Pet Food Packaging Market Trends, Growth & Forecast 2025-2033

Market Overview:

The pet food packaging market is experiencing rapid growth, driven by rising pet ownership and humanization, demand for sustainable packaging, and technological advancements in packaging. According to IMARC Group’s latest research publication, “Pet Food Packaging Market Report by Material (Paper and Paperboard, Plastic, Metal), Food Type (Dry Food, Wet Food, and Others), Animal Type (Dog Food, Cat Food, and Others), Packaging Form (Pouches, Metal Cans, Folding Cartons, Bags, and Others), and Region 2025-2033”, the global pet food packaging market size reached USD 11.8 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 17.1 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 4.2% during 2025-2033.

This detailed analysis primarily encompasses industry size, business trends, market share, key growth factors, and regional forecasts. The report offers a comprehensive overview and integrates research findings, market assessments, and data from different sources. It also includes pivotal market dynamics like drivers and challenges, while also highlighting growth opportunities, financial insights, technological improvements, emerging trends, and innovations. Besides this, the report provides regional market evaluation, along with a competitive landscape analysis.

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Our report includes:

• Market Dynamics
• Market Trends and Market Outlook
• Competitive Analysis
• Industry Segmentation
• Strategic Recommendations

Growth Factors in the Pet Food Packaging Market

• Rising Pet Ownership and Humanization

The escalating trend of pet ownership in urbanization is a major force driving the pet food packaging market. As people more frequently regard pets as family members, they expect premium, safe and attractive packaging that shows the aesthetics of the food inside. For example, brands like Blue Buffalo provide attractive resealable pouches with tasteful graphics to express their premium nutrition, which is consistent with the emotional bond many owners have with their pets. As people continue to embrace the notion of humanization in their pet ownership, they expect packaging to provide freshness, convenience and safety (e.g. vacuum or single serve), reflecting the expectations of the current consumer and fostering growth in the market.

• Demand for Sustainable Packaging

Sustainability has surfaced to be a primary growth factor in the pet food packaging market due to consumers becoming more aware of environmentally friendly options. Brands have sought out recyclable, biodegradable or compostable materials to help lower their carbon footprint. One example of sustainability is with Nestlé Purina when they promoted recyclable flexible plastic pouches for their Felix brand in Europe, which responded to consumers spending more on environmentally sustainable packaging. The positive impact of this change will appeal further to pet owners passionate about sustainability and drive further loyalty to the brand. Many packaging innovations and developments such as using plant-based films and lowering plastic usage are emerging, prompting companies to focus on investing even more in sustainable technologies to be competitive and adhere to stricter regulation.

• Technological Advancements in Packaging

Technology developments are changing the functional and consumer experience of the pet food packaging market. Smart packaging (for example, QR codes that tie users to a nutritional information source, or resealable zippers for longer preservation), is becoming essential to many pet food brands. Hill’s Pet Nutrition, for example, uses sophisticated barrier films to maintain and extend shelf life of food quality, designed as a benefit for consumers focused on convenience. Automation and packaging processes are also changing the way packaging can be completed efficiently to meet the increase in demand, while not sacrificing product quality. The results allow brands to create differentiation in a crowded market, while also supplying pet owners with the convenience they desire, transparency they need, and brilliantly designed packaging solutions.

Key Trends in the Pet Food Packaging Market

• Shift Toward Flexible Packaging

Now we will discuss the area of pet food packaging trends to note. Flexible packaging, including pouches and bags, is a leading trend in the pet food packaging industry due to its convenience, portability, and cost. Flexible packaging has several advantages over rigid containers, not least of which is that it is lightweight and takes up less space, making flexible packaging an option for retail and e-commerce. In a commercial lens, most of the well-known brands, such as Royal Canin use stand-up pouches with resealable closures, leading to easy storage and pour-ability, and enhancing the overall customer experience. Flexible and resealable packaging will also contribute towards sustainability, since flexible packaging uses less material than traditional packaging formats, thus supports overall planet health. With more pet food being sold online, there is increasing demand for flexible packaging that is durable and satisfies the needs of shipping while assuring that the product stays fresh until it reaches the consumer.

• Personalization and Premiumization

Personalization and premiumization are beginning to alter the pet food packaging industry as brands adapt to certain consumer trends. Customized packaging (like portion-controlled sachets or breed-specific packaging) appeals to pet owners looking for how to provide specific nutrition in different circumstances. A good example is The Farmer's Dog which uses minimalistic and eco-friendly packaging for its subscription service, as its fresh handle is a premium offer with shareable reputation. The metallic, premium packaging or embossed logos elevate upscale quality perception, often targeting more affluent consumers. This trend shows consumers are becoming increasingly willing to spend on premium costs, which drives demand for packaging that offers aesthetics, functionality, and personalized design for use in shelf presentation, for example.

• Growth of E-Commerce and Direct-to-Consumer Models

The rise of e-commerce and direct-to-consumer (DTC) models is a significant trend influencing the pet food packaging market. Online platforms like Chewy and Petco have increased the need for robust, compact, and visually appealing packaging that ensures product safety during shipping. DTC brands, such as JustFoodForDogs, use vacuum-sealed, recyclable trays designed for easy storage and delivery, enhancing customer satisfaction. This trend has prompted manufacturers to prioritize tamper-proof seals, leak-resistant designs, and branding that translates well in digital marketplaces. As online pet food purchases continue to grow, packaging tailored for e-commerce logistics and consumer convenience is becoming essential.

We explore the factors driving the growth of the market, including technological advancements, consumer behaviors, and regulatory changes, along with emerging pet food packaging market trends.

Leading Companies Operating in the Pet Food Packaging Industry:

• Amcor plc
• American Packaging Corporation
• Berry Global Inc.
• Blue Buffalo Co. Ltd. (General Mills Inc.)
• Coveris
• Huhtamäki Oyj
• Mondi plc
• ProAmpac
• Silgan Holdings Inc.
• Smurfit Kappa Group plc
• Sonoco Products Company
• Transcontinental Inc.
• Winpak Ltd.

Pet Food Packaging Market Report Segmentation:

By Material:

• Paper and Paperboard
• Plastic
• Metal

Plastic dominates the pet food packaging market due to its versatility, durability, and exceptional barrier properties that protect pet food, extend shelf life, and cater to consumer demand for sustainable options.

By Food Type:

• Dry Food
• Wet Food
• Others

Dry food holds the largest market share in pet food packaging, driven by its popularity and the need for packaging solutions that maintain quality and freshness through excellent barrier properties.

By Animal Type:

• Dog Food
• Cat Food
• Others

Dog food is the leading segment in the pet food packaging market, reflecting the high population of dogs and the need for packaging that preserves freshness and nutritional value while offering convenience.

By Packaging Form:

• Pouches
• Metal Cans
• Folding Cartons
• Bags
• Others

Bags represent the largest segment in the pet food packaging market due to their practicality, lightweight nature, excellent barrier protection, and customization options for attractive designs.

Regional Insights:

• North America (United States, Canada)
• Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, Others)
• Europe (Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, Others)
• Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, Others)
• Middle East and Africa

North America leads the pet food packaging market, accounting for the largest share, supported by comprehensive regional analysis covering major markets across North America, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa.

Research Methodology:

The report employs a comprehensive research methodology, combining primary and secondary data sources to validate findings. It includes market assessments, surveys, expert opinions, and data triangulation techniques to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Note: If you require specific details, data, or insights that are not currently included in the scope of this report, we are happy to accommodate your request. As part of our customization service, we will gather and provide the additional information you need, tailored to your specific requirements. Please let us know your exact needs, and we will ensure the report is updated accordingly to meet your expectations.

About Us:

IMARC Group is a global management consulting firm that helps the world’s most ambitious changemakers to create a lasting impact. The company provide a comprehensive suite of market entry and expansion services. IMARC offerings include thorough market assessment, feasibility studies, company incorporation assistance, factory setup support, regulatory approvals and licensing navigation, branding, marketing and sales strategies, competitive landscape and benchmarking analyses, pricing and cost research, and procurement research.

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