Wet Pet Food Packaging: Why Aluminum Trays Are Winning

# Wet Pet Food Packaging: Why Aluminum Trays Are Winning

On November 2, 2026, packaging giant Amcor released a survey of 2,457 wet pet food buyers across 6 European countries. Aluminum trays outperformed metal cans on ease of opening, safety, and other functional attributes.

Background

• Company: Amcor (global packaging leader)
• Sample: 2,457 wet pet food buyers, 6 European countries
• Comparison: Aluminum tray vs metal can
• Finding: Trays win on ease of use and safety

Why are aluminum trays rising?

1. Ease of use

• Easy-open, no can opener needed
• Cans require tools, inconvenient for elderly and children
• Trays can be microwaved directly

2. Safety

• Can lids have sharp edges
• Trays have smooth edges
• Less risk of cuts

3. Visibility

• Clear lid shows contents
• Consumers can see what's inside
• Cans are opaque

4. Portability

• Lightweight, easy to carry
• Cans are heavy
• Trays can serve as bowls directly

5. Sustainability

• Aluminum recyclable
• Lower transport emissions
• Cans also recyclable but heavier

Wet packaging comparison

| Type | Cost | Ease | Visibility | Portability | Shelf Life |

|------|------|------|-----------|-------------|------------|

| Metal can | Medium | Low | None | Low | Long |

| Aluminum tray | Med-High | High | Yes | High | Medium |

| Soft pouch | Low | High | None | High | Medium |

| Cup | Medium | High | Yes | Medium | Medium |

How co-packers should prepare

1. Packaging lines — tray sealing, pouch filling, cup filling

2. Formula adaptation — different viscosity for different formats

3. Compliance — migration testing, shelf-life validation

4. Sampling — small batch, quick format changeover

How brands should choose

Premium positioning

• Aluminum tray — quality feel, visible contents
• Good for meat chunks
• Higher price point

Value positioning

• Soft pouch — lower cost
• Good for everyday wet food
• Mainstream choice

On-the-go

• Cup — eat directly
• Good for travel
• Differentiated

Judgment

• Wet food packaging is upgrading
• Aluminum tray is the premium trend
• Pouch remains mainstream
• Co-packers need multi-format capability

If you're looking for a wet food co-packer with multiple packaging formats (aluminum tray, pouch, cup), Mixiaoqi pet food OEM/ODM has wet food lines with format-switching capability.

FAQ

Is aluminum tray more expensive than cans?

About 10-20% more, but with higher price potential.

Is shelf life shorter?

Shorter than cans, longer than pouches.

Is aluminum tray common in China?

Growing — premium brands are starting to use it.