PetFood PRO 3/2025

EDITORIAL
Trends & Innovations
Packaging & Processing
We have reached a time of year where
trends and innovations are in high
demand. Some of them are new and
others may be surprising. Many current
shows will place an emphasis on
sustainability. Anything we can do to save
the environment has to be good news,
right?
Since many of these hot topics are being
driven by consumer and regulatory
pressures, it is easy to find approval, at
least on the surface. This is true in the
reduced use of plastic packaging, with
84% of consumers reported as being
“very” or “highly” concerned about
its environmental impact. Pet food
manufacturers have recognised this trend
early and are actively seeking solutions.
The packaging section of this issue already
has some positive examples.
Of course we will see the continuing use
of plastic packaging, given its key role in
maintaining hygiene, keeping products
safe, and extending shelf life. That said,
there’s a growing emphasis on the use
of lightweight and reusable plastic
packaging, as well as the reduction to
single or mono-materials which can be
better recycled.
Everyone has an opinion on AI. The pet
food industry is also seeing a greater use
being made of automation and artificial
intelligence for improved efficiency,
decision-making, and sustainability. With
its vast capacity for data processing, trend
forecasting, and automation of complex
activities, AI is helping in the eco-friendly
transformation of the supply chain.
Immersive technologies are also being
used for training and maintenance, with
improvements of efficiency and waste
minimisation. Some people are calling this
Industry 5.0.
Pet food packaging is becoming
increasingly integrated with smart
technologies such as sensors which lead
to more data analytics. Such technologies
enable the remote monitoring of
everything from product temperature to
humidity, helping to ensure that products
reach consumers in the best condition.
Supply chain traceability is also being
improved through the integration of QR
codes and the blockchain. This all helps
increase product integrity and reduce
waste.
Less common in pet food so far, but
certainly around the corner is greater
focus on the delivery of unique, tailored
product experiences. This is being seen in
the personalisation of packaging, with the
variable data printing of labels. Limited
edition and seasonal packaging designs
Ian D. Healey, Editor-in-Chief
are also boosting levels of customer
engagement, encouraging the retention
and re-use of packaging. This serves to
remember that the target customers in
animal nutrition are not the consumers as
such, but the paying pet parents.
Don’t forget: the best way to discover new
trends at trade exhibitions, is to walk the
aisles and talk with as many people as you
can.
Sincerely
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Issue 3 2025
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