German pet food maker Mera Tiernahrung has partnered with global leader in packaging and paper Mondi to expand its product line to include a new type of dog food with semi-moist croquettes.
Mera realised that this type of pet food would require bespoke packaging to keep the chewable morsels fresh and moist for the duration of the product’s life span, while also being sustainable by design.
Using its ‘customer-centric’ approach, EcoSolutions, Mondi recommended a packaging that addressed the practical aspects of food preservation without compromising on sustainability.
The bag has a tight seal to ensure long-term freshness and protect the pet food inside and is fitted with a one-way valve, which vents only from the inside to the outside. With the help of this valve, the excess air can escape to improve transport when palletising the filled packages. The resealable zipper makes it easy for the consumer to open and close the bag.
RECYCLABLE
Institute cyclos-HTP, the Institute for Recyclability and Product Responsibility, independently tested and certified the material, rating it as 95% recyclable in those areas where suitable recycling infrastructures are in place.
“The adoption of FlexiBag Recyclable for this application advances Mera down the path toward increased sustainability. Sustainability is a top priority for us, and working together with Mondi to make our packaging better for the environment was a logical next step to help meet our goals. Mera is the first company in the pet food sector to be certified by the TÜV Rheinland according to the ZNU standard of sustainable management,” said Mera managing director Felix Vos.
According to a recent pet packaging survey, customers are beginning to pay more attention to the bag along with what is inside it. In the same study, one in three pet owners claimed they would switch to a brand that offers more sustainable packaging.
In 2019, Mondi had revenues of €7.27bn.
