Mylar Is The Best Choice For Pet Foods Packaging

A RUFUS Reading Room Article - 520 Words

RUFUS BFF Mylar bag with Kraft paper backing (cosmetic purposes)

Consumer and Market Trends: There's a growing preference for packaging that avoids the plastics, BPA (Bisphenol A) and BPS (Bisphenol S), due to health concerns. That makes the usage of materials such as Mylar, or other alternatives, desirable.  When comparing Mylar with other plastics for pet treat packaging, it is preferable to most other plastics, especially BPA and BPS.  Bio-based packaging materials are becoming more available, but currently they are relatively scarce and even more expensive than Mylar.

Mylar Advantages:

  • Health and Safety: Mylar, or metallized PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate), doesn't contain BPA or BPS, chemicals known for potential health concerns. This makes Mylar a safer choice for pet food contact, reducing the risk of chemicals leaching into food. RUFUS BFF Mylar packaging is FDA (U.S. Federal Drug Administration)  approved.
        • BPA and BPS:
          • Health Concerns: BPA, and to some extent BPS, are alleged to have some degree of endocrine-disrupting properties, potentially leading to health issues like hormonal imbalance and reproductive issues.
          • Environmental Impact: BPA and BPS do not biodegrade easily and can leach into water sources and soil, affecting wildlife and ecosystems. Their production and disposal can contribute to environmental pollution.
    • Barrier Properties: Mylar offers excellent barrier properties against oxygen, moisture, and light, which are crucial for maintaining the freshness and nutritional value of food, especially over extended time. 
    • Heat Stability: The base material, which is a form of polyester (PET), has inherent thermal stability. Mylar can withstand temperatures up to around 200°F (93°C) for short periods without significant degradation.
    • No Chemical Leaching: Mylar does not leach chemicals into food, unlike some plastics, which can degrade over time, especially when exposed to heat or UV light. This is particularly important for pet food, where health and safety are paramount.
    • Superior Barrier Protection
        • Oxygen and Moisture Resistance: Mylar provides an exceptional barrier against oxygen and moisture, which are primary culprits in food degradation. This means your BFF's food remains fresher for longer, preserving nutritional value and flavor.
        • Protection Against External Contaminants: Unlike many commonly used pet food packaging plastics, Mylar shields the contents from odors, vapors, and contaminants, ensuring that the food inside remains stable.
    • Durability: Mylar bags are puncture-resistant and durable, reducing the likelihood of damage during transport and storage, thus minimizing food waste.
    • Recyclability: Generally, Mylar can be recycled, though this depends on local recycling facilities' capabilities. It's more environmentally friendly than non-recyclable plastics.

     Disadvantages: The Only Mylar Disadvantage is Cost. Mylar packaging is simply more expensive due to the materials and manufacturing processes used.

     

    Comparative Summary:

    • Safety: Mylar stands out for not containing known harmful chemicals like BPA and BPS, offering a safer alternative for food contact.
    • Functionality: For long-term storage where barrier properties are crucial, Mylar excels. For applications requiring resistance to extremely high temperatures, BPA/BPS plastics might still be preferred, but this comes with health trade-offs.  In the normal course of shipment, usage and storage, Mylar's 200°F (93°C) heat limit threshold exceeds the conditions that would be expected to be encountered.
    • Environmental Footprint: While Mylar has better recyclability, the overall environmental impact also depends on its end-of-life management. BPA and BPS, however, pose more significant ecological and health risks due to their persistence and potential to contaminate.