Application & Technical Analysis of eight-Side Seal Pouch in the Pet Food Packaging
1. Market Demand
China’s pet food industry has witnessed rapid growth in recent years, with the market expected to exceed RMB 200 billion by 2025. As a critical part of the value chain, the packaging sector is growing at a compound annual rate of over 10%, driven by the following key factors:
(1) Rising Demand for Quality and Freshness
Modern pet owners expect freshness, safety, and functionality. To meet these needs, brands are turning to high-barrier, moisture-resistant packaging. With its strong seal and reclosable design, the eight-side seal pouch delivers both protection and a premium feel.
(2) Policy-Driven Sustainability
Regulations like the Circular Economy Promotion Law are accelerating the shift toward recyclable and biodegradable packaging. In response, more brands are embracing eco-friendly laminated films to meet both compliance and consumer expectations.
(3) E-commerce Demand
As online sales grow, packaging must offer compression resistance and leak protection. The eight-side seal pouch’s reinforced bottom structure ensures stability and is ideal for long-distance shipping.
(4) Brand Differentiation
Packaging design plays a key role in boosting brand recognition. The eight-side seal pouch offers five printable surfaces, providing ample space to showcase product details and brand identity.
2. Pouch Type Selection: Technical Advantages and Applications of Eight-Side Seal Pouch
In pet food packaging, the eight-side seal pouch has emerged as a leading choice due to the following features:
(1) Structural Stability
With a four-corner sealed base, the eight-side seal pouch stands upright even when empty—offering superior shelf presence compared to three-side seal or stand-up pouches. This reduces tipping risk and enhances product visibility at the point of sale.
(2) Balance of Display and Functionality
• Ample Print Area: With five visible panels—front, back, two sides, and top—the pouch offers generous space for product details such as ingredients, feeding instructions, and certifications, meeting consumers’ demand for transparency.
• Enhanced Shelf Impact: The distinctive eight-side structure creates a strong 3D visual effect. Combined with matte or glossy finishes, it elevates the product’s premium look and shelf appeal.
(3) Resealability and Product Protection
Equipped with reclosable zippers, eight-side seal pouches allow for multiple openings and closings while maintaining freshness and moisture resistance. This extends shelf life and makes them ideal for large-format dry pet food packaging.
Comparison with Other Pouch Types
• Three-Side Seal Pouch: Cost-effective but offers limited display space—more suited for budget products.
• Stand-Up Pouch: Requires content to maintain upright position and has lower load-bearing capacity.
• Shaped Pouch: Visually unique but less efficient to produce—best for niche, high-end items.
3. Laminated Film Structures: Material Combinations and Performance Optimization
The laminated structure of eight-side seal pouches must balance barrier performance, mechanical strength, and environmental sustainability. Common material combinations include:
(1) Base Layer: PET, PA
• PET (Polyester Film): Offers high tensile strength and serves as an excellent printing surface.
• PA (Nylon): Provides strong puncture resistance, protecting contents from compression and external impact.
(2) Barrier Layer: AL, EVOH
• AL (Aluminum Foil): Provides excellent barrier properties against light, oxygen, and moisture—ideal for extending shelf life.
• EVOH (Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol Copolymer): A more eco-friendly alternative, offering high transparency and good barrier performance—suitable for visible packaging.
(3) Sealant Layer: PE, CPP
• PE (Polyethylene): Cost-effective with stable heat-sealing performance.
• CPP (Cast Polypropylene): Heat-resistant and suitable for high-temperature sterilization processes.
Sustainability Trend
Biodegradable materials such as PLA and PBAT, along with mono-material recyclable structures like all-PE or all-PP, are gaining traction as eco-conscious alternatives.
4. Specialized Processes: Enhanced Functionality and Production Efficiency
(1) Reclosable Zipper Technology
Using ultrasonic sealing, zippers are integrated into the pouch opening, enabling multiple reseals and improving moisture resistance by over 30%.
(2) Anti-Counterfeiting and Traceability
Variable QR code printing allows consumers to trace product batches and raw material origins with a simple scan.
(3) Custom Die-Cutting & Spot Finishing
• Shaped Openings: Designed for easier pouring and reduced waste.
• Spot UV Coating: Highlights brand logos and enhances tactile appeal.
(4) Automation for Production Efficiency
Integrated high-speed gravure printing and eight-side seal pouch-making lines support daily outputs of over 100,000 bags, reducing labor errors and ensuring consistent quality.
With its structural advantages and compatibility with advanced processing, the eight-side seal pouch has become the preferred choice for pet food packaging. Looking ahead, as material innovation and smart technologies converge, this pouch format will further drive the industry toward greater efficiency, sustainability, and added value.
