalability enables rapid adaptation to<br />
new recipes and production requirements.<br />
Quality Management and<br />
Efficient Processes<br />
One of the key success factors was the<br />
proactive coordination among all project<br />
stakeholders. Through targeted planning<br />
and transparent communication, technical<br />
challenges were identified early and<br />
resolved efficiently. The close collaboration<br />
between departments ensured that<br />
adjustments could be implemented<br />
without jeopardizing the client’s<br />
production targets.<br />
In addition to thoughtful planning, the<br />
quality of the plant’s new equipment also<br />
played a central role. Most of the production<br />
was carried out at Daxner’s in-house facility<br />
in Austria, ensuring consistently high<br />
manufacturing standards. The combination<br />
of technological expertise and precise<br />
execution resulted in a robust production<br />
solution – entirely implemented in hygienic<br />
design – delivering high performance and<br />
long-term durability.<br />
Conclusion: Future-Proof<br />
Technology with Sustainable<br />
Value<br />
This project is a compelling example of<br />
how targeted technological development<br />
and smart planning can create a powerful<br />
production solution. Daxner not only<br />
delivered a customized plant expansion<br />
but also laid a solid foundation for future<br />
capacity growth.<br />
Thanks to innovative technology and<br />
flexible system structures, the client is<br />
now well-positioned to respond quickly to<br />
market changes and continue optimizing<br />
production processes efficiently. The<br />
expansion ensures a sustainable upgrade<br />
to pet food manufacturing while<br />
strengthening the company’s long-term<br />
competitiveness.<br />
Technology & Marketing<br />
For more information<br />
www.daxner.com<br />
22<br />
Technology & Marketing
<strong>PRO</strong>CESSING<br />
Qlar Returns to the Food and<br />
Animal Feed Industry with a bold<br />
Rebranding<br />
Following its successful rebranding in May 2024, bulk solids expert Schenck Process has returned to the global<br />
food and animal feed market under its new name, Qlar, on September 1, <strong>2025</strong>. This re-entry follows the sale<br />
of its Food & Performance Materials (FPM) business unit in 2023 and the termination of the non-compete<br />
agreement with Hillenbrand, Inc. Qlar meets the growing demand for precise, energy-efficient, and hygienic<br />
processing technologies and supports food and animal feed manufacturers in achieving the highest standards<br />
of safety, quality, and efficiency. Customers benefit from comprehensive aftermarket, spare parts, and<br />
maintenance services, as well as new, tailor-made solutions for current industrial challenges.<br />
Photo: Qlar<br />
Manfred Bruckner, Chief Sales Officer (CSO)<br />
Qlar Group<br />
Following the sale of the FPM business in<br />
September 2023 and a brief hiatus, Qlar is<br />
now back in the global food and pet food<br />
industry with a new name and a stronger<br />
focus on sustainability. With its renewed<br />
approach, Qlar provides targeted<br />
support to the industry in implementing<br />
strict safety requirements, high<br />
hygiene standards, and the continuous<br />
optimization of its processes.<br />
Qlar offers a wide range of process<br />
technologies, including precise weighing<br />
and dosing solutions and digital monitoring<br />
systems that meet the highest<br />
standards of hygiene and efficiency.<br />
These solutions enable the industry to<br />
achieve consistently high product quality,<br />
flexible production processes, resource<br />
optimization, and risk minimization.<br />
“Food and pet food manufacturers today<br />
face stricter requirements – from quality<br />
and safety to an increasing focus on<br />
sustainability and the circular economy,”<br />
explains Manfred Brückner, Chief Sales<br />
Officer of the Qlar Group. "Our mission at<br />
Qlar is to provide reliable, efficient, and<br />
hygienic process solutions that enable our<br />
customers to increase their productivity<br />
while reducing waste and resource<br />
consumption. We are proud to support<br />
companies on their journey toward a<br />
more sustainable, circular food system."<br />
The Qlar portfolio is complemented by<br />
comprehensive aftermarket services.<br />
These include maintenance, spare parts<br />
supply, technical upgrades, and rapid<br />
support. In this way, Qlar helps food and<br />
pet food processors operate their plants<br />
efficiently and reduce downtime to a<br />
minimum.<br />
Technology & Marketing<br />
For more information<br />
www.qlar.com<br />
We realize your ideas<br />
pet-food ready<br />
with frey<br />
technology!<br />
Piston Stuffer KK500<br />
With our new TC1000 control (optionally<br />
with hinged display)<br />
Optimal for sensible products with solid<br />
components<br />
Particularly gentle product treatment enabled<br />
by our advanced rotary piston system<br />
Highest energy efficiency due to the FREY<br />
Top Line drive<br />
Highest hygienic standard<br />
Issue 3 <strong>2025</strong><br />
Heinrich Frey<br />
Maschinenbau GmbH<br />
89542 Herbrechtingen<br />
Phone: +49 7324 1720<br />
info@frey-online.com<br />
www.frey-online.com<br />
23
<strong>PRO</strong>CESSING<br />
Trends, Processing Solutions<br />
and Popular Cutting Applications<br />
in Pet Food<br />
As the Global Leader in Food Cutting Technology, Urschel’s expertise in<br />
successful cutting applications carries over into the wide range of products<br />
pet food processors manufacture. Urschel assists processors in the growing<br />
trend of vegetables and healthy options preferred by many pet owners.<br />
An example of a fresh vegetable cutting<br />
application is the reduction of sweet<br />
potatoes into dices, strips, or slices for the<br />
creation of freeze dried and dehydrated<br />
dog treats. Reduction of vegetables and<br />
fruits are also commonly integrated<br />
into different meat- or vegetable-based<br />
petfood mixes.<br />
Processors also rely on Urschel solutions<br />
to dice and reduce fish, poultry, or meats<br />
for freeze dried meat snacks. Similarly,<br />
cooked whole muscle and processed<br />
meats may be shredded to produce<br />
high end cat and dog foods. Keep in<br />
mind many of the pâté style pet foods<br />
and base products for kibble type foods,<br />
extruded foods are initially created using<br />
the Comitrol® Processor line. This line<br />
is dedicated to delivering particle size<br />
reductions down to micro-dimensions.<br />
These same products are then extruded<br />
and diced or shredded with an Urschel<br />
dicer, namely an M VersaPro® (MVP) Dicer,<br />
M6, DiversaCut 2110A®, or an Affinity®<br />
Dicer. Urschel dicers also routinely process<br />
extruded rope, pet snacks, and jerky type<br />
products to reduce them to meet the<br />
targeted specs of each customer.<br />
Challenges and Solutions in Pet<br />
Food Reductions<br />
Some applications, such as hard frozen<br />
meats, like liver or lung at subzero<br />
temperatures for freeze drying may<br />
present some challenges. It may present<br />
risks such as damaging knives or breaking<br />
belts, for example. Urschel takes the time<br />
to analyze each application and work<br />
with customers to overcome obstacles.<br />
Extruded products, in comparison, are<br />
usually cut at hotter, higher temperatures,<br />
so that presents different challenges.<br />
A good place to start with any applications<br />
is a free-of-charge test cut. Test cutting is<br />
available in-person, live remotely, or via<br />
video. With engineering and manufacturing<br />
on-site, Urschel has the ability to create<br />
specific parts to improve processing.<br />
Urschel has designed cutting operations<br />
within some of our newer machines as<br />
well as specific heavy duty (HD) parts<br />
such as knives and belts that effectively<br />
process these applications. Customers<br />
are discovering many benefits, not only in<br />
meeting their cutting goals, but simpler<br />
maintenance with the DiversaCut 2110A,<br />
Affinity, and Affinity Integra/Integra-D<br />
Dicers. Pretty much the same machines<br />
are being used for both human and pet<br />
foods. Urschel cutting machinery is known<br />
worldwide for its rugged durability in<br />
harsh production environments. Urschel<br />
machines are built with sanitation and<br />
USDA acceptance in mind.<br />
Performance and Maintenance<br />
Urschel offers complete in-depth<br />
operating manuals shipped with<br />
every machine manufactured. A set<br />
maintenance schedule should be adhered<br />
to make sure each dicer runs at peak<br />
performance to continue to deliver the<br />
highest quality output.<br />
Scott Klockow, Director of Applications and<br />
Product Development<br />
As the Global Leader in Food Cutting<br />
Technology, Urschel not only manufactures<br />
high-quality cutting equipment, but also<br />
crucial parts on all machinery, especially<br />
knives. Knives are at the heart of every<br />
machine Urschel manufactures. Knives<br />
are crafted specifically to overcome<br />
challenging to process products. Heavyduty<br />
knives and heavy-duty outboard<br />
bearings are built to give processors<br />
the edge over their competition. Knives<br />
should be replaced on a routine basis. A<br />
high-capacity machine running fast with<br />
dull blades will not deliver the targeted, inspec<br />
product. Shafts and bearings should<br />
also be maintained optimally and replaced<br />
as necessary. Consistent care related to<br />
the raw material also needs to be kept inmind.<br />
It should be tempered accurately<br />
to ensure the desired cut is achieved.<br />
Running too cold/frozen product could<br />
potentially damage the machine resulting<br />
in expensive repairs. The raw material<br />
needs to be treated, tempered accurate<br />
at times to get the quality of cut being<br />
desired.<br />
24<br />
Technology & Marketing
<strong>PRO</strong>CESSING<br />
The Future of Pet Food<br />
Processing<br />
As the selection of pet food products has<br />
increased in the marketplace, Urschel<br />
has been proud to keep up with this<br />
growing market. Increased processing<br />
of vegetables and fresh options in<br />
refrigerated sections, offer pet owners<br />
endless possibilities. Successful cutting<br />
has been the focus of Urschel since William<br />
Urschel founded the company in 1910. As<br />
the industry continues to evolve, so will<br />
the cutting methods Urschel designs.<br />
Pet food processors looking forward in<br />
their planning benefit from defining and<br />
understanding the complete raw product<br />
characteristics, scheduling a free test-cut<br />
with Urschel, and weighing options related<br />
to production line set-up and determining<br />
feeding and overall line efficiencies and<br />
requirements.<br />
Urschel is always looking for new<br />
applications, always making continuous<br />
advancements in cutting machinery to<br />
keep up with the market, high capacity,<br />
more user friendly, and increase sanitary<br />
features. The USDA accepted Affinity Dicer<br />
is becoming the go to machine in freeze<br />
dried and hot extruded applications for<br />
petfood. The Affinity even offers a builtin<br />
precutter – this offers an all-in-one<br />
solution to assist in the processing of logs.<br />
As the #1 Global Leader in Food Cutting<br />
Technology, Urschel continues to<br />
successfully lead in the manufacturing,<br />
selling, and support of industrial<br />
cutting machinery to partner and assist<br />
food processors everywhere. Urschel<br />
manufactures rugged dicers, slicers,<br />
shredders, and particle size reduction<br />
machinery. Every critical part is produced<br />
in-house to follow Urschel strict quality<br />
control standards to optimally fit and<br />
function like the original. Urschel<br />
headquarters/manufacturing is centrally<br />
located in the heart of the United States<br />
in Northwest Indiana. Urschel machinery<br />
delivers uninterrupted production<br />
and sanitary, precision cutting at high<br />
capacities. Rely on Urschel to deliver ideal<br />
cutting solutions that exceed your food<br />
processing goals.<br />
Technology & Marketing<br />
For more information<br />
www.urschel.com<br />
AUTOMATED INGREDIENT HANDLING<br />
Daxner Headquarters AUSTRIA<br />
Worldwide Powder Handling<br />
Tel.: +43 / 7242 / 44 227-0, office@daxner.com<br />
Issue 3 <strong>2025</strong><br />
www.daxner.com<br />
25
PACKAGING<br />
A Revolution in Sustainable,<br />
Functional Healthy Dog Snacks<br />
Sonoco, a global leader in value-added sustainable metal and paper packaging, is excited to announce its<br />
partnership with NaturDrops GmbH, a newly established family-owned company dedicated to delivering<br />
natural, high-quality, and sustainable dog snacks. This collaboration is a heartfelt tribute to our furry<br />
four-legged friends by providing an eco-friendly packaging solution that ensures both pet health and<br />
environmental responsibility.<br />
from 96% paper, including 69% recycled<br />
paper, with the remaining 4% consisting<br />
of the barrier protection. This sustainable<br />
design helps minimise waste while<br />
maintaining the high standards of quality<br />
expected by NaturDrops' customers.<br />
“The decision to use a sustainable<br />
packaging solution like GreenCan® was a<br />
natural fit for us, as our brand is built on the<br />
core values of naturalness, responsibility,<br />
and sustainability,” said Tanja Weinand, cofounder<br />
of NaturDrops. “From the name<br />
to the colours, imagery, and ingredients,<br />
everything revolves around the theme of<br />
nature. GreenCan’s high paper content<br />
and sustainable design give us the<br />
opportunity to make a bold statement,<br />
aligning perfectly with our brand culture.”<br />
NaturDrops is part of Smart Food for<br />
Future GmbH, with a current focus on<br />
the DACH region (Germany, Austria,<br />
Switzerland). The company is passionate<br />
about building strong brands in the<br />
functional food space, managing wellknown<br />
names like LAYENBERGER<br />
international and ISOSTAR in Germany,<br />
while also developing innovative new<br />
concepts through agile teams. Their<br />
goal is to build meaningful sustainable<br />
brands that reflect the changing needs of<br />
their target audience. NaturDrops is your<br />
latest brand offering natural, functional<br />
dog snacks that can be used flexibly –<br />
depending on the desired effect – as a<br />
supplement to food, preventively, or to<br />
support existing conditions. These snacks<br />
are suitable for daily use, independent<br />
of the main feed, and provide dogs with<br />
valuable functional nutrients. NaturDrops<br />
was launched in May <strong>2025</strong> after twelve<br />
months of development.<br />
Sonoco’s GreenCan® solution will support<br />
NaturDrops’ innovative range of functional<br />
dog snacks, blending sustainability with a<br />
modern design. NaturDrops was founded<br />
primarily by Michael and Tanja Weinand<br />
and combines expertise from the retail<br />
and healthcare sectors with a strong<br />
commitment to pet well-being.<br />
The NaturDrops product range features<br />
functional snacks specifically designed<br />
to promote dog health – supporting<br />
skin and coat, digestion, dental hygiene,<br />
and natural tick protection, among other<br />
key areas of dog health. The innovative<br />
Soft Drops are made with sustainable<br />
insect protein and fibre-rich sweet potato<br />
and include carefully selected active<br />
ingredients tailored to each function.<br />
A special feature is the unique herbal<br />
macerate, a fermented extract made from<br />
over 50 selected herbs. It helps create<br />
optimal conditions for the gut, preparing<br />
it to absorb the nutrients contained in the<br />
product more effectively, while naturally<br />
supporting digestive health.<br />
NaturDrops’ commitment to sustainability<br />
is evident in every aspect of their business,<br />
from ingredient sourcing to production.<br />
With Sonoco’s GreenCan® solution, the<br />
company ensures that its packaging is not<br />
only functional but also environmentally<br />
responsible. Sonoco’s GreenCan® is made<br />
“Partnering with NaturDrops to provide<br />
innovative and sustainable packaging<br />
solutions for their healthy dog snacks<br />
is truly exciting for Sonoco,” said Dirk<br />
Karbach, German Sales Manager at<br />
Sonoco. “Our GreenCan® solution is a<br />
perfect fit for their commitment to both pet<br />
health and environmental responsibility,<br />
offering high-quality, eco-friendly packaging<br />
that aligns with their values. We<br />
are proud to be part of their journey in<br />
supporting our furry companions in the<br />
best way possible.”<br />
NaturDrops represents a new era of<br />
pet care, offering snacks that are not<br />
only good for dogs but also good for<br />
the environment. With the support of<br />
Sonoco’s GreenCan® solution, NaturDrops<br />
is setting new industry standards by<br />
offering a healthy, sustainable alternative<br />
to traditional pet snacks – a perfect way<br />
to celebrate our furry four-legged friends.<br />
Technology & Marketing<br />
For more information<br />
www.naturdrops.dog<br />
www.sonocoeurope.com<br />
26<br />
Technology & Marketing
MonoFlexE<br />
Monomaterial FFS<br />
with integrated zip<br />
MEET US AT<br />
PATS<br />
STAND E48<br />
Quadroseal bag<br />
customisable pre-formed bags<br />
ROTO RECLOSABLE<br />
HIGH BARRIER FLEXO AND SYSTEM<br />
www.coveris.com
PACKAGING<br />
Sustainable Flexible Packaging<br />
for Pet Brands: Perspective on<br />
Recyclable-Ready Pouches<br />
Pet owners expect high-quality nutrition with minimal environmental impact.<br />
Retailers demand efficient logistics and shelf-ready solutions. Regulators<br />
require packaging that can be collected, sorted, and truly recycled. At Tyler<br />
Packaging, we see recyclable-ready mono-material pouches – typically all-PE<br />
or all-PP structures – as the packaging solution that aligns all three priorities.<br />
These pouches are increasingly becoming the default choice across dry food,<br />
dry treats, wet-food, toppers, supplements, and refill formats.<br />
Why Mono-Material Pouches?<br />
Traditional multi-layer laminates blend<br />
polymers and foil to achieve stiffness,<br />
barrier protection, printability, and<br />
sealability. While these materials perform<br />
well in use, they fail at end-of-life: mixed<br />
structures are extremely difficult to<br />
recycle.<br />
Mono-material pouches, by contrast, use<br />
layers from the same polymer family (e.g.,<br />
PE/PE with EVOH barriers), allowing the<br />
package to behave as a single material<br />
in recycling streams. This results in better<br />
sortability, higher yield, and a credible<br />
path toward circularity.<br />
The Weight & Sustainability<br />
Advantage<br />
Flexible pouches are lighter than rigid<br />
formats, reducing energy use, transport<br />
emissions, and storage needs. Lifecycle<br />
assessments consistently show that:<br />
• Mono-PE or mono-PP pouches deliver<br />
lower carbon footprints than multimaterial<br />
laminates.<br />
• Lighter packs allow more units per pallet,<br />
fewer miles per tonne transported, and<br />
less back-of-store space – all without<br />
compromising pack performance.<br />
At Tyler Packaging, we see this as a direct<br />
sustainability and operational advantage<br />
for pet brands, reducing environmental<br />
impact while improving supply chain<br />
efficiency.<br />
Good Practices: A Warning on<br />
Over-Engineering<br />
For brands to achieve recyclability, we<br />
are seeing significant increases material<br />
usage. Why? This is to pass drop testing,<br />
machinability, or barrier performance<br />
requirements by increasing film thickness<br />
or adding extra layers to meet recyclableready<br />
criteria. Analysis shows that, in<br />
some cases, brands must make their<br />
recyclable packaging up to 30% thicker<br />
than traditional non-recyclable packs to<br />
pass performance tests.<br />
While this may technically achieve a<br />
recyclable claim, it raises an important<br />
environmental question: if more material<br />
is being used, higher transport emissions<br />
are generated, and more plastic enters the<br />
recycling system, is this truly a sustainable<br />
choice? Simply meeting recyclability<br />
criteria does not automatically equate<br />
to a lower overall environmental impact.<br />
This should align with business targets,<br />
science-based targets of the brands.<br />
Regulatory Drivers<br />
In the European Union, the Packaging<br />
and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR)<br />
came into effect in February <strong>2025</strong>, with<br />
full application following 18 months later.<br />
By 2030, all packaging will be required<br />
to be recyclable under harmonised<br />
design-for-recycling criteria, and by 2035,<br />
recyclability must be demonstrated at<br />
scale. This means that businesses will need<br />
to simplify packaging structures, focus on<br />
polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP)<br />
material streams, and validate recyclability<br />
to remain compliant.<br />
In the United Kingdom, Extended<br />
Producer Responsibility (EPR) will begin in<br />
October <strong>2025</strong>, introducing year-one fees<br />
alongside mandatory reporting. These<br />
fees will be modulated depending on<br />
the material used and the recyclability of<br />
Adam Kay,<br />
Director<br />
the packaging. As a result, lighter monomaterial<br />
packs will benefit from lower fees,<br />
while heavier, multi-layered solutions will<br />
increase cost exposure.<br />
How Tyler Packaging Designs<br />
Circular Pouches<br />
Creating circular pouch packaging begins<br />
with selecting a dominant polymer stream.<br />
Mono-PE structures offer forgiving seals,<br />
good drop resistance, and effective EVOH<br />
barrier properties. Mono-PP, on the other<br />
hand, provides higher heat resistance,<br />
making it suitable for retortable products.<br />
Following Design-for-Recycling (D4R)<br />
principles is essential. This involves<br />
keeping barrier layers lean (less than<br />
5–10% EVOH), avoiding PET, metallised<br />
foil, and incompatible inks or adhesives,<br />
and prioritising clear or light films.<br />
Closures and fitments must also be<br />
reconsidered. For instance, PE spouts<br />
should be used on PE pouches and PP<br />
zippers on PP pouches, since mixedmaterial<br />
components compromise<br />
recyclability. Similarly, barriers should be<br />
tailored to product needs: dry treats often<br />
require only oxygen and grease protection,<br />
while wet foods may demand PP retort<br />
pouches that are still recyclable-ready.<br />
Performance must then be validated<br />
through trials with recyclers and material<br />
recovery facilities (MRFs). Third-party<br />
certification, such as that offered by Tyler<br />
Packaging, strengthens the credibility of<br />
28<br />
Technology & Marketing
PACKAGING<br />
recyclability claims, helps guard against<br />
greenwashing, and builds consumer trust.<br />
Commercial Upsides<br />
Adopting simpler, recyclable packaging<br />
offers clear business advantages. By<br />
moving to streamlined film structures,<br />
companies reduce exposure to pack cost<br />
volatility, as these materials are easier<br />
to source. Lighter packs also generate<br />
savings in freight and warehousing,<br />
since more units can fit per pallet. Early<br />
adoption of recyclable solutions mitigates<br />
EPR-related risks by reducing future fees.<br />
Additionally, retailers are increasingly<br />
rewarding mono-material designs, which<br />
score higher on packaging sustainability<br />
scorecards.<br />
Pitfalls to Avoid<br />
While developing recyclable packaging,<br />
businesses must avoid unnecessary<br />
complexity. Adding extra layers or<br />
thickness in pursuit of barrier or<br />
drop performance can compromise<br />
recyclability. Similarly, ignoring the<br />
impact of inks and adhesives or overspecifying<br />
performance beyond what the<br />
product requires can undermine both<br />
environmental and commercial goals.<br />
Practical Roadmap (Next 6–12<br />
Months)<br />
Over the next six to twelve months,<br />
companies should take a structured<br />
approach. First, they need to screen<br />
their portfolio, mapping stock-keeping<br />
units (SKUs) by material, barrier<br />
properties, weight, and EPR exposure.<br />
Next, they should standardise polymer<br />
use: PE for treats and dry foods, and<br />
PP for retortable products. Running<br />
A/B pilot trials on top SKUs will allow<br />
businesses to test machinability, shelflife,<br />
and drop resistance. At the same<br />
time, implementing pack-level bills of<br />
materials will support accurate reporting<br />
and auditing. Finally, securing recycling<br />
offtake is crucial – this involves integrating<br />
with PE or PP film streams and exploring<br />
options for recycled content.<br />
Bottom Line<br />
Tyler Packaging’s recyclable-ready monomaterial<br />
pouches allow pet brands to:<br />
• Cut weight, cost, and regulatory risk<br />
• Protect product integrity without overengineering<br />
• Build consumer trust through thirdparty<br />
certification<br />
With PPWR timelines and UK EPR fees<br />
approaching, simplifying packaging now<br />
– choosing the right polymer, designing<br />
for its recycling stream, and validating<br />
performance on hero SKUs – ensures pet<br />
brands gain operational, environmental,<br />
and commercial advantages while<br />
staying ahead of regulatory and market<br />
expectations.<br />
Technology & Marketing<br />
For more information<br />
www.tylerpackaging.co.uk<br />
Automated packaging machines, plants and<br />
systems for the food, pet food and beverage industry.<br />
Seamless.<br />
Limitless.<br />
Flawless.<br />
Issue 3 <strong>2025</strong><br />
eol.group<br />
Pet Food<br />
Packed to<br />
Perfection<br />
eol.group/petfood<br />
29
PACKAGING<br />
Closing the Gap: Why Ethical<br />
Pet Food must come in equally<br />
Sustainable Packaging<br />
Step into any pet shop in <strong>2025</strong> and a remarkable shift will quickly become apparent. Terms like ‘ethical’,<br />
‘natural’, and ‘sustainable’ have become fundamental selling points for today’s brands. The drive towards<br />
responsible consumption is fundamentally altering the packaging that pet food comes in and how it returns<br />
to the environment, and as more eco-conscious pet owners increasingly hold brands accountable for the<br />
sustainability of their products, it’s increasingly clear that an ethical pet food product is incomplete without<br />
equally ethically, sustainability-focused packaging.<br />
Photos: Parkside<br />
The evolving pet food<br />
consumer<br />
Recent years have seen the pet food<br />
industry move in lockstep with wider<br />
trends in food made for human<br />
consumption. Values-driven purchasing<br />
is on the rise, with 76% of pet owners<br />
claiming that environmental and ethical<br />
concerns are important when choosing<br />
which pet food to buy.<br />
What exactly these values mean in the<br />
context of pet food stretches far beyond<br />
what goes into the bowl. More than half of<br />
pet owners say it is important or extremely<br />
important that the pet food they buy is<br />
made by a company that demonstrably<br />
cares about the environment, and 55%<br />
claim to actively seek out brands using<br />
more sustainable packaging.<br />
In part this trend is being driven by<br />
the growing humanisation of pets.<br />
People treat their animals as cherished<br />
family members and want food and its<br />
packaging to reflect the values they<br />
expect for themselves. Social media and<br />
growing transparency around supply<br />
chains means consumers now have<br />
unprecedented access to how ‘natural’ a<br />
brand truly is, from the ingredients that<br />
go into its products to its carbon footprint<br />
and plastic reduction efforts.<br />
Closing the packaging gap<br />
This heightening expectation has<br />
unveiled an uncomfortable gap in many<br />
companies’ sustainability stories. While<br />
some pet food brands have made strides<br />
sourcing organic, locally produced<br />
ingredients or becoming carbon neutral,<br />
in the case of many category leaders,<br />
the final product is still delivered to the<br />
consumer in conventional, petrochemicalbased<br />
plastic packaging. Smaller brands<br />
with clearly-defined ethical practices are<br />
leading the way, while bigger players are<br />
often lagging behind. This disconnect is<br />
glaring for the values-driven shopper, who<br />
sees the packaging as a direct extension<br />
of a brand’s ethical commitments. This<br />
means there is a huge opportunity for a<br />
smaller brand to boost its market share<br />
by appealing to these ethically-minded<br />
consumers.<br />
Today’s evidence-based, savvy pet owners<br />
are not appeased by claims of recyclability<br />
alone. Composite materials and plastic<br />
films, although lightweight and functional,<br />
are often unsuitable for recycling, leading<br />
30<br />
Technology & Marketing
PACKAGING<br />
to landfill or incineration. Put simply,<br />
responsible consumers want and expect<br />
compostable, plastic-free, or truly circular<br />
packaging solutions.<br />
Parkside’s compostable<br />
packaging innovation<br />
This confluence of pressures is fuelling<br />
a wave of packaging innovation. One<br />
standout solution is Parkside’s range of<br />
Park2Nature compostable laminates,<br />
developed using renewable, PEFCcertified<br />
plant-based resources such as<br />
paper, eucalyptus fibre, and corn starch.<br />
These cradle-to-cradle materials are<br />
independently certified to EN13432 and<br />
TÜV standards, decomposing in less than<br />
12 weeks under industrial composting<br />
conditions or in 26 weeks in domestic<br />
compost heaps, leaving only water,<br />
carbon dioxide, and biomass. Parkside’s<br />
advanced flexible laminates deliver vital<br />
high-barrier performance to keep pet<br />
food fresh and safe, but crucially, do so<br />
without fossil-derived inputs.<br />
The advantages for manufacturers<br />
embracing compostable flexible packaging<br />
extend beyond environmental<br />
impact. Thanks to improvements in<br />
materials science and manufacturing<br />
processes, modern compostable laminates<br />
such as those offered by Parkside can now<br />
rival, and sometimes exceed, the barrier<br />
and mechanical properties of traditional<br />
plastics.<br />
Park2Nature laminates maintain<br />
product freshness with advanced barrier<br />
technology to prevent the egress/ingress<br />
of moisture, oil and grease, aromas, or<br />
other potential contaminants. This means<br />
pet food remains fresher for longer,<br />
reducing food waste and distribution<br />
losses. The technology offers thickness<br />
options to suit everything from treats to<br />
wet foods, and is approved for direct food<br />
contact, resulting in a versatile solution<br />
suited for a wide range of applications.<br />
For the manufacturer, this means there is<br />
no longer a compromise between practical<br />
shelf life and ethical responsibility. No<br />
longer an expensive niche, compostable<br />
packaging is rapidly becoming a scalable<br />
solution that meets consumers’ demands<br />
for integrity, environmental stewardship,<br />
and transparency.<br />
Compostable packaging in<br />
action<br />
Few partnerships exemplify this shift as<br />
strongly as Naturaw’s collaboration with<br />
Parkside. Naturaw, a raw dog food brand<br />
built on sustainability, found its mission at<br />
odds with its previous packaging, which<br />
used a tray with a loose-fitting solid lid<br />
that, while practical, did not meet its<br />
ambitions for innovation or sustainability.<br />
The turning point came in 2021, as<br />
Naturaw launched new ethically sourced<br />
ranges and sought like-minded partners<br />
to enable a step change in packaging.<br />
Moving to Parkside’s compostable film<br />
format paired with a sealed tray enabled<br />
Naturaw to replace petrochemical plastic<br />
entirely with compostable, bio-based<br />
materials – sealing freshness in, and<br />
plastics out.<br />
“Our customers love our packaging; it’s an<br />
important part of our business strategy<br />
that’s helped us become a B Corp in 2022,<br />
and win the King’s Award for Enterprise<br />
in 2023,” says Chris Broadbent, Director<br />
at Naturaw. “Our packaging is just one<br />
component part of what makes Naturaw<br />
different to other brands; we urge all dog<br />
owners to join the rawvolution because<br />
dogs deserve real food, and that food<br />
is served up in the most sustainable<br />
compostable packaging thanks to our<br />
longstanding relationship with Parkside.”<br />
For Naturaw, packaging is an expression<br />
of the company’s values. The success<br />
of this design, supported by Parkside’s<br />
technical expertise, demonstrates how<br />
packaging can be a vital driver for brand<br />
differentiation, customer loyalty, and<br />
long-term business resilience.<br />
A more ethical future for pet<br />
food packaging<br />
Brands ignoring the packaging dimension<br />
of their ethical promise do so at real risk.<br />
As legislation and consumer scrutiny<br />
increase, the winners will be those able to<br />
unite the product and its packaging under<br />
a cohesive, authentic sustainability ethos.<br />
The story of ethical pet food in <strong>2025</strong><br />
is incomplete without packaging that<br />
echoes its intent. As innovative suppliers<br />
like Parkside and bold brands like Naturaw<br />
are proving, there are no half measures: to<br />
thrive in this evolving market, packaging<br />
must be just as ethical and sustainable as<br />
what goes inside it.<br />
Technology & Marketing<br />
For more information<br />
www.parksideflex.com<br />
Issue 3 <strong>2025</strong><br />
31
PACKAGING<br />
Innovative Camelina Oil for Pets<br />
in Spouted Pouches<br />
Smart Earth, a company committed to providing high-quality nutrition for pets, has just launched its first<br />
retail product for end consumers in the Chilean market: Camelina Oil in SIG CloverCap pouches. The product,<br />
designed as a natural omega-3 supplement for dogs, comes in a convenient 90-gram size and marks a<br />
milestone as the first pet food product packaged in a SIG CloverCap pouch in South America.<br />
Smart Earth's Camelina Oil supports the<br />
health and well-being of dogs by offering<br />
a plant-based, nutrient-rich supplement<br />
that promotes vitality and a shiny coat.<br />
The SIG CloverCap pouches ensure easy<br />
handling, space-saving storage, and<br />
convenient portioning thanks to their<br />
reclosable cap, making it a perfect fit for<br />
modern pet owners who value practicality<br />
and functionality.<br />
“We’re incredibly proud to bring an<br />
innovative product in equally innovative<br />
packaging to pet owners in Chile.<br />
Convenience, ease of use, and nutritional<br />
value were key drivers in our decision to<br />
partner with SIG and introduce Camelina<br />
Oil in this format,” said Mary Matos,<br />
Business Development Director at Smart<br />
Earth.<br />
The product launch in Chile is only the<br />
beginning. Smart Earth has ambitious<br />
plans to expand the distribution of<br />
pet food products to other key South<br />
American markets, including Brazil,<br />
Colombia, Argentina, and Peru in the near<br />
future.<br />
“This is an exciting and fast-growing<br />
market segment, and we are confident<br />
that our diverse range of spouted pouch<br />
About Smart Earth<br />
Smart Earth is a Chilean company<br />
formed in 2021 that is dedicated to<br />
the production and commercialization<br />
of camelina and its by-products, to<br />
enrich pet diets, and at the same<br />
time promote natural source omega<br />
3 supplements for different food<br />
industries. Smart Earth is a subsidiary<br />
of Smart Earth camelina Corp. based<br />
in Canada where it is dedicated to<br />
developing and selecting the best<br />
NON-GMO varieties of camelina, and<br />
marketing the Smart Earth camelina<br />
oil brand for pets and equine in North<br />
America for several years now.<br />
Smart Earth has just launched its first retail product for end consumers in the Chilean<br />
market: Camelina Oil in SIG CloverCap pouches.<br />
solutions can deliver significant value<br />
to brands like Smart Earth,” said Thiago<br />
Franzin, Head of Sales Bag-in-Box and<br />
Spouted Pouch Latin America at SIG. “We<br />
are proud to support a pioneering launch<br />
that brings innovation and differentiation<br />
to the pet food category.”<br />
By combining a high-quality functional<br />
product with innovative and consumer-<br />
friendly packaging, Smart Earth is setting<br />
a new path for pet nutrition in South<br />
America.<br />
Technology & Marketing<br />
For more information<br />
www.smartearthcamelina.ca<br />
www.sig.biz<br />
Photo: SIG<br />
32<br />
Technology & Marketing
GET TO MARKET<br />
SMARTER AND GET<br />
TO MARKET FASTER!<br />
Download our brochure
PACKAGING<br />
Driving Innovation in Sustainable<br />
Pet Food Packaging: Insights<br />
from Coveris<br />
With regulatory pressure mounting and sustainability now a clear consumer<br />
expectation, pet food packaging is at a pivotal point. Ian Healey spoke with<br />
Jerome Detais, Commercial Manager at Coveris France, to learn how Coveris<br />
is helping brands prepare for 2030 and beyond.<br />
Photos: Coveris<br />
Q: The EU Packaging and Packaging<br />
Waste Regulation (PPWR) is a major<br />
talking point. What is Coveris’ key<br />
message for pet food producers?<br />
Jerome Detais: The most significant<br />
change is that, by 2030, all packaging<br />
must be designed to be recyclable<br />
across every European country. While<br />
that might sound straightforward, it<br />
represents a major transformation in<br />
practice. We’ve been closely monitoring<br />
regulatory developments and are actively<br />
supporting our customers to anticipate<br />
and adapt, rather than simply react.<br />
Q: What are the main challenges pet<br />
food brands face when adapting to this<br />
change?<br />
Jerome Detais: Beyond regulatory<br />
compliance, the real challenge lies in<br />
maintaining strong product protection<br />
and brand identity while switching to<br />
recyclable formats. There is also the<br />
financial aspect, as non-compliant<br />
packaging will be forbidden by 2030 and<br />
depending on the composition, higher<br />
EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility)<br />
fees may occur.<br />
That’s why we offer ready-to-market<br />
monomaterial solutions that meet both<br />
functional and legal requirements.<br />
Q: Let's talk about PFAS. What are<br />
they, and how is Coveris addressing<br />
concerns?<br />
Jerome Detais: PFAS, or per- and<br />
polyfluoroalkyl substances, persist in the<br />
environment for a long time. The carbonfluorine<br />
bond, one of the strongest in<br />
organic chemistry, gives these substances<br />
exceptionally long half-lives, which is why<br />
they are often called ‘forever chemicals’.<br />
Recognising the risks and upcoming<br />
restrictions in packaging, we offer PFASfree<br />
products across our entire portfolio.<br />
These alternatives meet performance<br />
needs while aligning with future<br />
regulations.<br />
Additionally, we have identified alternative<br />
raw materials and produce<br />
products excluding PFAS as intentionally<br />
added substances, like bags across our<br />
entire portfolio. This ensures performance<br />
without compromising environmental<br />
safety. Eliminating PFAS while maintaining<br />
barrier properties has required significant<br />
R&D investments. At Coveris, we take<br />
care and view to upcoming regulations:<br />
developing proprietary packaging<br />
solutions that deliver excellent grease<br />
and moisture resistance, without relying<br />
on fluorinated chemistry. It’s not just<br />
about compliance, it’s about taking<br />
responsibility.<br />
34<br />
Technology & Marketing
PACKAGING<br />
PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation) <strong>2025</strong>/40 Regulation<br />
Recyclability and recycled content road map<br />
2027<br />
Commission shall adopt<br />
until end 2027 delegated<br />
acts to establish design<br />
for recycling criteria<br />
2035<br />
Packaging must be designed<br />
to be collected separately,<br />
sorted into specific waste<br />
streams and recycled at scale<br />
All packaging must be recyclable<br />
(A = 95%, B = 80 % & C = 70% grades)<br />
35% of recycled content (PCR) for plastic<br />
packaging which are not Contact Sensitive.<br />
All packaging must be designed so that its<br />
weight and volume is reduced to the minimum<br />
necessary for ensuring its functionality<br />
2030<br />
Source: Internal visual created by Coveris for the Pet Food Training Day, based on the PPWR.<br />
Q: What does Coveris’ sustainable<br />
product range look like today?<br />
Jerome Detais: All of our product<br />
developments are fully aligned with the<br />
current regulation and our sustainability<br />
strategy of No Waste, which guides us in<br />
eliminating waste in all its forms. Every<br />
innovation we bring to market is part of<br />
our commitment to reducing product,<br />
packaging, and operational waste.<br />
All solutions in our pet food packaging<br />
portfolio are available in monomaterial<br />
polyolefin solutions, making them<br />
recyclable according to current guidelines<br />
and fully aligned with Europe’s recycling<br />
infrastructure. Thanks to our vertical<br />
integration and in-house film extrusion<br />
capabilities, we have been able to bring<br />
these recyclable solutions to market early,<br />
without compromising on performance,<br />
convenience, or branding.<br />
Over the past few years, we have<br />
developed monomaterial alternatives<br />
for our entire range, from standard bags<br />
to multiple variants using the same<br />
polymer, also with barrier layers that allow<br />
recycling. We are now able to offer options<br />
across the full portfolio. Additionally,<br />
we are investing in innovations like<br />
film thickness reduction, enhanced<br />
recyclability, and more sustainable<br />
alternatives to continuously improve our<br />
offerings.<br />
Q: What role do consumer preferences<br />
play in these developments?<br />
Jerome Detais: A major one. Consumers<br />
are increasingly demanding transparency,<br />
2040<br />
Up to 65% of recycled content for<br />
plastic packaging (PCR) which are not<br />
Contact Sensitive<br />
Only recyclability performance<br />
grade A & B is accepted<br />
2028<br />
sustainable properties, and full product<br />
traceability. That is why packaging must<br />
not only protect but also communicate its<br />
values. Premium, easy-to-use designs that<br />
meet customer and end-user expectations<br />
are in high demand and we are meeting<br />
those expectations sustainably. We enable<br />
ultra-segmented, customised formats<br />
using low-impact inks, soft-touch effects,<br />
and barrier layers tailored to preserve<br />
even the most natural formulas.<br />
Q: How does Coveris’ sustainability<br />
strategy reflect these ambitions?<br />
Jerome Detais: Our entire sustainability<br />
strategy is built around our No Waste vision<br />
- eliminating product waste, packaging<br />
waste, and operational waste. Protecting<br />
products to avoid food waste, designing<br />
packaging that supports full recyclability,<br />
and striving for zero net waste in our<br />
operations are fundamental pillars. This<br />
comprehensive approach ensures that<br />
sustainability is not just a goal but a daily<br />
practice, aligning with both regulatory<br />
requirements and consumer expectations.<br />
Our aims and achievements are publicly<br />
available at ESG & Sustainability Roadmap<br />
| Coveris' Commitment to a Greener<br />
Future - Coveris.<br />
Q: Looking ahead, where is the market<br />
going?<br />
Jerome Detais: In terms of upcoming<br />
legislation, such as the Packaging and<br />
Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR)<br />
in Europe and the RAM (Recycling<br />
Assessment Method) in the UK, we<br />
are preparing by ensuring that every<br />
product in our portfolio has a recyclable<br />
alternative. We await the Commission’s<br />
recycling criteria, expected by the end of<br />
2027, to ensure full compliance and make<br />
any necessary adjustments and we aim to<br />
have a voice in shaping those standards.<br />
A key future challenge will be the<br />
incorporation of recycled materials into<br />
packaging solutions. Currently, chemical<br />
recycling provides food-grade compatible<br />
materials, but these come at a high cost<br />
and with limited availability. Mechanical<br />
recycling, on the other hand, is not yet<br />
suitable for food-contact applications.<br />
To support the transition, several sites<br />
have obtained the ISCC+ certification,<br />
a system that enables the traceability<br />
and verification of chemically recycled<br />
content via a mass balance approach,<br />
comparable to green energy credits,<br />
thereby encouraging investment in<br />
circular raw materials. This certification<br />
allows us to supply mass-balance traced,<br />
food-grade recycled materials, offering<br />
lower-impact packaging alternatives in<br />
line with both regulatory requirements<br />
and brand expectations.<br />
Regarding packaging weight, the PPWR<br />
mandates that by 1st January 2030,<br />
packaging weight and volume must be<br />
minimised to the extent necessary to<br />
maintain functionality. This is driving our<br />
innovation towards thinner, lighter films<br />
without compromising on performance.<br />
We are also collaborating with trusted<br />
manufacturers in the supply chain,<br />
who are developing new technologies<br />
in raw materials as well as in machines<br />
designed to reduce packaging space.<br />
This partnership helps us meet regulatory<br />
targets while maintaining operational<br />
efficiency.<br />
From regulation to innovation, Coveris<br />
is helping pet food brands lead the<br />
transition with recyclable, reliable, and<br />
retail-ready packaging.<br />
Technology & Marketing<br />
For more information<br />
www.coveris.com<br />
Issue 3 <strong>2025</strong><br />
35
EVENTS<br />
Global Exhibitors Already<br />
Planning for Interzoo 2026<br />
As the leading international fair for the pet supplies sector, Interzoo (12–15 May 2026) is a magnet for pet<br />
industry manufacturers and professionals from all around the world. The high internationality of the companies<br />
that have already registered underscores the global interest in the pet industry. By the end of June, more than<br />
1,000 companies from 53 countries had already booked their exhibition stands for Interzoo 2026.<br />
Photos: Interzoo<br />
“We are delighted by the particularly early<br />
and exceptionally high demand for places<br />
at what is the most international fair in<br />
the sector. By participating in Interzoo,<br />
companies are investing in their visibility,<br />
their sales, and their strategic growth. This<br />
is vital in a dynamically evolving global<br />
pet supplies market. For many in the<br />
sector, Interzoo is the most important B2B<br />
gathering and consequently, the highlight<br />
of the 2026 calendar,” says Norbert<br />
Holthenrich, President of the German Pet<br />
Trade & Industry Association (ZZF), the<br />
institutional sponsor of Interzoo.<br />
The event, which is held every two<br />
years, is the most important and most<br />
international trade fair for pet products.<br />
At the last Interzoo in 2024, around 2,150<br />
exhibitors from 68 countries showcased<br />
their product innovations, trends and<br />
services. Since registration opened<br />
in March this year, exhibitors from 53<br />
countries have already booked their<br />
stands for Interzoo 2026. There has been<br />
especially robust growth in demand from<br />
Spain, the USA and Italy, while the number<br />
of registrations from Poland, Hungary and<br />
Turkey already exceeds the number of<br />
companies from these countries that took<br />
part in the previous event. Interzoo has<br />
planned a total of 15 exhibition halls for<br />
the next show to be held in Nuremberg<br />
from 12–15 May 2026.<br />
Interzoo 2026 already<br />
attracting strong interest from<br />
exhibitors worldwide<br />
“The massive response from the pet<br />
supplies industry shows that companies<br />
have an undeniable need to meet one<br />
another in person at Interzoo, present<br />
products to customers directly, and<br />
build international networks,” says Dr<br />
Rowena Arzt, Director Exhibitions at WZF<br />
(Wirtschaftsgemeinschaft Zoologischer<br />
Fachbetriebe GmbH).<br />
“Alongside established exhibitors, numerous<br />
new exhibitors from all around the<br />
world have registered for 2026. With a<br />
view to the coming event in May 2026,<br />
three factors are already underlining<br />
Interzoo’s diversity and leading role: the<br />
strong international presence, the varied<br />
nature of the manufacturers from the<br />
sector already registered, and of course,<br />
the incomparable range of products on<br />
display,” Arzt explains.<br />
New national pavilions<br />
At this point in time, numerous national<br />
pavilions have already been confirmed,<br />
including new registrations like the<br />
Turkish pavilion. “To date, 16 national<br />
pavilions have been planned. These<br />
pavilions provide the opportunity for<br />
international exhibitors to take part in<br />
the world-leading fair as part of a national<br />
pavilion including turnkey concepts and<br />
special services,” Dr Arzt explains.<br />
Interzoo 2026 offers attractive<br />
supporting programme<br />
With its highly topical supporting<br />
programme reflecting the pulse of the<br />
industry, Interzoo 2026 offers insights<br />
into the key issues and trends affecting<br />
the global pet supplies sector. Apart from<br />
the “Fresh Ideas” stage to present startups<br />
and innovative products, numerous<br />
mini conferences on specific markets<br />
and regions, and the Interzoo Party<br />
networking event, a special programme<br />
has been added the day before the fair: On<br />
11 May 2026, the Petfood Forum Europe<br />
organised by WATT Global Media will take<br />
place at Exhibition Centre Nuremberg for<br />
the third time.<br />
Technology & Marketing<br />
36<br />
Technology & Marketing
EVENTS<br />
Support for Young Companies at<br />
Interzoo 2026<br />
Interzoo 2026 supports start-ups and innovators from the pet supplies industry with special stand areas and<br />
formats such as the Fresh Ideas Stage. Alongside the International Start-up Area for overseas companies,<br />
the Young Innovators programme offers comprehensive funding to help young companies from Germany<br />
participate in the world’s leading trade fair for the pet industry.<br />
a company founded in the last ten years<br />
with its headquarters and operations in<br />
Germany, and complying with current EU<br />
criteria for small companies.<br />
Since 2018, Interzoo has been one of the<br />
leading trade fairs selected by the BMWE<br />
as eligible for the programme due to its<br />
strong international focus. Since then,<br />
it has supported more than 70 German<br />
start-ups, enabling them to tap into global<br />
markets and achieve sustained success.<br />
“At the last Interzoo, 77 start-ups benefited<br />
from our dedicated programmes to<br />
support them. We are delighted to once<br />
again help start-ups and innovators<br />
to participate in Interzoo 2026 with<br />
our exclusive packages and unique<br />
platforms for showcasing their companies<br />
and services, whether through the<br />
government-subsidised Young Innovators<br />
scheme, International Start-up Area,<br />
or Fresh Ideas Stage. The pet supplies<br />
industry also has to constantly deal with<br />
new challenges and develop innovative<br />
solutions, for example in the fields of<br />
technology, sustainability, design, and<br />
pet food. This is why Interzoo sees itself as<br />
a provider of opportunities where startups<br />
and innovators can attract worldwide<br />
attention for their ideas,” explains Dr.<br />
Rowena Arzt, Head of Exhibitions at<br />
Interzoo organiser WZF GmbH – Pet<br />
Industry Services.<br />
Novel ideas and innovations on<br />
the Fresh Ideas Stage<br />
Interzoo 2026 offers tremendous visibility<br />
for fresh business ideas and innovations<br />
that reflect the latest trends on its<br />
Fresh Ideas Stage in Hall 3. This is where<br />
fledgling companies can present their<br />
start-up ideas, innovative products and<br />
services, and cutting-edge industry topics<br />
in short pitches. On the Friday of the event,<br />
the popular Fresh Ideas Contest – where<br />
participants present their innovations to<br />
the audience and an expert jury to win<br />
one of the coveted awards – will enter<br />
its third round. However, the Fresh Ideas<br />
Stage not only offers a platform for new<br />
business ideas but also the opportunity<br />
for innovators and company founders to<br />
get to know one another in person in the<br />
lounge area next to the stage and discuss<br />
current trends in the pet supplies industry.<br />
Support for start-ups from<br />
Germany<br />
At Interzoo 2026, around 30 start-ups<br />
from Germany can enjoy extensive<br />
financial and organisational support for<br />
their trade fair participation thanks to<br />
the Young Innovators scheme subsidised<br />
by the German Federal Ministry for<br />
Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE).<br />
Interested parties should register soon,<br />
as half of the planned spots had already<br />
been allocated by the end of August <strong>2025</strong>.<br />
The prerequisites for taking part in the<br />
coveted programme include having a spot<br />
in the Young Innovators Pavilion, being<br />
Special service package for<br />
international start-ups<br />
To support newcomers headquartered<br />
outside Germany, Interzoo 2026 also<br />
offers an attractive service package to<br />
meet the needs of international startups<br />
through its International Startup<br />
Area. The benefits of the package<br />
include stand space in a pavilion and a<br />
selection of marketing services that also<br />
enable smaller companies to extend their<br />
communicative reach and boost their<br />
trade fair success.<br />
“As the leading fair and marketplace for<br />
all products and services relating to pets,<br />
Interzoo is the gateway to the global<br />
pet supplies industry and therefore<br />
an unmissable event for all market<br />
participants – especially for start-ups<br />
that want to gain a foothold in the pet<br />
supplies industry. We want to support<br />
them in this endeavour, because only<br />
at Interzoo do they get the opportunity<br />
to come together with industry players<br />
and decision-makers from all around the<br />
world within a short timeframe,” Dr. Arzt<br />
emphasises.<br />
Technology & Marketing<br />
For more information<br />
www.interzoo.com<br />
Issue 3 <strong>2025</strong><br />
37
EVENTS<br />
Zoomark Hits the Target!<br />
A new, modern, and vibrant concept, with greater visitor engagement through three thematic paths and over<br />
80 events organised across four stages inside the halls. Just after the show's conclusion, the bookings restart<br />
without pause because the new chapter has already begun! The next unmissable event at Zoomark will be from<br />
May 10th to 12th, 2027.<br />
The 21st edition of Zoomark, the<br />
international pet food and pet care trade<br />
show, held at BolognaFiere from May 5th<br />
to 7th, has passed all expectations and<br />
solidified the event's leading role in the<br />
European pet market.<br />
It’s not just the numbers that confirm<br />
its success, with an increase in both<br />
exhibitors and visitors nearing 31,000,<br />
over 64% of whom came from abroad.<br />
What truly marked the extraordinary<br />
success of Zoomark was the stimulating,<br />
engaging, and productive atmosphere<br />
over the three days of the fair.<br />
This is evidenced by the fact that many<br />
exhibitors have already decided to<br />
confirm their participation in the next<br />
edition of Zoomark, from May 10 to 12,<br />
2027.<br />
The balance is therefore extremely<br />
positive, reaffirming the key role the<br />
show plays in supporting both industry<br />
and distribution, fostering relationships<br />
among operators, and offering professional<br />
updates.<br />
Solid Growth, Global Vision<br />
In recent years, Zoomark has grown<br />
significantly, but the <strong>2025</strong> edition<br />
marked another leap forward, with a<br />
23% increase in exhibitors, leading to a<br />
redesign of the exhibition layout, adding<br />
3 more pavilions to accommodate all the<br />
companies eager to launch their latest<br />
innovations and expand their business.<br />
The exhibitors at Zoomark <strong>2025</strong> numbered<br />
1,268, including 43 startups, occupying<br />
90,000 square meters (+32% compared to<br />
2023), coming from 56 different countries,<br />
mainly from Europe but also from the USA,<br />
Asia, and the Middle East.<br />
If the data confirms the event's "Bigger<br />
and Bolder" nature, it’s also thanks to<br />
the many initiatives introduced this year:<br />
the 3 thematic paths that facilitated the<br />
visitation flow, the 6 special areas, and<br />
numerous opportunities for meetings,<br />
exchanges, and networking.<br />
Thematic Paths<br />
Through a collaboration between Zoomark<br />
and the Pet Sustainability Coalition (PSC),<br />
Greenmark was created, an itinerary<br />
designed to recognise companies<br />
showcasing their latest eco-friendly<br />
solutions at the show.<br />
The other two special paths made it<br />
easier to identify and contact brands that<br />
emphasise two very specific fields.<br />
Italian Style highlighted excellence in<br />
design, quality, innovation, and creativity,<br />
showcasing Italian style in the pet world.<br />
Tech for Future guided visitors to the<br />
companies leading in technological<br />
innovation, presenting cutting-edge<br />
proposals and ideas poised to shape the<br />
market’s evolution.<br />
The presence of buyers from 120 different<br />
countries, many of whom arrived in<br />
Bologna thanks to collaborations with<br />
ITA - Italian Trade Agency, working in<br />
key pet industry markets, confirmed the<br />
international appeal of the BolognaFiere<br />
event. Among the visitors were a<br />
significant number of retailers, pet shop<br />
buyers, chain distributors, and importexport<br />
operators.<br />
The Success of 6 Special Areas<br />
For the first time, Zoomark featured<br />
the Factory area, attracting purchasing<br />
managers, quality managers, formulators,<br />
R&D heads, and production technicians<br />
interested in visiting companies in the<br />
supply chain. The more discerning buyers<br />
and retailers were drawn to the Atelier<br />
special area, which offered exclusive, topquality,<br />
and artisanal-style products.<br />
Great success was also seen for the<br />
Pawfect! special area, dedicated to the<br />
world of grooming, which featured<br />
the Pawfect Stage. This stage hosted<br />
grooming seminars, shows, the first-ever<br />
Photos: Zoomark<br />
38<br />
Technology & Marketing
EVENTS<br />
Dog Massage, and performances from On<br />
Hair Dog Edition.<br />
This innovative format, born from a<br />
collaboration between Zoomark and<br />
Cosmoprof, introduced the most advanced<br />
grooming techniques and trends. Live<br />
demonstrations were curated by artistic<br />
director Vittorio Masciarelli, director of On<br />
Hair by Cosmoprof.<br />
The Dog Massage offered a unique<br />
training experience, exploring the most<br />
advanced dog massage techniques,<br />
guided by wellness expert Alessandra<br />
Scatà.<br />
Pet Vision reaffirmed its place as the most<br />
intriguing special area, the heart of the<br />
event, with an exhibition of around 500<br />
new products and a competition that<br />
rewarded products best aligned with<br />
four macro-trends in the sector: Value for<br />
Money, Green Transition, Mini Mania,<br />
and Brain & Health.<br />
Among the most interesting and<br />
innovative products featured at Zoomark<br />
this year were accessories and products<br />
focused on sustainability, made from<br />
recycled or upcycled materials, like a line<br />
of harnesses made from cork; numerous<br />
interactive mental activation toys, such<br />
as puzzles and developmental mats<br />
for pets' well-being; and cutting-edge<br />
technological devices, including the first<br />
smartphone designed for pets, automatic<br />
food and water dispensers connected to<br />
pet owners' electronic devices.<br />
As always, Zoomark showcased the best of<br />
international pet food production: gently<br />
cooked foods (low-temperature cooked<br />
to preserve nutritional values), alternative<br />
ingredient foods, monoproteins, functional<br />
diets, and a wide variety of snacks.<br />
The fair featured not only dogs and cats<br />
but also food and accessories for birds,<br />
small animals, fish, and exotic pets, which<br />
are increasingly present in the homes of<br />
pet lovers.<br />
Innovation and Technology at<br />
the Forefront<br />
The Aqua Project area, in collaboration<br />
with AIPA (Italian Association of Small<br />
Animals), was dedicated to aquariums and<br />
terrariums, showcasing key innovations<br />
in the sector. The Next 5.0 area, entirely<br />
focused on pet-tech and innovation, was<br />
a major highlight, displaying the most<br />
interesting proposals from young startups.<br />
These startups, alongside more established<br />
companies, presented their most<br />
advanced and diversified solutions in areas<br />
such as food, beauty, care, monitoring, IoT,<br />
games, and entertainment.<br />
A Full Program of Conferences<br />
and Seminars<br />
To make the fair even more engaging and<br />
stimulating, a packed program of over 80<br />
conferences, seminars, roundtables, and<br />
presentations was organised, helping to<br />
facilitate further exchanges, meetings,<br />
updates, and training, confirming Zoomark<br />
as an essential international event for all<br />
key players in the pet market.<br />
News and Upcoming Events<br />
The <strong>2025</strong> edition has just concluded with<br />
great satisfaction, and attention is already<br />
turning to the next one, scheduled for<br />
May 10th to 12th, 2027. The success of<br />
the event further strengthens Zoomark’s<br />
international positioning, now recognised<br />
as a strategic reference point for the<br />
sector. Confirming this role, Zoomark<br />
has officially joined the European Pet<br />
Organization (EPO), which brings together<br />
key national pet industry associations and<br />
aims to be a major player in dialogue with<br />
EU institutions.<br />
Internationalisation continues with new<br />
projects already underway in China,<br />
Thailand, and Turkey. Zoomark’s global<br />
success and its drive to generate business<br />
push BolognaFiere to focus even more<br />
on Eastern and non-European markets,<br />
forging new partnerships and replicating<br />
a successful format for the global pet<br />
industry.<br />
Technology & Marketing<br />
For more information<br />
www.zoomark.it<br />
Issue 3 <strong>2025</strong><br />
39
EVENTS<br />
Pet Fair Asia <strong>2025</strong>, Shanghai<br />
Pet Fair Asia <strong>2025</strong> welcomed an<br />
unprecedented number of exhibitors<br />
and visitors from China and around the<br />
globe as it returned to Shanghai from<br />
August 20–24, <strong>2025</strong> for its 27th edition.<br />
The largest exhibition for the pet industry<br />
in Asia-Pacific continued its strong growth<br />
trajectory, with a record-breaking year<br />
in scale, innovation, and international<br />
participation.<br />
Among the show’s most dynamic areas<br />
of growth is Pet Fair Asia Supply, the<br />
co-located show launched two years<br />
ago. In response to surging demand, an<br />
additional outdoor hall was added this<br />
year, bringing the total to eight halls and<br />
hosting over 700 exhibitors across 55,000<br />
square meters, a 30% increase from 2024.<br />
This expansion reflects the growing<br />
importance of supply chain solutions,<br />
including smart factories and intelligent<br />
warehousing technologies, new sectors<br />
introduced this year to Pet Fair Asia<br />
Supply.<br />
Also commanding attention is the rise of<br />
the small animals, reptiles, and aquatics<br />
segment, the third-largest category in<br />
China’s pet industry, trailing cats and<br />
dogs. This segment now accounts for 20%<br />
of the domestic pet market. Pet Fair Asia<br />
<strong>2025</strong> dedicated, for the first time, a full hall<br />
to this booming sector, featuring products<br />
and solutions for birds, rabbits, hamsters,<br />
fish, reptiles, and more, with a focus on<br />
nutrition, health care, and wellbeing.<br />
Over the past two editions, Pet Fair Asia<br />
has experienced a significant rise in international<br />
attendance, particularly from<br />
emerging markets. In 2024, the show<br />
welcomed over 124,000 professionals<br />
from 91 countries, including Greater China.<br />
Most notably, there was a 41.8% increase<br />
in international visitors compared to<br />
2023, with overseas attendees accounting<br />
for 10% of the total attendance.<br />
For more information about the show<br />
visit: www.petfairasia.com<br />
PetExpo Romania 2026<br />
PetExpo is the highlight of the year for the<br />
Romanian pet industry. In 2026, PetExpo<br />
Romania reaches its 15th edition. Export<br />
managers, buyers and highly interested<br />
trade visitors come to see at first hand the<br />
pioneering products of market leaders,<br />
top brands, innovative producers and<br />
cutting-edge technologies. PetExpo<br />
Romania is a unique opportunity in<br />
Romania for companies in the pet market<br />
to showcase products and services and<br />
get in touch with a large number of<br />
potential partner companies and a huge<br />
number of target consumers.<br />
PetExpo Romania is the concentrated<br />
image of the pet products and services on<br />
the Romanian market and is the ideal spot<br />
to present the latest innovations, thus a<br />
very good occasion for launching new<br />
products. PetExpo Romania illustrates the<br />
opportunities and threats of the market,<br />
the strengths and weaknesses of the<br />
companies, but also the needs, desires<br />
and wants of the consumers.<br />
The 15th edition of PetExpo Romania, to<br />
be held between March 14-15, 2026 in the<br />
ROMEXPO Central Pavilion, is expected to<br />
be the largest to date, standing out for the<br />
largest exhibition area used, but also for a<br />
record number of exhibitors and visitors.<br />
www.petexpo.ro/english/<br />
China International Pet Show (CIPS)<br />
In 2024, the 28th China International<br />
Pet Show (CIPS) welcomed its largest<br />
number of overseas buyers to date – a<br />
73% increase over the previous year. But<br />
beyond the figures lies something more<br />
telling: a deeper look into the perspectives<br />
of buyers from across the globe, and how<br />
they see both the pet industry and China’s<br />
evolving role within it.<br />
Conversations with buyers at the most<br />
recent edition offered a more nuanced<br />
picture than a standard post-show recap.<br />
What stood out was the diversity in how<br />
professionals from different corners of the<br />
industry are thinking about their industry<br />
chains, product sourcing, and market<br />
shifts. For companies with established<br />
networks, the show has become a<br />
checkpoint—an opportunity to maintain<br />
supplier relationships and assess shifts<br />
in product trends. One such UK-based<br />
import buyer with decades of experience<br />
noted: “We’ve been attending the CIPS for<br />
over 25 years... Today, about 80 percent of<br />
our products come from China.”<br />
For smaller businesses the show functions<br />
as an access point. Sharing insights from<br />
an emerging African market, a pet retailer<br />
based in Rwanda recalled: “In 2023, I<br />
came to CIPS for the first time and started<br />
trading with Chinese companies.” He<br />
added, “I was the first person in Rwanda<br />
to import Chinese pet products” and now<br />
hopes “to introduce big sellers and dealers<br />
from Africa to China.”<br />
In more specialized sectors, such as<br />
aquatics and reptile care, the feedback<br />
pointed to how niche product innovation<br />
can drive interest. A product specialist<br />
from a Japanese company observed: “I was<br />
pleasantly surprised to find a number of<br />
up-and-coming reptile pet manufacturers<br />
making an appearance."<br />
These insights point to a wider pattern:<br />
that buyers are using CIPS as a lens on<br />
the industry. While commercial outcomes<br />
remain central, the value of the event<br />
increasingly lies in its context – the ability<br />
to benchmark, evaluate, and adapt within<br />
a fast-evolving market.<br />
The 29th CIPS will take place from<br />
November 13–16 in Guangzhou, under<br />
the theme “INFINITY” – a nod to the everevolving<br />
nature of the pet industry.<br />
For more information en.cipscom.com<br />
40<br />
Technology & Marketing
LAST PAGE<br />
Upcoming Events<br />
September 22-24, <strong>2025</strong><br />
Nordic Pet Food Conference<br />
Gothenburg, Sweden<br />
www.norpetfood.com<br />
September 23-25, <strong>2025</strong><br />
Fachpack<br />
Nuremberg, Germany<br />
www.fachpack.de<br />
November 5-7, <strong>2025</strong><br />
Pet Sourcing Fair<br />
Guangzhou, China<br />
www.pscfair.com<br />
December 2-4, <strong>2025</strong><br />
Fi Europe<br />
Paris, France<br />
www.figlobal.com/europe/en/home.html<br />
May 7-13, 2026<br />
Interpack<br />
Düsseldorf, Germany<br />
www.interpack.com<br />
May 12-15, 2026<br />
Interzoo<br />
Nuremberg, Germany<br />
www.interzoo.com<br />
June 2-4, 2026<br />
VICTAM International<br />
Utrecht, The Netherlands<br />
www.victaminternational.com<br />
July 12-15, 2026<br />
IFT FIRST<br />
Chicago, Illinois, USA<br />
www.iftevent.org<br />
International Magazine November <strong>2025</strong> ISSN 2628-5851<br />
Technology & Marketing 4/25<br />
Preview November <strong>2025</strong><br />
Vitamins, Minerals, Hydrocolloids<br />
Drying, Extrusion, Mixing<br />
Labelling, Pouches, Jars, Cans<br />
Fi Europe - Food Ingredients Europe<br />
… and lots more!<br />
Ingredients: Fiber Ingredients, Yeast, Omega-3, Colors, Rice<br />
Processing: Specialized Extrusion, Spray Drying, Heat Exchange<br />
Packaging: New Design with Recyclable Packaging, Clean Label<br />
Marketing: Interzoo Update, The Vet's Corner<br />
Adobe Stock # 401105800<br />
Impressum<br />
ISSN 2628-5851<br />
Technology & Marketing<br />
Publishing Company:<br />
Dr. Harnisch Publications<br />
Eschenstraße 25<br />
90441 Nuremberg, Germany<br />
Tel: +49-(0)-911-2018-0<br />
Fax: +49-(0)-911-2018-100<br />
E-mail: food@harnisch.com<br />
Internet: www.petfoodpro-mag.com<br />
www.harnisch.com<br />
Editor-in-Chief: Ian Healey<br />
Tel: +49-(0)-911-2018-215<br />
E-mail: ihealey@harnisch.com<br />
Publisher: Benno Keller<br />
International Communications:<br />
Benjamin Costemend, Steve Max,<br />
Britta Steinberg<br />
Editorial Team:<br />
Editorial Team:<br />
Vera Lengenfelder, Sabine Straka,<br />
Axinja Peine , Sabine Straka, Britta Göpfert, Bruno Bozic<br />
Sabrina Maasberg, Tanya Culley,<br />
Digital: Britta Steinberg<br />
Digital: Britta Steinberg<br />
Graphic Designer: Sabine Krauss<br />
Graphic Designer: Vera Lengenfelder<br />
Technical Manager: Armin König<br />
Technical Manager: Armin König<br />
Advertising: Sabrina Maasberg<br />
Advertising Department: Sabrina Maasberg<br />
Tel: +49-(0)-911-2018-245<br />
Tel: +49-(0)-911-2018-245<br />
E-mail: maasberg@harnisch.com<br />
E-mail: maasberg@harnisch.com<br />
Subscriptions: Marta Bletek-Gonzalez<br />
Subscriptions: Marta Bletek-Gonzalez<br />
Subscription Information:<br />
Subscription Information:<br />
Qualified Readers, executives in the food industry, are put on the<br />
Qualified Readers, executives in the food industry, are put on the<br />
mailing list free of charge. Regular delivery by subscription only.<br />
mailing list free of charge. Regular delivery by subscription only.<br />
Annual subscription 2020 (4 issues) – € 44 (Domestic)/€ 52<br />
Annual subscription <strong>2025</strong> (4 issues) – € 44 (Domestic)/€ 52 (Abroad)<br />
(Abroad)<br />
Printed by:<br />
Printed by:<br />
AKONTEXT s.r.o., Zárydničná 2048 / 7,<br />
Printed by Schleunungdruck GmbH, Marktheidenfeld, Germany<br />
14100 Praha 4, Czech Republic<br />
Copyright © <strong>2025</strong><br />
by Dr. Harnisch Verlag, Nuremberg, Germany<br />
Adobe Stock<br />
42<br />
Technology & Marketing
International Magazine September <strong>2025</strong> ISSN 2628-5851<br />
Technology & Marketing 3/25<br />
Fax-Inquiry<br />
+49 (0) 911 2018 - 100<br />
or E-mail: food@harnisch.com<br />
Ingredients: Palatability in Wet Pet Food, Organic Antioxidants, Plant based Diets, Protein<br />
Processing: Performance & Flexibility Growth, Trends in Cutting Applications<br />
Packaging: Sustainable Snacks, Recyclable Pouches, Driving Innovations<br />
Marketing: Love to Pets from Ukraine, Fi Europe <strong>2025</strong>, Zoomark <strong>2025</strong>, Interzoo 2026<br />
Our service: If you like to have more information on articles<br />
and/or advertisements please fax this form.<br />
Issue 3/25<br />
1. Additional questions<br />
1.1. Business Classification:<br />
1.2. Number of employees at this location:<br />
1.3. How do you rate this publication? excellent good fair poor<br />
1.4. I wish to receive future issues of <strong>PetFood</strong><strong>PRO</strong>: Yes No<br />
2. I would like to obtain more information<br />
2.1. Regarding following articles/editorials (Title and page N o. ):<br />
2.2. Regarding following advertisements (Title and page N o. ):<br />
3. Please enter my subscription to <strong>PetFood</strong><strong>PRO</strong> for one year (4 issues)<br />
The subscription shall start immediately beginning of<br />
It is prolonged automatically for one year unless it is cancelled 6 weeks before expiry.<br />
Surface Mail (US $ 50,–/Euro 44,–) Air Mail (US $ 60,–/Euro 52,–)<br />
Check enclosed<br />
Bill me<br />
Charge my credit card: Euro-Card Visa AMEX<br />
valid until:<br />
4. Address<br />
Company:<br />
Name:<br />
Address:<br />
Address:<br />
Country:<br />
Position:<br />
Phone:<br />
Email:<br />
Date:<br />
Signature:
Make Foods and Treats<br />
that Pets Love to Eat<br />
Pet food producers globally trust Wenger for extrusion cooking solutions – such as the new PetFLEX system -<br />
to create nutritious, delicious products that healthy pets love.<br />
Make traditional kibble, high fresh meat products, grain-free products, and limited ingredient diets all from one<br />
machine. Find out more about PetFLEX at Wenger.com<br />
PFX-3000