MERA Tiernahrung GmbH, a private-label pet food company, turned to Mondi (mondigroup.com) for new dog food packaging. The supplier's new, paper-based line of dog food packaging is based on its FlexziBox concept.

MERA, a mid-sized family company in Kevelaer, Germany, supplies private-label pet food to the German retailer Fressnapf Tiernahrungs GmbH.

“MERA was looking for a package that would combine the advantages of a plastic bag — light weight, high barrier properties, attractive print quality, and long shelf-life — with the natural look and feel of paper,” said Fitore Loshaj, Regional Sales – Germany, Austria & Switzerland, Mondi Consumer Goods Packaging.

So Mondi got to work. The result is a brand new product for MERA, with dog-food packaging in three sizes, offering a useful range of choices for consumers based on their needs:

• 1 kg: a flat-bottom FlexziBox with laser perforation for easy opening and a hook-and-loop closure offering resealability;
• 3 kg: a FlexziBox with a reclosable top slider; 
• 10 kg: a FlexziBox, also with a top slider and covered handle in the side gusset.

All are made of a laminate consisting of brown kraft paper, a transparent polyester (PET) middle layer and a transparent, low-density polyethylene (LDPE) inner barrier layer. All versions offer reclosability for added convenience and freshness, and the largest package includes an integrated handle on the side for easy carrying. 

The new products have been available in all Fressnapf/Maxizoo stores and online since spring 2018 under the brand name REAL NATURE Crafted Choice.