Dow, Zermatt, and Nature’s Variety launched a new packaging solution for pet food that addresses both recyclability and recycled content from cutting-edge chemical recycling. Already available on store shelves in Spain, France, and Portugal, this launch is a significant step toward sustainable pet food packaging that brings together several aspects of circularity in one product.
The partnership brings together Dow’s innovative material capabilities, Zermatt’s sustainable high-performance packaging expertise, and Nature’s Variety’s commitment to high-quality, natural cat and dog pet food. “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,” said Antonio Barrasus, commercial director, Zermatt SA.
The new packaging solution simplifies the previous multi-material structure of PET/PE into a mono-material PE film, designed to meet the anticipated design for recyclability (D4R) standards from The European Committee for Standardization (CEN). It incorporates recycled content using an ISCC Plus-certified mass balance credit approach, allowing recycled plastics to be safely used in food contact and contact-sensitive applications.
At present, every Nature’s Variety pouch has 10% recycled content through the mass balance system to comply with the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) 2030 target for contact-sensitive packaging. The brand aims to increase this content to 30% by 2030.
“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,” said Marian Gmenta, marketing lead for circular & renewable solutions at Dow.
Demand for recyclable and sustainable packaging is increasing, proving that solutions that are not only protective of the product but also part of a circular economy are crucial. “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,” said Ilaria Bianchi, international marketing manager, Nature’s Variety. “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.”