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Purina launches world-first recyclable versatile pouch for moist pet meals

Purina launches the world's first recyclable flexible pouch for moist pet food

Purina introduces the first mono-material retort pouch in the pet food industry, leading in innovation in pet food packaging

Purina launched a unique recyclable flexible plastic packaging for wet pet food this month.

The innovation is initially presented under the Felix Brand in the Netherlands as part of a one-year pilot project.

The brand's new pouch addresses a key challenge: to simplify plastic structures to make them recyclable without compromising the functionality of food grade packaging.

The polypropylene (PP) packaging enables the pet food bags to be lightweight and recyclable, while being highly heat-resistant and having the appropriate product barrier properties.

Polypropylene (PP) can be recycled in existing plastic recycling streams such as the one in the Netherlands, where this pilot project is being started. Further roll-out plans will be assessed and communicated after receiving the appropriate response from the consumer.

The bags are sold in a fully recyclable cardboard box that is 80 percent recycled paper and contains 6 bags of beef and 6 bags of chicken.

The pilot project will take place from September 2020 to September 2021 with the largest Dutch retailer – Albert Heijn.

Bernard Meunier, CEO of Nestlé Purina Petcare EMENA, said: “We want to help create a world where pets and people can thrive. Initiatives like this support our goal of offering foods that are good for pets and the planet. This latest innovation in Felix pouches is a significant step forward in our drive to provide recyclable or reusable packaging for all of our products by 2025. "

In addition to reducing the complexity of packaging, Purina is also exploring innovations such as new paper-based materials and pilot projects for reusable packaging systems where customers can bring their own containers to fill with dry pet food.