Dow, Zermatt and Nature’s Variety have introduced a new recyclable pet food packaging solution.
The new product integrates recycled plastic content that is compliant with food-contact regulations, obtained through advanced recycling processes.
The packaging is already available to consumers in Spain, France and Portugal, according to the companies’ recent announcement.
Commenting on the launch, Marian Gmenta, marketing lead for circular and renewable solutions at Dow, stated: “By leveraging our innovative circular materials and expertise, we are supporting packaging redesign for recyclability, and the development and incorporation of advanced recycled materials into contact-sensitive applications.
“This is key to enabling customers and brands to meet voluntary circular plastic packaging commitments and legislative requirements.”
Designed specifically for Nature’s Variety pet food items, the new pouch replaces the previous multi-material structure with a single-material polyethylene film structure.
This design is in line with the emerging design for recyclability (D4R) standards set by the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN).
Incorporating 10% recycled content through an international sustainability and carbon certification plus certified mass balance credit approach, the pouch aligns with the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation which has set a target for contact-sensitive packaging to include recycled content by 2030.
Zermatt commercial director Antonio Barrasus stated: “This achievement highlights the importance of strong value chain collaboration. With our combined innovation, together we are delivering a solution that proactively meets legislative requirements and advances sustainability in the pet food packaging segment.”
Nature’s Variety also aims to further increase the recycled content in their packaging to 30% by 2030.
Ilaria Bianchi, international marketing manager at Nature’s Variety, stated: “At Nature’s Variety, we are aware of the footprint left by our decisions. This is why we are not only committed to providing the best for our pets, but also to reducing the impact we have on the environment. To do so, we have defined a series of specific actions.
“This new packaging designed for recyclability and including recycled plastic content, thus reducing the use of virgin plastic, marks one big step in this direction and reflects our dedication to innovation.”
The pet food pouch is set to be showcased at the K 2025 event in Dusseldorf, Germany, alongside other Dow packaging innovations, from 8 October to 15 October 2025.
