Pet Food Industry Shifts Towards Sustainability
The pet food industry is witnessing a shift in consumer behaviour, with sustainability taking centre stage. A significant increase in the purchase of larger quantities of dry dog food and a growing demand for eco-friendly packaging are among the notable trends.
In the past decade, there's been a notable change in dry dog food purchasing habits. In 2021/22, 42% of dog owners opted for packages of 31 lb. or more, a rise from 37% in 2011/12. Conversely, the demand for smaller packages has decreased, with only 18% choosing 6 lbs. or less in 2021/22, down from 20% a decade ago. This trend reflects a growing preference for larger dogs and bulk buying.
The environmental impact of pet food packaging has become a pressing concern. Over 99% of dry dog food bags still end up in landfills, highlighting the urgent need for recycling initiatives. Canned wet dog food remains the most popular choice, accounting for 63% of purchases, followed by plastic cups/tubs at 21% and pouches at 16%.
In the wet cat food market, canned products dominate at 75%, but plastic and pouches are making incremental gains. Four in ten pet owners now consider environmental issues when purchasing pet food, with millennials leading the way at 24%.
Several pet food manufacturers are responding to this growing eco-consciousness. Open Farm and Mars have partnered with TerraCycle to recycle pet food bags and pouches. Canidae has introduced Kibble Refill Stations at Petco stores to reduce packaging waste.
The pet food industry is evolving to meet the demands of environmentally conscious consumers. While challenges remain, such as the high landfill disposal rate of dry dog food bags, initiatives like recycling programs and refill stations offer promising solutions. As pet owners increasingly prioritise sustainability, the industry is likely to see further innovations in packaging and production methods.
