
The Role of Advanced Bagging Machines in Pet Food Manufacturing
The pet food industry in North America is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing pet ownership and a heightened focus on pet health and wellness. The upward trajectory we have witnessed across USA reached $65.8 B in 2024, and is expected to grow another 4.5% by 2030. As consumer demand for diverse and high-quality pet food, treats and supplement products grows, manufacturers areare compelled to adopt advanced packaging solutions that ensure precision, efficiency, and adaptability goals.
Among the frontrunners in the technological evolution of pet food bagging are Concetti and PSG Lee by Leepack, whose automated bagging machines are redefining standards in the industry.
Advanced Bagging Machines in Pet Food Manufacturing
Sustainability Initiatives
The pet food industry increasingly embraces sustainable packaging solutions to meet environmental concerns and consumer demand. Key initiatives include:
- Recyclable and Compostable Materials: Manufacturers are shifting towards packaging made from recyclable and compostable materials, such as biodegradable films and paper-based pouches, reducing environmental impact. Pet Food Processing
- Mono-Material Packaging: Utilizing single-material packaging simplifies recycling processes, making pet food packaging more recyclable. PetfoodIndustry
- Reduced Packaging Weight: Innovations in material science have resulted in lighter packaging that maintains strength, which decreases transportation emissions and minimizes material usage.
Shelf-Life Improvements
Ensuring the freshness and safety of pet food is essential. Advanced packaging technologies play a significant role in extending the shelf life of these products.
- High Barrier Films: These films provide excellent protection against oxygen and moisture, which are crucial for preserving the quality of pet food. Bulldog Bag
- Active Packaging: his type of packaging incorporates oxygen scavengers and moisture absorbers, actively controlling the internal environment and slowing down spoilage processes.
- Modified Atmoshpere Packaging (MAP): MAP involves replacing the air inside the package with a specific gas mixture, which helps inhibit microbial growth and oxidation, thus extending the shelf life. FlexPak Leak
- PET Packaging: Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) packaging is a preferred packaging material due to its exceptional barrier properties, lightweight nature, and recyclability. It effectively maintains product integrity.
Discover how high-performance automated bagging can transform your packaging line and your customer satisfaction.
The Evolution of Pet Food Packaging
Historically, pet food packaging was a manual, labor-intensive process, often leading to inconsistencies in product weight and packaging integrity. With the advent of automation, the industry witnessed a transformation, embracing machines that offer not only speed but also unparalleled precision. This shift has been instrumental in enhancing product quality, shelf life, and overall consumer satisfaction.
The shift to automation introduced electromechanical and digital systems that revolutionized every phase of the packaging process:
Weighing and Dosing Units: Gravity feed scales, screw feeders, and multi-head weighers ensure precise quantity control.
Bagging Machines: Automate bag filling and sealing for various bag types with high accuracy and flexibility.
Conveying & Integration Systems: Fully integrated lines allow seamless product flow, reducing manual touchpoints and contamination risks.
Automation has improved consistency, quality, and efficiency. The result? Reduced spoilage rates, extended shelf life, and improved safety for both dry and wet pet food products. Consumer satisfaction has been reflected in rising brand loyalty and positive reviews, especially for products with easy-open, resealable, and visually appealing packaging—features enabled by modern machines. Over 70% of North American pet owners now consider packaging quality a major factor in their pet food purchasing decisions.
Concetti Automated Bagging Systems
Precision and Flexibility. Concetti’s advanced bagging systems are renowned for their versatility and accuracy. Designed to handle a range of bag types including: paper, polyethylene, and aluminum foil. These machines cater to various packaging needs, accommodating weights from 0.3 to 20 kg. The integration of advanced electronic control systems ensures precise dosing, minimizing product waste and ensuring consistency across batches.
Enhanced Operability. One of the standout features of Concetti machines is their user-friendly interface, allowing for quick changeovers between different products and bag types in approximately 60 seconds. This rapid adaptability is crucial for manufacturers dealing with multiple product lines, ensuring minimal downtime and increased productivity.
Concetti IMF Series – Versatile Mid-Range Bagging
Bag Weight Range: 5 to 55 lbs (2 to 25 kg)
Production Speed: Up to 1,800 bags per hour
Bag Types: Open-mouth, pre-made flat or gusseted bags
Materials Supported: Paper, coated paper, PE, aluminum
Closure Options: Simple sewing, sewing with crepe or adhesive tape, pinch-top (hot-melt) sealing, heat sealing
Ideal For: Medium-sized pet food products requiring flexibility in packaging materials
Concetti IGF Series – Heavy-Duty Bagging for Large Formats
Bag Weight Range: 10 to 110 lbs (5 to 50 kg)
Production Speed: Up to 1,200 bags per hour
Bag Types: Open-mouth, pre-made flat or gusseted bags; optional PE bags formed from tubular reels
Materials Supported: Paper, coated paper, PE, aluminum, woven polypropylene (PP)
Closure Options: Simple sewing, sewing with crepe or adhesive tape, pinch-top (hot-melt) sealing, heat sealing
Ideal For: Large-format pet food products, including bulk kibble and feed
Concetti STARPACK Series – High-Speed Bagging for Bulk Products
Bag Weight Range: 22 to 110 lbs (10 to 50 kg)
Production Speed: Up to 1,600 bags per hour
Bag Types: Open-mouth, pre-made gusseted, flat, pillow, or block/cross-bottom bags; optional PE bags formed from tubular reels
Materials Supported: Paper, coated paper, PE, aluminum, woven PP
Closure Options: Simple sewing, sewing with crepe or adhesive tape, pinch-top (hot-melt) sealing, heat sealing
Ideal For: High-volume pet food manufacturing requiring rapid changeovers and diverse packaging options
PSG Lee Pre-Made Pouch Baggers
Versatile Packaging Solutions. PSG Lee’s pre-made pouch baggers offer a comprehensive solution for various pet food products, including dry kibble, wet food, treats, and supplements. These machines support a variety of pouch styles, such as stand-up, gusseted, and zipper-sealed, providing manufacturers with the flexibility to meet diverse market demands.
Operational Efficiency. Equipped with features like the patented flexible fill funnel and diving mechanical zipper opening fingers, PSG Lee machines ensure smooth and efficient operations. Their high-speed capabilities, ranging from 30 to 180 pouches per minute depending on the model, coupled with touchscreen interfaces for easy troubleshooting and recipe management, make them a valuable asset in modern pet food manufacturing.
PSG Lee by Leepack RT-110 Series
Overview: The RT-110 series is a versatile rotary fill-and-seal machine ideal for both dry kibble and wet pet food products
Pouch Size Range:
Width: 100mm – 240
Height: 120mm – 520mm
- Length: Up to 350 mm
Speed: Up to 35 bags per minute (BPM) for 250g fills; approximately 8 BPM for 5kg fills
Stations: 10-station rotary system
- Ideal For: Manufacturers seeking flexibility in packaging various pet food products, from small pet treats to wet pet food.
PSG Lee by Leepack RT-110 Spouted Liquid Pouch Filler
Overview: The PSG Lee RT-110 is a 10-station rotary fill-seal machine designed for pre-made spouted pouches, making it ideal for packaging liquid and semi-liquid pet food products such as gravies, purees, and supplements.
Pouch Compatibility:
Width: 100 – 240 mm
Length: Up to 350 mm
Height: 120 – 520 mm
Types: Stand-up pouches with corner or center spouts
Filling System:
Type: Dual piston filler suitable for viscous products
- Speed:
Up to 35 pouches per minute for 250g fills
Approximately 8 pouches per minute for 5kg fills
- Ideal For: Pet food manufacturers aiming to package liquid or semi-liquid products efficiently, ensuring product integrity and extended shelf life through precise filling and secure sealing.
PSG Lee by Leeapck RD-314 Washdown Duplex Pouch Bagger
Overview: The PSG Lee RD-314 is a high-performance, duplex rotary fill-and-seal machine designed for efficient packaging of both dry and wet pet food products. Its washdown capabilities make it ideal for maintaining hygiene standards in food-grade environments.
- Pouch Size Range:
- Width: 100mm – 270mm (3.9″ – 10.6″)
- Length: Up to 350mm (13.8″)
- Speed: Up to 90 pouches per minute, depending on product characteristics and pouch size.
- Stations: 7-station rotary system
- Ideal for: Pet food manufacturers seeking a versatile and hygienic packaging solution capable of handling a variety of product types and pouch formats with high efficiency.
Meeting Pet Food Industry Demands
By integrating advanced sealing technologies, MAP capabilities, and hygienic designs, Concetti and PSG Lee (Leepack) provide pet food manufacturers in North America with the tools necessary to meet industry standards and consumer expectations.
Advanced Sealing capabilities
Sealing integrity is a critical compliance and quality factor in pet food packaging for several reasons:
Regulatory Standards: Both the FDA (U.S.) and CFIA (Canada) mandate that packaging must prevent contamination and maintain product integrity throughout shelf life.
Shelf Life & Freshness: A robust seal ensures oxygen, moisture, and pests are kept out, directly impacting product longevity and palatability.
Consumer Expectations: Today’s pet owners demand premium packaging that offers both resealability and visible security. A poor seal can lead to recalls, spoilage, or brand reputation damage.
Operational Efficiency: High-speed, reliable sealing reduces rework, downtime, and waste in fast-paced production environments.
When choosing a bagger, manufacturers must consider the sealing performance on the specific materials they use, how it integrates with product type (e.g., oily treats, powdery supplements, chunky wet food), and whether the seal format meets retail presentation and safety regulations in North American markets.
Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP)
Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) is a technology used to extend the shelf life of packaged pet foods by altering the internal atmosphere of the package – replacing oxygen with inert gases like nitrogen (N₂) or carbon dioxide (CO₂). The absence of oxygen significantly reduces oxidation, mold growth, and spoilage caused by aerobic bacteria.
MAP isn’t just a feature – it’s increasingly a requirement in premium pet food packaging.
Regulatory Compliance: Ensures product stability for extended shelf life as required by FDA and CFIA guidelines, particularly for export products or long retail cycles.
Consumer Assurance: Builds consumer trust with fresher-smelling, longer-lasting food that maintains taste, color, and texture—without relying solely on preservatives.
Brand Reputation: MAP helps prevent spoilage issues, product returns, and recalls—key to maintaining quality assurance in competitive retail spaces.
Retail Distribution: MAP extends logistical windows for shipping and retail display, enabling broader distribution without compromising product integrity.
Manufacturers evaluating baggers for pet food must confirm that the MAP system is integrated seamlessly with the machine’s dosing and sealing cycle—and that it supports the required gas purity, accuracy, and validation protocols.
Hygienic Design and Washdown Capabilities
Pet food, especially moist or supplement-infused products, is highly susceptible to microbial contamination. Equipment that processes, fills, or packages these products must be designed to prevent residue buildup, facilitate thorough sanitation, and comply with stringent food safety protocols. In North America, failure to maintain hygienic standards can result in product recalls, regulatory violations, or facility shutdowns.
- Food Safety Assurance: Reduces contamination risk and ensures regulatory compliance, avoiding costly recalls or shutdowns.
- Operational Efficiency: Enables quicker cleaning between product changeovers, reducing downtime and increasing OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness).
- Worker Safety: Designed to prevent slips, residue buildup, and bacterial aerosols during sanitation.
- Brand Trust: Clean, safe packaging environments reinforce quality assurance standards expected by pet owners and retailers.
Investing in machines with robust hygienic design is not optional – it’s a strategic necessity for any pet food manufacturer aiming to scale or export their products across North America under rigorous compliance frameworks.
Conclusion: Smart Packaging, Healthier Pets, Happier Customers
In an increasingly competitive pet food market, packaging is more than just a protective layer – it’s a vital link between product quality, pet health, and consumer trust. Innovations from leaders like Concetti and PSG Lee are not only driving production efficiency but also playing a direct role in preserving the nutritional integrity and safety of pet food. Advanced sealing, MAP systems, and hygienic machine designs help reduce contamination, extend shelf life, and lock in freshness, ensuring pets get the best every time. For consumers, this means greater confidence in the food they choose, fewer spoilage issues, and a more convenient, trustworthy experience.