Mera Tiernahrung, a family-owned producer of dog and cat food, has chosen to package one of its new dog food products in a pre-made, mono-material, recyclable plastic FlexiBag solution developed by packaging specialist Mondi.
Mera is a major player in the sector, producing more than 70,000 tons of dog and cat food per year and exports to over 40 countries throughout Europe, Asia and North America. It is the first company in the pet food sector to be certified by the TÜV Rheinland according to the ZNU standard of sustainable management.
The company developed a new type of dog food that consisted of semi-moist croquettes and sought a sustainable packaging solution offering the barrier properties required to keep the contents fresh.
“Mondi’s FlexiBag Recyclable is a mono-material, polyethylene-based product with a barrier that is fully recyclable,” said Fitore Loshaj, Regional Sales DACH for Mondi Consumer Flexibles.
Tailored to this application, the 12.5 kg bag features a special aroma and fat barrier and has a tight seal
to ensure long-term freshness and protect the pet food inside. The packaging is fitted with a special one-way valve, which only vents from the inside to the outside, allowing excess air to escape - to improve transport - when palletizing the filled packages. The resealable zipper makes it easy for the consumer to open and close the bag.
Institute cyclos–HTP GmbH, 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 FlexiBag Recyclable is also available in different material thicknesses, with mono- or coextruded films and anti-slip variants, as well as different reclosing systems. The bags feature good printability, offer good shelf stability and top or bottom filling are possible.
“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,” said Mera managing director Felix Vos.
According to the Mondi/Dow Premium Pet Packaging survey, customers are increasingly aware of the packaging of the product they purchase along with what’s inside it. In the study, one in three pet owners claimed they would switch to a brand that offers more sustainable packaging.