When we think of flexible packaging, we usually associate it with food for human consumption, snacks, coffee, candy, or frozen goods. However, in recent years, this industry has proven that its versatility goes far beyond. Today, categories like pets and gardening are gaining traction, offering ideal spaces where flexible packaging provides innovative, functional, and visually appealing solutions, adapted to increasingly demanding consumers.
Enhancing Categories: How Seasonality Opens Creative Opportunities: The Role of Flexible Packaging in These Categories, How Presentation Affects the User Experience, and How Seasonality Opens Creative Opportunities for Them.
Pets: History, Evolution & Fun Facts
The pet product market has seen exponential growth in the last decade. The humanization of companion animals and consumer interest in pet wellness have triggered an explosion of options in food, accessories, and treats.
In this context, flexible packaging plays a key role, not only by protecting and preserving food quality but also by offering ease of use and convenience to pet owners.
A surprising origin
Did you know the first commercial pet food was the Fibrine Dog Cake, created in 1860 by James Spratt? It was made of meat, vegetables, and beetroot, marking the beginning of modern kibble.
Fast facts
- During the Great Depression, canned pet food dominated the market, but its market share decreased during WWII due to packaging restrictions.
- Today, the global pet food market exceeds $87 billion USD, driven by diverse and demanding consumer preferences.
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American pet owners spent around $54 billion on pet food in 2022, reflecting a significant increase of $25 billion compared to 2017.
Packaging Designed for Real Use
Flexible packaging for pets isn’t just about the product; it’s about the customer’s routine. Pet owners look for packaging that:
- It is easy to open and reseal (zippers, tin ties)
- Keeps food fresh longer
- Comes in sizes that match shopping habits (large family bags or small travel packs)
Why choose flexible packaging for pet products?
- Kibble requires large, gusseted bags that are stable and easy to store.
- Single treats or small snacks benefit from stand-up pouches or sachets, which are practical, portable, and help preserve freshness.
- The shift toward sustainable, traceable, resealable formats reflects an alignment with animal and consumer well-being.
Flexible packaging strikes a perfect balance between practicality and aesthetics. Our designs not only inspire trust and quality on the shelf but also enhance the user experience.
Gardening: Seeds, Substrates & Green Trends
Gardening is another growing category, connected to urban agriculture and the trend of consumers becoming more self-sufficient and sustainable. In this space, flexible packaging has proven ideal for products that require exceptional preservation and were once sold only in rigid containers.
The rise of gardening
- 55% of households in the U.S. grow some form of garden at home
- Since the pandemic, 18.3 million new gardeners have emerged, especially millennials exploring this practice.
- Fun fact: The world’s largest seed, Lodoicea maldivica, can grow up to 20 inches and take six years to mature
Products That Bloom with the Right Packaging
- Seeds: Require moisture-resistant, airtight packaging, often with transparent windows for visibility.
- Fertilizers, whether granular or liquid, require barriers against light and oxygen to preserve their active ingredients.
- Soil & substrates (small quantities): Benefit from reinforced packaging that makes storage and transport easier.
- Light gardening accessories, including gloves, small tools, and meters, are packaged compactly and shelf-friendly.
What Garden Consumers Look For
- Space-efficient storage
- Spill-proof, mess-free packaging
- Clear and attractive designs with reliable dosing and safety info
Seasonal Ideas: Your Competitive Edge
One of the most significant advantages of flexible packaging is how easily it adapts to seasonal trends. Both pet and gardening brands can unlock creative opportunities through limited editions and short runs.
In Pet Products:
- Seasonal snacks or treat editions for Halloween, Christmas, and Valentine’s Day.
- Emotion-driven designs that connect with pet parents, who love to pamper their pets during festive seasons.
In Gardening:
- Seasonal seed kits: Sunflowers in spring, herbs in summer, winter flowers
- Graphics inspired by the season to trigger impulse buys
- Short-run and customizable production allows brands to seize trends without overproducing.
Behind Great Packaging, There’s Always a Product That Surprises
The growth of flexible packaging in categories like pets and gardening proves that its versatility has no limits. From kibble to seeds, these solutions are practical, innovative, and visually compelling, meeting both consumer expectations and evolving market trends.
At Extrupac, we understand that pets and gardening go beyond categories; they reflect lifestyles, emotional bonds, and purchasing trends.
That’s why we design flexible packaging that:
- Adapts to any format, from kibble to seeds
- Incorporates innovation in materials, design, and presentation
- Enables seasonal customization without compromising quality or delivery
Because innovative packaging doesn’t just protect, it connects, leaves a mark, and exceeds expectations.
Pets & Gardening: The Surprising Versatility of Flexible Packaging