Efficient cardboard packaging for pet food, pet snacks and specialty feeds
The pet food market is booming – and so are the demands on end-of-line packaging: growing product variety, a rising premium segment, multi-pack solutions with mixed cartons and the trend toward sustainable packaging require flexible, high-performance and future-proof packaging solutions.
SOMIC develops modular packaging machines that securely pack your pre-packaged pet food products into attractive shelf-ready cartons. With a wide range of formats, varying package sizes and increasing sustainability requirements, our solutions put you in an excellent position.
Machine solutions for the pet food industry
For more than 50 years SOMIC has developed end-of-line packaging machines for the food and consumer goods industries. Our packaging machines for pet food reliably cartonize pre-packaged dog, cat, bird and specialty foods into high-quality cardboard outer packaging – whether dry food in bags, wet food in trays or premium snacks in folding cartons.
Maximum flexibility in the packaging process
From collecting and grouping to closing: SOMIC automates all process steps in end-of-line packaging that require high performance and maximum precision. In addition, various formats can be accommodated on a SOMIC packaging machine. Future market-driven changes or adjustments are possible at any time with SOMIC's modular system.
Your benefits:
- Modular system kit: SOMIC packaging machines can be individually adapted to your products and processes
- Product-friendly: Gentle handling of delicate packaging such as aluminum trays, pouches and folding cartons
- Fast format change: Up to 70% time savings through automatic format adjustment (with a SOMIC 434) and SOMIC QuickChange
- Compact footprint: Space-saving, compact design - also for easy integration into existing pet food lines
- Lifecycle service: Worldwide support with helpdesk, remote maintenance, spare parts service and training programs
cardboard packaging
Pet food packaging: single- or multi-component, as required.
For optimal presentation of your pet food products in specialist and retail trade, we develop the ideal packaging solution for your final packaging. Our packaging machines produce shelf-ready cartons in a wide range of formats – from single-piece trays, wraparound carton and regular slotted case (RSC) to multi-part cover/tray packaging solutions. Thanks to interchangeable format parts, you can switch flexibly between predefined packaging variants – ideal for frequent assortment changes and seasonal promotions.
Tray carton
Wraparound carton
RSC carton
Safe transport and first-class quality thanks to SOMIC
Rely on our expertise and professional packaging solutions for the optimal end-of-line packaging of your pet food products. Our machines process a wide range of cardboard materials reliably and efficiently – tailored to the specific requirements of the pet food industry.
SOMIC packaging machines process corrugated cardboard cartons in a wide range of material thicknesses – from compact solid board through E-Welle (approx. 1.5 mm) and the common B-Welle (approx. 3 mm) to the robust C-Welle (approx. 4 mm). They also reliably and with stable process performance handle heavy-duty cartons for large bulk containers and multipacks, as commonly used in the pet food industry. Other material thicknesses and special materials are available on request.
The pet food industry is characterized by an exceptionally wide range of products and package sizes – from small snack pouches to large bags of dry food. Each product places specific demands on secondary packaging:
- Transport protection: Secure outer packaging, even for sensitive pet food products.
- Stackability: Precise shaping for secure stacking during transport and storage.
- Shelf presentation: Shelf-ready designs for direct use on the retail shelf.
- Coding and labeling: Integration of labeling and printing are possible.
We analyze your specific product requirements and work with you to develop the appropriate packaging solution.
Sustainability is rapidly gaining importance in the pet food industry – driven both by regulatory requirements and by growing environmental awareness among pet owners. SOMIC supports your sustainability goals:
- Optimized material usage: Precise folding processes minimize cardboard consumption.
- Recyclable materials: Support in transitioning from shrink film to cardboard packaging.
- Energy efficiency: Modern drive technology reduces energy consumption.
- Longevity: Engineered for exceptional durability, delivering a lifespan of 20+ years whilst requiring minimal use of resources.
With SOMIC you are investing in packaging solutions that combine ecological and economic benefits – a growing competitive advantage in the premium pet food segment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions about our packaging solutions for pet food
Our packaging machines offer packaging solutions for the entire pet food industry:
- Wet food: trays, pouches and cans for dogs and cats
- Dry food: stand-up pouches and folding cartons
- Snacks & treats: chew sticks, chew bones, dried meat and premium snacks
- Cat stick packs and mini portion pouches
- Bird feed, rodent and small pet feed
- Nutritional supplements and supplements for pets
- Variety packs and mixed cartons with different varieties
Thanks to the modular design, different product types and primary packaging can be processed on a single machine.
Variety packs are a key trend in the pet food industry. SOMIC offers intelligent packaging solutions for consolidation and grouping that flexibly combine different varieties, flavours and packaging formats into a mixed carton.
Yes, our packaging machines are designed to handle a wide range of weight classes – from lightweight 50g snack pouches to heavy multipacks of 12 or more cans. Thanks to the robust machine construction and precise product guidance, even heavy packages are processed reliably and gently to protect the product. Trays with support ledges or stacking corners provide additional stability during transport.
Depending on the machine configuration, we produce open trays for rapid shelf replenishment, wraparound cartons and RSC cartons for maximum transport protection, display packaging with tear-open perforation for shelf presentation, as well as two-piece tray/cover and cover/tray packaging's. On our machine types SOMIC 434 TDW or DTW, nearly all carton variants can be produced on a single machine.
Yes, SOMIC packaging machines are configured individually to your requirements and adapted to the on-site conditions. The compact footprint enables space-saving integration even into existing production halls. Connection to upstream filling and closing machines as well as downstream palletizers is carried out via standardized interfaces. The machines are commissioned and tested at SOMIC in advance with original products (FAT – Factory Acceptance Test), so that after on-site installation only fine-tuning is required.
Our commitment to the highest reliability does not end with installation. The SOMIC lifecycle service portfolio includes:
- Digital Services: Camera-based fault analysis and automated networking for improved support and better-informed operational decisions.
- Spare Parts: Worldwide delivery with express shipping for production-critical parts.
- Technical Support: Personal support from qualified technicians – by phone and via remote access.
- Training: Practical training programs for operators and technicians – on site or at our facilities.
- Maintenance: Experienced service technicians available worldwide ensure maintenance, repairs and extended machine service life.
- Upgrade and Modification: Retrofitting of new formats, modernizations and functional modifications by our expert team.
Learn more about SOMIC Service
Let us advise you!
Would you like to expand your pet food packaging lines, optimize your processes or automate the packaging process? Whether wet food multipacks, premium snack displays or variety packs – we have the ideal packaging solution for your packaging task. Contact us:
Phone: +49 8075 916-0
E-mail: info(at)somic(dot)de