Guest Blog Post
Written by Ahlstrom & the Pet Sustainability Coalition
www.ahlstrom.com
If your brand is serious about reducing plastic, it’s time to take another look at paper.
Paper-based packaging has traditionally faced skepticism within the pet industry, often viewed as lacking the strength, barrier protection, or shelf life required for pet food applications. However, recent material advancements are reshaping those perceptions.
Ahlstrom’s PawPrint® papers are redefining what paper can do, a fiber-based, curbside-recycle-ready packaging solution designed specifically for dry pet food. And Ahlstrom is now inviting select pilot partners to help test and refine this innovation in real-world conditions.
To meet the diverse needs of pet brands, Ahlstrom is developing two packaging solutions designed to help brands transition to more sustainable formats. One is an all-paper structure that is fully plastic-free, ideal for brands open to packaging without a window. The other is a plastic reduction solution which includes a plastic liner for added functionality, but can still qualify as curbside recyclable if it meets the required fiber recovery thresholds.
This is your chance to shape the future of sustainable pet packaging and position your brand at the forefront of a rapidly evolving market.
And the timing couldn’t be better.
With Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) tightening requirements, growing calls for circular packaging systems, and consumer expectations around sustainability escalating, the pressure to act is mounting. Globally, nearly 40% of all plastic waste comes from packaging alone.
Meanwhile, the pet food market is projected to reach $139 billion by 2030, growing at a rate of 4.4% each year. As competition intensifies, packaging can act as a key differentiator. In fact, 37% of U.S. pet owners say they’re willing to pay more for pet food in recyclable or sustainable packaging. In Europe, that number climbs to 76%.
Against this backdrop of regulatory evolution and shifting consumer values, 2026 represents a pivotal moment for brands to evaluate and strengthen their packaging strategies for the future.
Built for Performance and the Planet
Sustainability at Its Core
Ahlstrom’s PawPrint® papers are designed to meet the growing demand for circular packaging solutions:
- Curbside recyclable and compostable, verified through EN 13430, Western Michigan University (WMU) protocols, and BPI® certification; aligned with EU PPWR guidelines
- Responsibly sourced, made from renewable, wood-based cellulose fibers with FSC®, SFI®, and PEFC™ chain-of-custody certifications
- Developed by a PSC Accredited Supplier, aligning with the Pet Sustainability Coalition’s rigorous standards for responsible materials and verified environmental impact
But Is It Durable Enough?
This has long been a barrier to adoption, and it’s exactly what this material aims to overcome.
- No Harmful Chemicals: Uses Grease-Guard ® technology to resist grease without relying on PFAS, and is safe for direct food contact based on U.S. and European food safety standards (FDA and BfR).
- Moisture Barrier Protection: Provide a moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) barrier and eliminate the need for plastic laminates, helping maintain product integrity and shelf life
- Structural strength: Built with multiple layers (like 3-ply or pinch bottom formats), compatible with many thin films (Like BOPP and OPP films) while still being recyclable.
- Reinforced Seams: Specially engineered barrier coatings help to resist breakdown at seams and folds, which are common failure points in traditional paper packaging
- Testing underway: Internal evaluations show promising results for durability, with expanded real-world testing planned in 2026, including capillarity and drop performance assessments.
- Ongoing innovation: Heat sealability is still being refined, with solutions anticipated in 2026. Until then, gluing offers the most effective closure for the all-paper structure.
This solution is still in its early stages of adoption, offering a unique opportunity to help shape its future applications. It’s part of a broader push to develop packaging that meets both regulatory demands and consumer expectations. As interest grows, particularly among sustainability-minded brands, early adopters will play a key role in helping shape how this technology scales.
“Sustainable co-innovation is essential in today’s packaging development. By working collaboratively with our partners across the value chain, we can create packaging solutions that not only meet performance needs but also align with the environmental goals of our customers and end consumers.” – Rafael Yamamoto, Head of Innovation for Ahlstrom Global Food Packaging.
Early Adopters Wanted: Pilot the Future of Pet Packaging
While Ahlstrom is currently collaborating with several brand partners in this space, the company is seeking additional pilot partners to test and further refine the material under real-world conditions. These pilot programs will play a key role in validating the durability and performance of Ahlstrom’s innovative fiber-based packaging formats.
For brands aiming to future-proof their packaging strategies, this initiative offers an opportunity to demonstrate leadership in sustainability while advancing the shift toward more circular packaging solutions.
Get in touch with Ahlstrom to explore pilot opportunities.
This could be the most important packaging decision your brand makes this year.
Contact Amber Roman to explore what’s possible:
Amber Roman
Business Development Manager
Food Packaging North America
Cell: 920-309-9012
amber.roman@ahlstrom.com