Not every pouch that says 'recyclable' survives real-world sorting. Here is a practical checklist pet food brands can use before putting a recyclability claim on shelf.
Recyclability claims on pet food packaging are under more scrutiny than ever. US state laws, the EU PPWR, and the FTC Green Guides all ask the same question: can a reasonable consumer actually recycle this package? Before approving a claim, check five things. First, identify the material structure: mono-PE, mono-PP, and paper-only designs are the easiest to verify; multi-material laminates are rarely recyclable curbside. Second, look for a recognized label such as How2Recycle Store Drop-Off in North America or the relevant national sorting instructions in Europe — not just a chasing-arrows symbol. Third, confirm the adhesive, ink, and zipper are compatible with the target recycling stream; these details determine whether the package is accepted. Fourth, ask your converter for test evidence or a third-party recyclability assessment, because retailer vendor guides increasingly require documentation. Fifth, write the consumer-facing claim narrowly: 'recyclable through store drop-off where accepted' is more defensible than an unqualified 'recyclable' statement. Getting these five points right protects both brand trust and legal exposure.
