PetFood PRO 3/2025

PACKAGING
Driving Innovation in Sustainable
Pet Food Packaging: Insights
from Coveris
With regulatory pressure mounting and sustainability now a clear consumer
expectation, pet food packaging is at a pivotal point. Ian Healey spoke with
Jerome Detais, Commercial Manager at Coveris France, to learn how Coveris
is helping brands prepare for 2030 and beyond.
Photos: Coveris
Q: The EU Packaging and Packaging
Waste Regulation (PPWR) is a major
talking point. What is Coveris’ key
message for pet food producers?
Jerome Detais: The most significant
change is that, by 2030, all packaging
must be designed to be recyclable
across every European country. While
that might sound straightforward, it
represents a major transformation in
practice. We’ve been closely monitoring
regulatory developments and are actively
supporting our customers to anticipate
and adapt, rather than simply react.
Q: What are the main challenges pet
food brands face when adapting to this
change?
Jerome Detais: Beyond regulatory
compliance, the real challenge lies in
maintaining strong product protection
and brand identity while switching to
recyclable formats. There is also the
financial aspect, as non-compliant
packaging will be forbidden by 2030 and
depending on the composition, higher
EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility)
fees may occur.
That’s why we offer ready-to-market
monomaterial solutions that meet both
functional and legal requirements.
Q: Let's talk about PFAS. What are
they, and how is Coveris addressing
concerns?
Jerome Detais: PFAS, or per- and
polyfluoroalkyl substances, persist in the
environment for a long time. The carbonfluorine
bond, one of the strongest in
organic chemistry, gives these substances
exceptionally long half-lives, which is why
they are often called ‘forever chemicals’.
Recognising the risks and upcoming
restrictions in packaging, we offer PFASfree
products across our entire portfolio.
These alternatives meet performance
needs while aligning with future
regulations.
Additionally, we have identified alternative
raw materials and produce
products excluding PFAS as intentionally
added substances, like bags across our
entire portfolio. This ensures performance
without compromising environmental
safety. Eliminating PFAS while maintaining
barrier properties has required significant
R&D investments. At Coveris, we take
care and view to upcoming regulations:
developing proprietary packaging
solutions that deliver excellent grease
and moisture resistance, without relying
on fluorinated chemistry. It’s not just
about compliance, it’s about taking
responsibility.
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Technology & Marketing