PetFood PRO 2/2026
We publish feature articles, reports and announcements about new ingredients, technology, equipment and processes, packaging machinery and materials as well as marketing trends and developments. Readers are executives, product developers and specialists in the pet food industry, including process and packaging engineers. PetFood PRO will be published in English. Circulation is worldwide, with an emphasis on important growth markets.
We publish feature articles, reports and announcements about new ingredients, technology, equipment and processes, packaging machinery and materials as well as marketing trends and developments. Readers are executives, product developers and specialists in the pet food industry, including process and packaging engineers. PetFood PRO will be published in English. Circulation is worldwide, with an emphasis on important growth markets.
- No tags were found...
Transform your PDFs into Flipbooks and boost your revenue!
Leverage SEO-optimized Flipbooks, powerful backlinks, and multimedia content to professionally showcase your products and significantly increase your reach.
International Magazine May <strong>2026</strong> ISSN 2628-5851<br />
Technology & Marketing 2/26<br />
Ingredients: Pet Wellbeing, Collagen, Botanical Extracts, Starch for Wet Petfood, Humanization<br />
Processing: Extrusion, Petfood Safety, Flexible Dosing, Cutting and Separation<br />
Packaging: Clip Packaging, Food-Grade Recycling, Flexible Packaging, interpack <strong>2026</strong><br />
Marketing: Interzoo <strong>2026</strong>, Caring for Cats, China International Pet Show, Pet Fair Asia
MORE THAN<br />
PALATANTS.<br />
SOLUTIONS.<br />
visit us<br />
HALL 6-321<br />
AFB is more than just palatants. We provide custom solutions to<br />
improve pet food palatability, meet attribute requirements, achieve<br />
performance targets, and deliver technical objectives.<br />
CLEAN<br />
LABEL<br />
SUSTAINABLE<br />
INGREDIENTS<br />
FUNCTIONAL<br />
INGREDIENTS<br />
SPECIALIZED<br />
DIETS<br />
Our experts will collaborate with you to find the best solutions for<br />
your brand. We are your global partner!<br />
Argentina | Australia | Brazil | China | Mexico | Netherlands | United States | Thailand | afbinternational.com<br />
© <strong>2026</strong> AFB International
EDITORIAL<br />
Pet Parenting –<br />
Always a Challenge<br />
My first visit to a petfood show was<br />
fascinating. Apart from all the expected<br />
things like food, leashes, collars and other<br />
similar accessories, even jackets and toys, I<br />
found push chairs, remote feeding systems<br />
and then a birthday table, including a<br />
cake, fit for a five year old princess. It was<br />
beautifully made and rather cute, but<br />
brought up the question, why?<br />
It is always a question between pet owners<br />
and non-pet owners: why? Shouldn’t cats<br />
be fed cat food and dogs dog food? Is this<br />
not the case with birds, hamsters, guinea<br />
pigs, rabbits, etc.? How much of the trend<br />
towards humanisation is marketing by<br />
the petfood industry, or is it based on the<br />
wishes of the pet parents themselves?<br />
A recent survey by Mintel underlined some<br />
of the expectations which pet owners<br />
have for their furry partners, as they open<br />
up to the idea of a new family member.<br />
Personalised well-being was described<br />
as very important – 61 percent of US pet<br />
owners agree that their pet’s happiness<br />
and wellbeing is more important than<br />
their own. Regarding food quality, 74<br />
percent of US owners in the same survey<br />
agree that pet food should be as good as<br />
human food, highlighting the expectation<br />
that pets deserve the same quality and<br />
care as people when it comes to nutrition.<br />
Many cynics claim that pet food is of a<br />
highter quality than human food anyway.<br />
Do the animals themselves really care?<br />
How much of their food do animals like as<br />
it is? How can they express themselves? In<br />
the end, an animal can think something,<br />
but if the owner does not agree, that<br />
product will not be bought again. At best<br />
human-like food is good for our furry<br />
children. At worst it does not harm them.<br />
At the end of the day, if a dog is healthy<br />
and happy, then everything is good. A<br />
cat is rarely happy, but its health can be<br />
measured.<br />
The trend towards humanising food<br />
seems almost to be a throwback to the<br />
olden days. In fact it is a new trend seen<br />
from the opposite side. The humanisation<br />
of pets, and the children-like coddling,<br />
means we should all eat the same food,<br />
no? Previously dogs got leftovers, now the<br />
idea is that petfood is made fit for human<br />
consumption.<br />
Ian D. Healey, Editor-in-Chief, with Natz<br />
At the upcoming Interzoo one company<br />
is ready to challenge our thoughts and<br />
perceptions. Barentz is offering visitors a<br />
chance to sample wet cat food and give<br />
their opinion on the results. Cat food in<br />
human quality? Have we come full circle?<br />
Look out for that at Interzoo! I'm ready to<br />
try it.<br />
Sincerely<br />
Photo: Alex Schunder<br />
If you like it subscribe!<br />
Issue 2 <strong>2026</strong><br />
3
CONTENTS<br />
International Magazine May <strong>2026</strong> ISSN 2628-5851<br />
Technology & Marketing 2/26<br />
Issue 2 May <strong>2026</strong><br />
Interzoo organizer WZF reports triple digit growth in exhibitor numbers compared<br />
to the previous edition. The exhibition area now spans 15 exhibition halls –<br />
one more than in 2024. “The sharp rise in exhibitor numbers and the high level of<br />
international participation from around 70 countries highlights the pet sector’s keen<br />
interest in Interzoo and once again demonstrates the global significance of Interzoo<br />
as the meeting place for the international pet industry,” says Gordon Bonnet, CEO of<br />
WZF/ZZF.<br />
Ingredients: Pet Wellbeing, Collagen, Botanical Extracts, Starch for Wet Petfood, Humanization<br />
Processing: Extrusion, Petfood Safety, Flexible Dosing, Cutting and Separation<br />
Packaging: Clip Packaging, Food-Grade Recycling, Flexible Packaging, interpack <strong>2026</strong><br />
Marketing: Interzoo <strong>2026</strong>, Caring for Cats, China International Pet Show, Pet Fair Asia<br />
Read our cover story on page 6 and impressions from Interzoo on page 48/49.<br />
Cover photos: Dr. Harnisch Publications / Interzoo / Adobe Stock<br />
Ingredients<br />
Processing<br />
9 Beyond Nutrition: the Rise of Functional Pet Wellbeing<br />
11 Collagen Blend for Pet Food Launched at Interzoo <strong>2026</strong><br />
12 Pet Food as a Functional Health Vehicle<br />
16 New Starch-based Product for Cat and Dog Applications<br />
17 Seamless Fish Oil Replacement Launched at Petfood Forum<br />
18 Improved Pet Wellbeing through Healthy, Enjoyable,<br />
Human-like Food Experiences<br />
21 Complete Pet Food Extrusion Lines Built for Performance,<br />
From Idea to Production<br />
22 Pet Food Safety: Why is Salmonella Detection so Difficult<br />
24 How a trio of cutting machines is shaping next-generation<br />
petfood production<br />
28 Flexible Dosing Solutions for Classic and Innovative Petfood<br />
32 Innovation in Pet Food: The Seydelmann Cutting Drum –<br />
Product Safety in a League of Its Own<br />
The broader pet food industry is moving toward substantiated<br />
health claims as a competitive requirement rather than a<br />
differentiating luxury. Regulatory scrutiny is increasing, and<br />
consumers are demanding greater transparency about what<br />
goes into their pets' food. For ingredient suppliers, this means<br />
that clinical evidence, manufacturing quality, and supply chain<br />
traceability are no longer optional extras. See page 12.<br />
The new Cutting Drum is a specially designed cutting system for<br />
meat grinders. It is used in place of the conventional cutting set<br />
or a separation set and significantly expands the functionality<br />
of the meat grinder. While conventional separation sets perform<br />
well in removing hard components such as tendons, cartilage,<br />
and bone fragments, they reach their limits with soft components<br />
and foreign objects. Full details in the story starting on p. 32.<br />
4<br />
Technology & Marketing
Departments<br />
3 Editorial<br />
52 Upcoming Events / Impressum<br />
Events / Marketing<br />
46 CIPS <strong>2026</strong><br />
48 Interzoo<br />
50 Common Nutritional Deficiencies in Cats<br />
i<br />
connect ng minds<br />
51 Pet Fair Asia<br />
Packaging<br />
36 Poly-clip System: Efficient, scalable, and sustainable<br />
packaging solutions for all industries<br />
38 Korozo Group is Redefining the Future of Flexible Packaging<br />
shaping<br />
futures<br />
40 Nextek and Coveris Launch Fully Operational Demonstration<br />
Plant for Food-Grade Recycling<br />
43 Natoo Brings Verified Sustainability Claims to Shelf<br />
Clip packaging is realizing its potential in both food and<br />
non-food: it is successful in many areas of meat and sausage<br />
products, while its advantages can also be exploited in other<br />
applications. Compared to traditional packaging forms such as<br />
cans, thermoformed packaging or tubes, clip solutions reduce<br />
material usage and CO₂ emissions. They enable savings in<br />
weight, resources and transport costs. Please read page 36.<br />
094/2025<br />
ZMRK25R2S1<br />
Issue 2 <strong>2026</strong><br />
5
COVER STORY<br />
Interzoo <strong>2026</strong>:<br />
The world’s leading trade fair for the pet<br />
industry is set to be more diverse and<br />
international than ever.<br />
With less than a month to go before its opening, Interzoo <strong>2026</strong> (12–15 May <strong>2026</strong>), the world’s leading trade<br />
fair, will host over 2,350 exhibitors from five continents. As a place for thought leadership in the international<br />
pet industry, Interzoo also offers a comprehensive supporting programme. Already on 11 May, the Interzoo<br />
Sustainability Conference and the Petfood Forum Europe will take place. With Interzoo Groomers' Day on 14<br />
May <strong>2026</strong>, the international grooming community will have its own dedicated event. The programme will also<br />
feature Academy Sessions and start-up presentations, as well as a new stage with insights into international<br />
procurement and supply chains.<br />
Photos: Interzoo<br />
Interzoo organiser WZF GmbH – Pet<br />
Industry Services (WZF) reports tripledigit<br />
growth in exhibitor numbers<br />
compared to the previous edition. The<br />
gross exhibition area has increased by<br />
around 10,000 square metres (+7%) and<br />
now spans 15 exhibition halls – one more<br />
than in 2024. “The sharp rise in exhibitor<br />
numbers and the high level of international<br />
participation from around 70 countries<br />
highlights the pet sector’s keen interest in<br />
Interzoo and once again demonstrates the<br />
global significance of Interzoo as a physical<br />
meeting place for the international pet<br />
industry,” says Gordon Bonnet, CEO of WZF<br />
Gordon Bonnet<br />
and ZZF, German Pet Trade and Industry<br />
Association, the honorary sponsor of<br />
Interzoo. “With around 150,000 square<br />
meters of gross exhibition space – the<br />
highest figure ever recorded – Interzoo is<br />
featuring a unique variety of product and<br />
brand presentations, offering something for<br />
everyone and bringing the entire world of<br />
pets to life through all the senses.”<br />
Global market overview<br />
The world comes together at Interzoo:<br />
Nearly 88% of the exhibitors are from<br />
abroad. Following Germany, the countries<br />
with the highest number of exhibitors<br />
6<br />
Technology & Marketing
Slice | Dice | Strip | Shred | Mill<br />
www.urschel.com<br />
Pet Food<br />
Cutting Solutions<br />
Rely on Urschel, The Global Leader in<br />
Food Cutting Technology, to deliver<br />
cutting solutions for all types of pet<br />
food products.<br />
From slices and dices of chubs<br />
and preformed logs to flake<br />
cutting meat or emulsifying<br />
fish products, Urschel excels<br />
at meeting yourprocessing goals.<br />
Explore pet food cutting<br />
solutions at urschel.com.<br />
#1 Best selling provider<br />
of industrial cutting machinery<br />
throughout the world<br />
® Urschel, Urschel logo symbol, and The Global Leader in Food Cutting<br />
Technology are registered trademarks of Urschel Laboratories, Inc. U.S.A.<br />
2630<strong>PetFood</strong>CuttingSolutionsDCAC3640A<strong>PetFood</strong>ProA4.indd 1<br />
4/7/26 10:48 AM
COVER STORY<br />
are China, Italy, Turkey, the Netherlands,<br />
Belgium, Spain, the USA, Poland and the<br />
UK. New exhibiting countries that were<br />
not present at the previous Interzoo 2024<br />
are Egypt, Kazakhstan, Mexico and Saudi<br />
Arabia. A total of 16 country pavilions will<br />
be on display, representing China, France,<br />
the UK, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Canada,<br />
Malaysia, Spain, Sri Lanka, South Korea,<br />
Taiwan, Thailand, the Czech Republic,<br />
Turkey and the USA. Turkey, Thailand and<br />
Spain are represented with their own<br />
country pavilions for the first time.<br />
In terms of exhibition space, Interzoo has<br />
seen a significant increase in the number<br />
of stands from European countries, as well<br />
as from North and South America and<br />
Asia. This is due both to the increase in the<br />
number of exhibitors and to the fact that<br />
exhibitors have expanded their stands.<br />
Dr Rowena Arzt<br />
Dr Rowena Arzt, Head of Exhibitions at<br />
Interzoo organizer WZF GmbH, says, “The<br />
growing demand from every continent<br />
confirms that Interzoo is an essential<br />
meeting place for industry decision-makers<br />
worldwide. Trade fairs reflect market<br />
trends and serve as a marketplace for<br />
opportunities. At Interzoo, global business<br />
contacts are maintained and new supplier<br />
relationships established. The entire pet<br />
industry comes together in Nuremberg<br />
during Interzoo, acting as a catalyst for<br />
the sector. At the world’s leading trade fair,<br />
innovations are presented, developments<br />
are discussed, and tomorrow's trends<br />
emerge. Many exhibitors focus their product<br />
development specifically on Interzoo, using<br />
our trade fair as a platform for the world<br />
premiere of their innovations.”<br />
Interzoo <strong>2026</strong> offers a wide<br />
range of products*<br />
A lot of Interzoo exhibitors operate in<br />
several segments. 1,703 companies offer<br />
products for dogs, and 1,378 present<br />
products for cats. 288 exhibitors showcase<br />
food and accessories for small animals and<br />
rodents. Visitors can discover the latest<br />
aquatics products from 233 exhibitors,<br />
while 100 exhibitors are showcasing new<br />
terrarium equipment. 191 exhibitors are<br />
presenting products for ornamental birds.<br />
A total of 235 exhibitors will be providing<br />
industry professionals with solutions in<br />
the field of pet food technology. Interzoo<br />
<strong>2026</strong> is dedicating a separate industry<br />
event to this key theme, the Petfood<br />
Forum Europe.<br />
A varied supporting<br />
programme<br />
Interest in Interzoo and its accompanying<br />
events is also highly international among<br />
visitors: currently, 74% of ticket bookings<br />
are from outside Germany. Visitors from<br />
all five continents have registered. As<br />
well as doing business, visitors expect<br />
to have opportunities to network and<br />
exchange ideas with experts, as well as<br />
to gain exclusive insights into industry<br />
trends. Interzoo caters specifically to<br />
these interests with its varied supporting<br />
programme. On the day preceding the<br />
official commencement of the trade<br />
fair (11 May), the Interzoo Sustainability<br />
Conference will be taking place. Elliott<br />
Harris, former Deputy Secretary-General<br />
of the United Nations, will be delivering<br />
the keynote address.<br />
The conference will offer CSR managers<br />
and sustainability experts in the pet<br />
industry practical recommendations for<br />
implementing changing regulations,<br />
strategic perspectives, and numerous<br />
networking opportunities. On the same<br />
day, the Petfood Forum Europe will<br />
take place, focusing on manufacturing<br />
processes and ingredients in pet food. On<br />
13 May <strong>2026</strong>, the first Women in Petfood<br />
Leadership Event in Europe will be held. A<br />
day later, on 14 May <strong>2026</strong>, groomers and<br />
professionals in the pet care sector can<br />
take advantage of the full-day programme<br />
of the first Interzoo Groomers' Day. All<br />
four events will be held in English, with<br />
a German translation provided at the<br />
Interzoo Groomers' Day.<br />
At the new Sourcing Stage in Hall 12,<br />
visitors can find out about the latest<br />
trends, challenges and solutions in<br />
international procurement processes and<br />
network with colleagues from around<br />
the world. Six Academy Sessions offer<br />
insights into different regions, as well as<br />
the topics of healthcare and social media.<br />
On the Fresh Ideas Stage, 36 start-ups and<br />
innovative companies will present new<br />
ideas for the industry.<br />
“With its unique combination of market<br />
insights, innovative special exhibition<br />
areas, and events on current topics such as<br />
sustainability, Interzoo reflects the creativity<br />
and transformative power of the entire pet<br />
industry value chain. As the world’s leading<br />
international trade fair, it provides guidance<br />
and inspiration to a diversifying industry.<br />
This is where the industry comes together<br />
to cultivate international contacts, conduct<br />
business and engage in high-level dialogue.”<br />
summarizes Dr Rowena Arzt.<br />
*Data source: Exhibitors’ product group classifi cations on<br />
www.interzoo.com, 31 March <strong>2026</strong><br />
Technology & Marketing<br />
For more information<br />
www.interzoo.com<br />
8<br />
Technology & Marketing
Beyond Nutrition: the Rise of<br />
Functional Pet Wellbeing<br />
INGREDIENTS<br />
The global pet care market is undergoing a structural shift. As pets are increasingly recognized as full members<br />
of the family, expectations are rising accordingly.<br />
Today’s pet owners increasingly complement<br />
high-quality nutrition with advanced,<br />
science-based solutions that<br />
support long-term wellbeing, help<br />
prevent health issues, and improve quality<br />
of life throughout the animal’s lifespan.<br />
This shift is reflected in a growing market<br />
focus on functional supplementation<br />
and proactive health support, driven by<br />
both consumer awareness and veterinary<br />
guidance. This transformation is creating a<br />
clear opportunity for companies capable<br />
of delivering innovation with strong<br />
scientific credibility.<br />
In this context, the Italian company<br />
SOLUTIA VET&PET srl stands out as a<br />
new-generation player, combining crosssector<br />
expertise with a strong focus on<br />
functional wellbeing and proactive care.<br />
At the core of SOLUTIA VET&PET lies a set<br />
of values rooted in a structured ecosystem<br />
of expertise, research, and innovation,<br />
developed through shared vision and<br />
strong synergies across disciplines. This<br />
foundation shapes the company’s identity<br />
and guides every strategic and operational<br />
decision toward an approach that combines<br />
scientific rigor, sustainability, and a<br />
deep commitment to animal wellbeing.<br />
Passion, professionalism, and technical<br />
competence are central to this vision,<br />
reflecting the awareness that in the<br />
veterinary field, care must be supported<br />
by validated, effective, and safe solutions.<br />
At the same time, the company embraces<br />
the contemporary view of pets as integral<br />
members of the family, recognizing that<br />
improving their quality of life contributes<br />
directly to the wellbeing of the households<br />
they are part of. Innovation is pursued<br />
responsibly, balancing performance with<br />
environmental awareness and sustainable<br />
practices, while a strong sense of accountability<br />
drives continuous attention to<br />
quality, safety, and ethical standards.<br />
This is reinforced by a commitment to<br />
transparency and controlled supply<br />
chains, ensuring clarity and traceability<br />
at every stage. Together, these principles<br />
translate into a concrete commitment to<br />
advancing a more responsible, evolved,<br />
and integrated model of animal health.<br />
A One Health vision applied to<br />
pet care<br />
SOLUTIA VET&PET operates with a clear<br />
strategic positioning aligned with the<br />
principles of One Health, recognizing<br />
that human and animal wellbeing<br />
are deeply interconnected. This is not<br />
simply a conceptual framework, but a<br />
practical approach that guides product<br />
development and market strategy.<br />
While nutrition remains a cornerstone of<br />
pet health, it is no longer sufficient on<br />
its own to meet the evolving demands<br />
of the market. The future of the industry<br />
lies in integration, where nutrition is<br />
complemented by targeted, functional<br />
solutions that support physiological<br />
balance, address specific needs, and<br />
contribute to healthy aging and longevity.<br />
As companion animals live longer, the<br />
focus is shifting toward maintaining<br />
vitality and preserving quality of life<br />
over time. This evolution requires a new<br />
category of solutions designed not only to<br />
respond to issues, but to actively support<br />
the animal throughout its life cycle.<br />
SOLUTIA VET&PET is uniquely positioned<br />
to address this need thanks to its origins<br />
within an Italian group specialized in<br />
human wellbeing at 360°, with established<br />
expertise in nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and<br />
medical devices. This background enables<br />
the transfer of advanced technologies,<br />
formulation know-how, and quality<br />
standards from human health into the<br />
pet care sector, creating a distinctive and<br />
competitive offering.<br />
Photos: solutia<br />
From cross-sector expertise to<br />
market-ready solutions<br />
One of the key differentiators of SOLUTIA<br />
VET&PET lies in its access to advanced<br />
technologies and research platforms<br />
developed within its parent group. Although<br />
formulations are specifically<br />
designed for veterinary applications, the<br />
transfer of technological expertise enables<br />
the company to maintain a high level of<br />
scientific rigor while delivering solutions<br />
that are both effective and marketrelevant.<br />
All activities are conducted<br />
under the supervision of a veterinary-led<br />
technical direction, ensuring consistency<br />
with animal health standards, safety, and<br />
clinical applicability.<br />
This approach also ensures strong usability<br />
and real-world applicability. The<br />
development process is designed so that<br />
each product delivers measurable value,<br />
combining carefully selected ingredients<br />
with targeted functionality. Particular<br />
attention is given to palatability and ease<br />
of administration, as compliance remains<br />
a key factor in achieving consistent results<br />
and customer satisfaction.<br />
PAWNEER®: a platform for<br />
functional pet wellbeing<br />
At the centre of the company’s strategy is<br />
PAWNEER®, a product line developed to<br />
meet the growing demand for functional<br />
solutions focused on health maintenance<br />
and support.<br />
PAWNEER® is positioned as a complementary<br />
layer to nutrition, addressing<br />
Issue 2 <strong>2026</strong><br />
9
INGREDIENTS<br />
a key gap in the market. The line offers<br />
targeted support designed to maintain<br />
physiological balance, enhance daily wellbeing,<br />
and support healthier aging in<br />
companion animals. This positioning is<br />
fully aligned with current market dynamics,<br />
where functional supplementation is a<br />
fast-evolving segments within pet care.<br />
This proactive approach reflects a broader<br />
shift in consumer behavior, where pet<br />
owners are increasingly focused on<br />
prevention, longevity, and quality of<br />
life. PAWNEER® enables distributors and<br />
partners to respond to this demand with a<br />
differentiated and high-value proposition.<br />
More than a product line, it is a platform<br />
for growth within a segment that is<br />
expanding rapidly and remains far from<br />
saturation.<br />
A dual market access strategy<br />
SOLUTIA VET&PET adopts a flexible goto-market<br />
model designed to maximize<br />
both reach and credibility. On one<br />
side, the company works closely with<br />
veterinary professionals, who play a key<br />
role in guiding pet health decisions and<br />
recommending scientifically grounded<br />
solutions.<br />
At the same time, SOLUTIA VET&PET<br />
engages directly with end consumers<br />
through its dedicated e-commerce<br />
platform, ensuring accessibility and continuity<br />
of use. This combined approach<br />
allows the company to integrate<br />
professional validation with direct market<br />
presence, creating a robust and scalable<br />
distribution model.<br />
Expanding through strategic<br />
partnerships<br />
As the company expands internationally,<br />
SOLUTIA VET&PET is actively seeking<br />
distribution partners ready to capitalize<br />
on the ongoing evolution of the pet<br />
care market. Distributors today require<br />
more than standard products; they<br />
need solutions that offer differentiation,<br />
scientific credi bility, and strong positioning<br />
within high-growth segments.<br />
PAWNEER® provides this combination,<br />
enabling partners to stand out in an<br />
increasingly competitive landscape.<br />
By integrating PAWNEER® into their<br />
portfolio, distributors can access a category<br />
aligned with key market trends,<br />
including proactive care, functional<br />
supplementation, and the continued<br />
humanization of pets, while benefiting<br />
from the support of a company with crosssector<br />
expertise and a clear long-term<br />
vision.<br />
Meet us at Interzoo<br />
SOLUTIA VET&PET will showcase its<br />
vision and product portfolio at Interzoo<br />
in Nuremberg, the leading international<br />
trade fair for the pet industry.<br />
The event represents a strategic opportunity<br />
to connect with potential partners,<br />
explore distribution opportunities, and<br />
gain direct insight into the PAWNEER® line<br />
and its market potential.<br />
Driving the future of pet<br />
wellbeing<br />
The pet care industry is entering a new<br />
phase, where integration, innovation, and<br />
scientific credibility are becoming decisive<br />
factors. Companies able to combine these<br />
elements will define the next generation<br />
of market leaders.<br />
SOLUTIA VET&PET is positioned to be part<br />
of this evolution. By applying a One Health<br />
approach, leveraging human health<br />
expertise, and focusing on functional and<br />
proactive solutions, the company is not<br />
only responding to current market needs<br />
but actively contributing to shaping its<br />
future.<br />
For partners and distributors, this<br />
represents more than a collaboration: it is<br />
an opportunity to participate in a growing<br />
segment that is redefining how pet wellbeing<br />
is understood and delivered.<br />
Technology & Marketing<br />
For more information<br />
www.solutiavetpet.com<br />
10<br />
Technology & Marketing
Collagen Blend for<br />
Pet Food Launched<br />
at Interzoo <strong>2026</strong><br />
Lonza Capsugel will be launching its new premium collagen blend for<br />
pet food applications at Interzoo <strong>2026</strong> in Nuremberg, 12–15 May. Visitors<br />
to booth 7-247 can explore how UC-FLEX® collagen blend helps brands<br />
stay one step ahead in the pet food market, meeting soaring demand for<br />
effective, science-backed joint health support.<br />
Only the INGREDIENTS best for<br />
our loved ones<br />
Visit us at<br />
Interzoo<br />
Booth 1-549<br />
Consumer research shows that more than<br />
40% of global pet owners are interested<br />
in pet food providing functional health<br />
benefits such as joint health,[i] and pet<br />
food launches containing collagen rose<br />
by 34% from 2021 to 2025.[ii] To help<br />
brands seize this market opportunity,<br />
Lonza Capsugel is launching its UC-FLEX®<br />
collagen blend formulated specifically<br />
for companion animals*, combining<br />
UC‐II® undenatured type II collagen with<br />
calcium carbonate** to deliver effective,<br />
science‐backed support in pet food<br />
applications.<br />
A daily 400 mg dose provides the<br />
validated 40 mg of UC‐II® undenatured<br />
type II collagen shown to improve<br />
joint comfort, flexibility and mobility in<br />
dogs. Manufactured in state‐of‐the‐art,<br />
FDA‐registered and NSF food<br />
GMP‐certified U.S. facilities (approved<br />
for EU imports) with full traceability and<br />
APHIS‐aligned safeguards,*** UC‐II® Pets<br />
is then blended with calcium carbonate<br />
in rigorous, contamination‐controlled<br />
production and blending processes to<br />
ensure exceptional purity, quality and<br />
reliability for pet nutrition applications.<br />
“This expansion of our UC-II® Pets portfolio<br />
bridges a crucial gap between the<br />
scientifically validated joint health benefits<br />
of UC-II® undenatured type II collagen and<br />
the specific formulation and processing<br />
demands of pet food,” comments Dr. Zain<br />
Saiyed, Global Director, Research & Product<br />
Development (Dosage Form Solutions &<br />
Ingredients) at Lonza Capsugel. “UC-FLEX®<br />
collagen blend leverages UC-II® science in<br />
a form optimized for pet food formulation,<br />
enabling brands to deliver premium, trusted<br />
joint health support”<br />
Attendees can also learn more about<br />
the science behind Lonza Capsugel’s<br />
market-leading UC-II® undenatured<br />
type II collagen for pets. Backed by more<br />
than two decades of research and 10<br />
peer-reviewed research publications in<br />
companion animals, UC-II® collagen is the<br />
most researched brand of undenatured<br />
type II collagen on the market.**** Plus,<br />
the uniquely low effective dose of just<br />
40 mg/day and formulation flexibility of<br />
UC-II® Pets mean that it’s scientifically<br />
validated joint health support can be<br />
easily incorporated into numerous<br />
convenient applications such as treats or<br />
chews.[iii],[iv]<br />
References:<br />
[i] Innova Pet owners survey 2025<br />
[ii] Innova Market Insights (2025). Joint Health in Pet Industries<br />
[iii] Pates, et al. (2023) UC-II® undenatured type II collagen data<br />
show retention during functional food and beverage prototype<br />
processing. Data in Brief, 48, 109216.<br />
[iv] Cabezas, et al. (2022). Long-term supplementation with an<br />
undenatured type-II collagen (UC-II®) formulation in dogs with<br />
degenerative joint disease: Exploratory study. Open Vet J, 12(1), 91–98.<br />
*Lonza offers UC-II® undenatured type II collagen in multiple<br />
formats for different applications: UC-II® collagen for human dietary<br />
supplements, UC-II® Halal for human dietary supplements with<br />
Halal certification, and UC-II® Pets for pet supplement applications.<br />
Product availability and specifications may vary by region<br />
**Calcium carbonate added as a carrier to ensure uniform<br />
distribution in pet food<br />
***Manufacturing site is included in the TRACES list of approved non-<br />
EU establishments (ref. SC-COL-0001) for production of collagen for<br />
animal consumption<br />
****As of January <strong>2026</strong><br />
Technology & Marketing<br />
For more information<br />
www.lonza.com<br />
Real Brewers‘ Yeast –<br />
Naturally Functional<br />
Supports overall wellbeing<br />
with prebiotics and postbiotics<br />
Helps maintain vitality and<br />
normal immune function<br />
Promotes coat shine and skin<br />
comfort<br />
Highly palatable for optimal<br />
acceptance<br />
Improves natural colouring<br />
Visit our website:<br />
leibergmbh.de<br />
Issue 2 <strong>2026</strong><br />
11<br />
Leiber GmbH | Franz-Leiber-Straße 1 | 49565 Bramsche<br />
Germany | info@leibergmbh.de
INGREDIENTS<br />
Pet Food as a<br />
Functional Health Vehicle<br />
Pet owners who routinely use dietary supplements themselves are applying the same health logic to their animals,<br />
seeking functional foods and fortified products that do more than meet baseline nutritional requirements.<br />
Probiotics for gut balance, curcumin for joint comfort, digestive enzymes for optimal nutrient extraction: trends<br />
that first appeared in human nutrition are arriving in the pet food aisle with increasing velocity.<br />
Photo: Adobe Stock # 65721484<br />
Founded in 1988, Sabinsa has spent more<br />
than three decades building a portfolio<br />
of standardised botanical extracts,<br />
probiotics, and enzyme complexes for<br />
the human nutrition market, backed by<br />
privately funded clinical research and<br />
more than 120 full-time scientists. When<br />
VetVitals was established in 2014 as<br />
Sabinsa’s dedicated animal nutrition<br />
division, the mandate was to translate<br />
that science rigorously into companion<br />
animal applications, complying with<br />
AAFCO guidelines and FDA CFR<br />
requirements, building a portfolio that<br />
pet food formulators and supplement<br />
manufacturers can use with confidence.<br />
The platform spans approximately 20<br />
carefully selected ingredients covering<br />
digestive health, joint and inflammation<br />
support, weight management, stress<br />
adaptation, and immune function. Each<br />
ingredient is supported by speciesrelevant<br />
research and produced under<br />
cGMP conditions, free from hormones,<br />
preservatives, artificial colours, and<br />
common allergens. Sabinsa’s vertically<br />
integrated supply chain, spanning seed<br />
selection and farming through production<br />
facilities across 18 global offices, provides<br />
the traceability that quality-conscious pet<br />
food manufacturers increasingly require.<br />
Digestive Health: The<br />
Cornerstone Application<br />
Digestive wellness is consistently the<br />
lead concern among pet owners and<br />
formulators alike, and it is where the<br />
functional pet food opportunity is<br />
most mature. Dogs and cats eating<br />
heat-processed commercial foods<br />
face a specific nutritional gap: thermal<br />
processing degrades naturally occurring<br />
enzymes, placing additional demands<br />
on endogenous digestive capacity. For<br />
puppies and kittens still developing<br />
that capacity, and for senior animals<br />
experiencing age-related decline,<br />
this represents a real and addressable<br />
formulation challenge.<br />
DigeZyme®, Sabinsa's multi-enzyme<br />
complex comprising amylase, lactase,<br />
lipase, protease, and cellulase, is<br />
designed precisely for this application.<br />
All five enzymes are derived from fungal<br />
sources, conferring stability during food<br />
processing and sustained activity across<br />
the pH range of the gastrointestinal<br />
tract. Added to heat-processed pet<br />
food during manufacturing, DigeZyme®<br />
restores enzymatic activity lost in<br />
processing, improving macronutrient<br />
breakdown, enhancing satiety, and<br />
supporting consistent absorption of fatsoluble<br />
nutrients. It functions as both a<br />
supplement ingredient and a direct food<br />
additive, making it a versatile tool across<br />
formats from dry kibble to wet and semimoist<br />
foods.<br />
LactoSpore® VG, the veterinary-grade<br />
preparation of Heyndrickxia coagulans<br />
MTCC 5856, complements DigeZyme®<br />
by supporting microbiome balance. Its<br />
spore-forming mechanism means viable<br />
12<br />
Technology & Marketing
What is is<br />
IFT FIRST<br />
IFT IFT FIRST FIRST means means Food Food Improved by by Research, Science,<br />
and and Technology and and it’s THE it’s THE premier premier annual annual food food system system event. event.<br />
Registration Opens Opens in March in March<br />
July July 12-15, 12-15, <strong>2026</strong> <strong>2026</strong>
INGREDIENTS<br />
count is guaranteed through processing<br />
and shelf life without refrigeration,<br />
resolving one of the most persistent<br />
technical barriers to probiotic inclusion<br />
in commercial pet foods. Studies confirm<br />
the strain’s ability to survive gastric transit<br />
in companion animals, colonise the<br />
intestinal tract, and modulate immune<br />
response. Its compatibility with a broader<br />
range of prebiotic substrates than earlier<br />
probiotic options gives formulators<br />
greater flexibility in finished product<br />
design.<br />
Ginger VG, prepared from Zingiber<br />
officinale via supercritical fluid extraction<br />
and standardised for gingerols, rounds<br />
out the digestive health toolkit. It has<br />
documented efficacy in reducing nausea,<br />
easing motion sickness, and soothing<br />
the gastrointestinal tract in dogs and<br />
cats, and its characteristic flavour profile<br />
can support palatability in finished<br />
formulations.<br />
Joint Health: Clinical Evidence<br />
in Target Species<br />
Joint health is the second major driver of<br />
functional pet food demand, particularly<br />
for large-breed and senior dogs. Studies<br />
suggest 34 to 59% of dogs attending<br />
veterinary practices are overweight,<br />
exacerbating joint stress and making<br />
anti-inflammatory formulations both<br />
commercially significant and clinically<br />
relevant.<br />
Curcumin C3 Complex®, Sabinsa's flagship<br />
curcuminoid ingredient standardised<br />
to a minimum of 95% curcuminoids<br />
(curcumin, desmethoxycurcumin,<br />
and bisdemethoxycurcumin) from<br />
Curcuma longa, has been the subject of<br />
direct canine research. In a published<br />
study in Veterinary Immunology and<br />
Immunopathology (2012), three groups<br />
of six dogs each (two osteoarthritisaffected,<br />
one healthy control) were<br />
evaluated before and after 20 days of<br />
dietary curcumin administration at 4<br />
mg/kg body weight. Results indicated<br />
curcumin provided complementary antiinflammatory<br />
support comparable to<br />
reference NSAID treatment. A separate<br />
2020 study published in Comparative<br />
Clinical Pathology demonstrated that<br />
dogs consuming curcumin-containing<br />
snacks showed reduced plasma oxidative<br />
stress markers (ROS, lipoperoxidation,<br />
protein carbonyls), increased antioxidant<br />
enzyme activity including glutathione<br />
peroxidase and superoxide dismutase,<br />
and lower levels of nitric oxide, an<br />
inflammatory marker.<br />
Boswellin® VG, standardised to a<br />
minimum of 20% beta-boswellic acids<br />
from Boswellia serrata oleo gum resin,<br />
is one of the most extensively validated<br />
natural anti-inflammatory ingredients for<br />
canine joint applications. An open multicentre<br />
veterinary clinical trial involving 29<br />
dogs with chronic joint and spinal disease,<br />
supplemented with 400 mg/10 kg body<br />
weight once daily for six weeks, reported<br />
statistically significant reductions in<br />
lameness, local pain, and stiff gait (Fitzi<br />
et al., Schweizer Archiv fur Tierheilkunde,<br />
2004). Overall improvement was recorded<br />
in approximately 70% of dogs by week two<br />
and maintained through week six. Used<br />
together, Curcumin C3 Complex® and<br />
Boswellin® VG provide a multi-pathway<br />
approach to inflammation management<br />
in pet food and functional treat formats.<br />
VetPerine®, Sabinsa's black pepper extract<br />
standardised to 95% piperine from Piper<br />
nigrum, enhances the bioavailability<br />
of co-administered actives including<br />
curcuminoids, vitamins, amino acids, and<br />
minerals. In joint health formulations, its<br />
Photo: Adobe Stock # 342960574<br />
inclusion allows active ingredient levels<br />
to be reduced without compromising<br />
efficacy, a practical benefit for palatability<br />
and cost management.<br />
Weight Management and<br />
Stress: Expanding the<br />
Functional Range<br />
Weight management is emerging as<br />
a priority health category in pet food.<br />
Obesity is widely recognised as the<br />
most common nutritional disorder<br />
in companion animals, with health<br />
consequences that include shortened<br />
lifespan and deteriorated quality of life.<br />
Citrin®, Sabinsa's extract of Garcinia<br />
cambogia fruit rind standardised for<br />
hydroxycitric acid (HCA), has been<br />
studied in a 60-day controlled canine<br />
trial (The Pharma Innovation Journal,<br />
2021) comparing enzyme-based feed<br />
supplementation including Garcinia<br />
cambogia against dietary modification<br />
and untreated controls. The treated group<br />
demonstrated reductions in body weight,<br />
serum cholesterol, and triglyceride levels.<br />
Citrin® offers formulators a natural,<br />
clinically supported option for weight<br />
management pet food lines.<br />
Shagandha®, Sabinsa’s ashwagandha<br />
extract from dried roots of Withania<br />
somnifera standardised to 2.5%<br />
withanolides, has been evaluated in two<br />
species-relevant studies. A randomised,<br />
double-blind, placebo-controlled study<br />
in 24 dogs demonstrated a statistically<br />
significant reduction in fear and anxiety<br />
versus placebo at 15 mg/kg body weight<br />
once daily. A complementary adaptogenic<br />
ingredient is ThulCin®, Sabinsa's<br />
tulsi extract from Ocimum sanctum<br />
standardised to 2% ursolic acid, which has<br />
shown antistress activity in animal models<br />
with normalisation of cortisol and glucose<br />
elevations. Both are well-suited to calm<br />
and stress-relief formulations in pet food<br />
and functional chew formats.<br />
Formulation Considerations<br />
and the Interzoo Opportunity<br />
Translating botanical actives into viable<br />
pet food formats requires attention to<br />
palatability above all. Dogs and cats<br />
possess highly sensitive sensory systems<br />
and many effective plant extracts<br />
carry bitter notes or unfamiliar odours.<br />
Sabinsa's spice and flavour ingredients,<br />
including Capsicum VG, Cinnamon<br />
ceylon, Rosemary extract, and Sage,<br />
address this by contributing flavour<br />
14<br />
Technology & Marketing
INGREDIENTS<br />
profiles that enhance palatability while<br />
delivering antioxidant, antimicrobial, and<br />
digestive benefits. Rosemary extract, rich<br />
in rosmarinic, carnosic, and ursolic acids,<br />
also functions as a natural preservative for<br />
soft moist and canned formats.<br />
Dosing across dramatically different body<br />
sizes is a challenge unique to canine<br />
formulations. A functional ingredient<br />
must deliver efficacy for a 5 kg terrier<br />
and a 50 kg retriever, which demands<br />
flexible delivery formats or tiered product<br />
ranges. Powders and soft chews with<br />
measurable or breakable dosing offer<br />
practical compliance advantages over<br />
tablets, which can be notoriously difficult<br />
to administer.<br />
The broader pet food industry is moving<br />
toward substantiated health claims as<br />
a competitive requirement rather than<br />
a differentiating luxury. Regulatory<br />
scrutiny is increasing, and consumers<br />
are demanding greater transparency<br />
about what goes into their pets' food.<br />
For ingredient suppliers, this means that<br />
clinical evidence, manufacturing quality,<br />
and supply chain traceability are no<br />
longer optional extras. For Sabinsa, whose<br />
VetVitals ingredients are supported<br />
by species-specific research and<br />
manufactured under FSSC 22000-aligned<br />
cGMP standards, this evolution represents<br />
the direction the sector has needed to<br />
take for some time.<br />
The companies that will define this<br />
sector are those investing now in science,<br />
quality infrastructure, and supply<br />
chain transparency. Sabinsa invites pet<br />
food innovators to explore how the<br />
VetVitals platform can support their next<br />
formulation challenge.<br />
Technology & Marketing<br />
For more information<br />
www.sabinsa.eu<br />
www.vetvitals.com<br />
"As digestive health has<br />
mainstreamed in human nutrition,<br />
probiotics and enzymes for pets<br />
have become more popular.<br />
Curcumin for joint health<br />
is another.<br />
Product trends in the<br />
pet food market follow closely<br />
behind those<br />
in human nutrition."<br />
Shaheen Majeed, Global CEO and<br />
Managing Director, Sabinsa Corporation<br />
& Marketing<br />
YOU NAME<br />
THE <strong>PRO</strong>DUCT.<br />
WE <strong>PRO</strong>CESS IT.<br />
HALL 5 / STAND 5-207<br />
Explore our inspiring concepts at Interzoo <strong>2026</strong>! From premium<br />
treats to innovative pet nutrition – our smart and connective<br />
technologies for portioning, forming, dosing, and automation set<br />
new standards. Visit us and help shape the future of pet food!<br />
↗ HANDTMANN.COM/PETFOOD # WEAREHANDTMANN<br />
Issue 2 <strong>2026</strong><br />
15
INGREDIENTS<br />
New Starch-based Product for<br />
the Wet Petfood Market for Cat<br />
and Dog Applications<br />
The Emsland Group is entering the wet pet food market with the launch of Empet® SmartBind, a new starchbased<br />
texturizing solution for wet dog and cat food applications.<br />
With this innovation, the Emsland Group<br />
expands its pet food portfolio beyond<br />
dry applications, introducing a versatile,<br />
carrageenan-free solution that delivers<br />
reliable texture, simplified formulations,<br />
and cleaner ingredient profiles across a<br />
wide range of wet pet food products.<br />
One Solution – Multiple<br />
Textures<br />
With Empet® SmartBind, the Emsland<br />
Group introduces a multi-functional<br />
starch blend that enables manufacturers<br />
to achieve a broad range of wet pet food<br />
textures – without the use of carrageenan,<br />
xanthan, locust bean gum, guar or cassia.<br />
Whether for all-meat patés, chunky<br />
stews, or smooth meat pastes, Empet®<br />
SmartBind offers:<br />
• Stable and appealing textures across<br />
diverse product formats<br />
• Carrageenan-free and hydrocolloid-free<br />
formulations<br />
• Simplified ingredient lists with reduced<br />
reliance on additives<br />
• Greater formulation flexibility, allowing<br />
independent adjustment of salts,<br />
minerals and other ingredients<br />
• Consistent performance at competitive<br />
and stable cost levels<br />
Texture can be fine-tuned, enabling<br />
precise adaptation to specific product<br />
requirements while maintaining processing<br />
stability and product quality.<br />
Meeting Future Market Needs<br />
With increasing scrutiny around hydrocolloids<br />
such as carrageenan – driven by<br />
sourcing, sustainability, price volatility,<br />
and consumer perception – Empet®<br />
SmartBind provides a future-ready<br />
alternative.<br />
“Our goal was to develop a solution that<br />
combines technical performance with<br />
cost competitiveness, while eliminating<br />
the need for commonly used and<br />
increasingly scrutinized ingredients such<br />
as carrageenan,” says Fabian Ahuis,<br />
Application Expert for Animal Nutrition<br />
at the Emsland Group Innovation Center<br />
in Germany. “With Empet® SmartBind,<br />
we enable our customers to meet<br />
evolving consumer expectations without<br />
compromising on quality.”<br />
Empet® SmartBind is based on plantderived<br />
starches sourced in Europe,<br />
ensuring short and sustainable supply<br />
chains, transparency, and consistent<br />
quality. The Emsland Group’s broader<br />
plant-based portfolio can further<br />
support customers with more unique<br />
requirements.<br />
Empet® SmartBind – ready for the future<br />
of wet pet food.<br />
Technology & Marketing<br />
For more information<br />
www.emsland-group.com<br />
16<br />
Technology & Marketing
INGREDIENTS<br />
Seamless Fish Oil Replacement<br />
Launched at Petfood Forum <strong>2026</strong><br />
dsm-firmenich, innovators in nutrition, health, and beauty, is set to unveil the world’s first microalgal oil<br />
to deliver the same natural 3:2 EPA:DHA omega-3 ratio as high-quality fish oil at Petfood Forum <strong>2026</strong>. The<br />
ingredient will provide pet food brands with a seamless, alternative source of high-quality omega-3 to easily<br />
replace fish oils in their formulations.<br />
Photo: dsm-firmenich<br />
Veramaris® O3 Max Pure is a natural,<br />
non-GMO, vegan omega-3 solution<br />
designed to meet the rising demand for<br />
premium, science-backed pet nutrition.<br />
Produced via closed-system microalgae<br />
fermentation, it provides a single, consistent,<br />
and contaminant-free source of<br />
both EPA and DHA – mirroring the fullspectrum<br />
omega-3 benefits of fish oil, but<br />
with superior traceability, sustainability,<br />
and supply reliability. Delivering EPA and<br />
DHA in a precise 3:2 ratio, Veramaris®<br />
O3 Max Pure enables seamless fish oil<br />
replacement while maintaining formulation<br />
integrity and label claims.<br />
Redefining what omega-3 can<br />
deliver for pets<br />
As cats and dogs are increasingly viewed<br />
as integral members of the family,<br />
demand for high-quality, functional,<br />
and science-backed nutrition continues<br />
to rise. Pet parents are placing greater<br />
emphasis on health benefits, ingredient<br />
transparency, and sustainability when<br />
choosing products for their animals.<br />
Omega-3 fatty acids are central to this shift,<br />
with EPA and DHA widely recognized for<br />
their role in supporting brain, heart, joint,<br />
skin, and coat health. 1 However, fish oil, the<br />
traditional source of these nutrients, faces<br />
ongoing challenges, including supply<br />
volatility, fluctuating costs, inconsistent<br />
EPA:DHA ratios, and sustainability concerns<br />
linked to marine sourcing.<br />
At the same time, consumer expectations<br />
are evolving. Pet parents tend to be more<br />
eco-conscious than non-pet owners,<br />
and 70% report actively seeking ways to<br />
reduce their environmental footprint. 2<br />
This is driving demand for alternative<br />
solutions that combine proven health<br />
benefits with responsible sourcing.<br />
A new wave of omega-3<br />
innovation<br />
Veramaris® O3 Max Pure addresses<br />
these challenges directly. Its controlled<br />
fermentation process ensures standardized<br />
quality, full traceability, and<br />
a balanced omega-3 profile within a<br />
single solution. This enables pet food<br />
manufacturers to make accurate on-pack<br />
claims with greater regulatory confidence.<br />
In addition, Veramaris® O3 Max Pure<br />
offers a formulation-friendly, year-round<br />
alternative to fish oil. It delivers a stable<br />
supply, predictable costs, and a renewable<br />
solution that aligns with both sustainability<br />
goals and evolving consumer expectations.<br />
George B. Josef, Global Director of Business<br />
Development, Nutritional Lipids & Alternative<br />
Proteins at dsm-firmenich: “For<br />
today’s pet parents, pet health is personal –<br />
it is held to the same standards as their own<br />
health. As pet nutrition continues to evolve,<br />
our customers are looking for solutions<br />
that combine scientific credibility with<br />
formulation simplicity and supply security.<br />
Veramaris® O3 Max Pure reflects that shift –<br />
delivering a full-spectrum omega-3 profile<br />
in a single, consistent solution that supports<br />
both product performance and the planet.”<br />
Elevating pet health at Petfood<br />
Forum <strong>2026</strong><br />
Visitors can learn more about Veramaris®<br />
O3 Max Pure and dsm-firmenich’s<br />
technical experts will be available to<br />
discuss formulation opportunities and<br />
application insights. In addition, dsmfirmenich<br />
will highlight its broad portfolio<br />
of innovations and capabilities, including<br />
new scientific evidence on its dual<br />
Lactobacillus postbiotic, LB Fermentate<br />
HF, which will be presented during a<br />
Issue 2 <strong>2026</strong><br />
17
INGREDIENTS<br />
The company will also showcase<br />
dedicated speaking session focused<br />
linked chronic diarrhea. 4 Dietary supplementation of a Lactobacillus postbiotic modulates<br />
on dog calming support. In a recent<br />
study in adult dogs, supplementation<br />
upgrades to Veramaris® Pets, which now<br />
delivers 30% more EPA at no additional<br />
with LB Fermentate HF was associated cost, enabling enhanced omega-3<br />
with significantly reduced heart performance in pet food formulations.<br />
rate reactivity and a trend toward<br />
Technology & Marketing<br />
lower cortisol responses, indicating<br />
1<br />
American Kennel Club. "Fish Oil for Dogs: What to Know." American<br />
enhanced physiological resilience to Kennel Club. June 14, 2024. [Accessed: July 2, 2025] https://www.akc.<br />
environmental stressors. 3 Another study<br />
in puppies with giardiasis has shown that<br />
supplementation with LB Fermentate HF<br />
significantly reduces the risk of Giardia<br />
spreading and the incidence of Giardia-<br />
org/expert-advice/nutrition/fish-oil-for-dogs/<br />
2<br />
Euromonitor. “Sustainable Ingredients in Pet Care”, 2022. https://<br />
www.euromonitor.com/article/sustainable-ingredients-in-pet-care<br />
3<br />
Eckhardt E, Andreu S, Cereghetti D, Tamasi B, Boucard A-S,<br />
Landsberg G, Milanese A, Klein B, Pagani E, and van den Berg M.<br />
acute stress responses and impacts temporal variation in the gut<br />
microbiome of dogs. Manuscript submitted.<br />
4<br />
Eckhardt E, Andreu S, Tamasi B, Boucard A-S, Klein B, Pagani<br />
E, Yu S and van den Berg M. Dietary supplementation of a<br />
Lactobacillus postbiotic improves fecal scores and reduces fecal<br />
Giardia cyst shedding in dogs at risk for giardiasis and treated with<br />
metronidazole. Manuscript in preparation.<br />
For more information<br />
www.dsm-firmenich.com<br />
Improved Pet Wellbeing through<br />
Healthy, Enjoyable, Human-like<br />
Food Experiences<br />
Bringing 250 years of scientific expertise and culinary heritage to the pet industry, Givaudan, the global leader<br />
in Taste & Wellbeing, helps brands translate the evolving expectations of pet parents into high-quality pet<br />
food innovations – and supports manufacturers in developing balanced, nutritious and appealing pet food and<br />
treats solutions.<br />
and wellbeing is more important than<br />
their own (Source: Mintel). With culinaryinspired<br />
aromas and flavour solutions,<br />
Givaudan helps create authentic and<br />
enjoyable meals and treats for pets.<br />
Photo: Givaudan<br />
Givaudan’s VAS-Air, powered by<br />
Givaudan’s VAS® technology, is an<br />
interactive aroma creation tool enabling<br />
real-time co-development with flavor<br />
experts. By combining flavo0r creativity,<br />
functional ingredients and regulatory<br />
know-how, the company co-develops<br />
reliable solutions that deliver enjoyable,<br />
human-like food experiences while<br />
supporting long-term pet wellbeing and<br />
strengthening the bond between pets<br />
and their families.<br />
A portfolio designed for<br />
evolving pet food expectations<br />
Givaudan’s broad portfolio of natural<br />
ingredients and proprietary technologies<br />
is poised to support innovation across<br />
three key areas in the pet food industry,<br />
helping manufacturers create nutritious,<br />
appealing and future-ready pet food<br />
experiences:<br />
• Personalized wellbeing – 74 percent<br />
of US pet owners agree that pet food<br />
should be as good as human food,<br />
highlighting the expectation that pets<br />
deserve the same quality and care<br />
as people when it comes to nutrition<br />
(Source: Mintel). Givaudan’s botanical<br />
and functional ingredients are designed<br />
to support targeted nutrition for pet<br />
health.<br />
• Human-like meals – 61 percent of US pet<br />
owners agree that their pet’s happiness<br />
• Rooted in nature – Approximately<br />
41 percent of US pet owners say "allnatural"<br />
is among the greatest influences<br />
on their purchase decisions for any dog<br />
or cat food or treats, ranking just behind<br />
taste and brand name. (Source: Mintel).<br />
With decades of botanical expertise,<br />
Givaudan can help manufacturers<br />
incorporate high-performing natural<br />
ingredients and colors, responsibly<br />
sourced to enhance visual appeal,<br />
stability and overall product quality.<br />
Meet the Givaudan team at Booth<br />
#1013, Petfood Forum <strong>2026</strong> (Kansas<br />
City Convention Center, 28–29 April),<br />
to explore the latest innovations and<br />
discover how Givaudan co-develops the<br />
next generation of pet food solutions.<br />
Technology & Marketing<br />
For more information<br />
www.givaudan.com/taste-wellbeing<br />
18<br />
Technology & Marketing
12. – 15. May <strong>2026</strong>, Nuremberg (Germany)<br />
Booth 4A-318, hall 4A<br />
» VISIT US!<br />
Seydelmann Universal Grinders<br />
for fresh raw materials and deep-frozen blocks<br />
Universal Grinder AW 300 U<br />
The advantages of Seydelmann Universal Grinders at a glance:<br />
■ Flexibility with fluctuating prices of raw materials<br />
■ Separate or simultaneous processing of fresh raw materials<br />
and deep-frozen blocks down to -25 °C<br />
■ Same cutting set for fresh raw materials and deep-frozen blocks<br />
■ Easy control with programmes for respective raw materials<br />
to avoid operating errors<br />
■ High throughput with best possible cutting pattern<br />
■ Frequency-controlled and continuously variable drives:<br />
No current peaks, low energy consumption<br />
■ Robust and reliable construction<br />
■ Hygienic design: polished surfaces, embedded covers,<br />
CIP-cleaning, removable bearing<br />
Maschinenfabrik Seydelmann KG<br />
Tel. +49 (0)711 / 49 00 90-0<br />
info@seydelmann.com<br />
www.seydelmann.com<br />
Hoelderlinstrasse 9<br />
70174 Stuttgart<br />
Germany<br />
Cutters<br />
Mixers<br />
Grinders<br />
Emulsifiers<br />
Production Lines<br />
Second-Hand Machines
Seydelmann Production Lines<br />
Individual complete solutions<br />
Overview advantages of automated and integrated lines:<br />
Higher hourly output<br />
Constant product quality level<br />
and fewer error sources<br />
Less personnel required<br />
Better hygiene<br />
Less floor space and less energy consumption<br />
Quality assurance and traceability<br />
due to data recording<br />
Universal Grinder AU 200 U, screw conveyor with lowering function, conveyor<br />
belt, two Mixers MR 1800 with cooking function and vertical loading device<br />
Maschinenfabrik Seydelmann KG<br />
Tel. +49 (0)711 / 49 00 90-0<br />
info@seydelmann.com<br />
www.seydelmann.com<br />
Hoelderlinstrasse 9<br />
70174 Stuttgart<br />
Germany<br />
Cutters<br />
Mixers<br />
Grinders<br />
Emulsifiers<br />
Production Lines<br />
Second-Hand Machines
Complete Pet Food Extrusion<br />
Lines Built for Performance,<br />
From Idea to Production<br />
<strong>PRO</strong>CESSING<br />
When it comes to pet food manufacturing, performance, consistency, and flexibility aren’t optional, they’re<br />
essential. For decades, CLEXTRAL has been helping pet food producers turn ideas into reliable, high-quality<br />
products with complete twin-screw extrusion solutions designed for today’s market and tomorrow’s growth.<br />
As a global leader in twin-screw extrusion<br />
technology, CLEXTRAL partners with pet<br />
food manufacturers to design and deliver<br />
fully integrated production lines for kibble<br />
and treats. Whether you’re developing<br />
a new recipe, expanding capacity, or<br />
upgrading an existing plant, our solutions<br />
scale seamlessly, from R&D and pilot trials<br />
to high-throughput industrial production.<br />
Clextral extrusion lines are built to give<br />
you control where it matters most. Our<br />
technology supports a wide range of<br />
formulations, shapes, and textures,<br />
helping you meet growing consumer<br />
expectations for nutrition, consistency,<br />
and product differentiation, without<br />
compromising efficiency or reliability.<br />
The result: stable production, repeatable<br />
quality, and the flexibility to respond<br />
quickly to market trends.<br />
Each CLEXTRAL pet food line integrates<br />
all key process steps into one cohesive<br />
system: preconditioning, extrusion,<br />
drying, coating, cooling, and cutting.<br />
Advanced process control ensures<br />
precise management of thermal and<br />
mechanical energy throughout the<br />
line, contributing directly to improved<br />
digestibility, enhanced palatability, and<br />
long-term product stability. Simply put,<br />
your products perform better, both<br />
nutritionally and operationally.<br />
What truly sets Clextral apart is our<br />
commitment to partnership. We don’t<br />
just supply equipment; we support<br />
you at every stage of your project.<br />
From product development and pilot<br />
testing in our dedicated R&D centers* to<br />
commissioning, start-up, and ongoing<br />
process optimization, our teams work<br />
side by side with yours to ensure longterm<br />
success.<br />
By combining proven technology,<br />
continuous innovation, and deep<br />
industrial expertise, CLEXTRAL helps pet<br />
food manufacturers stay competitive in<br />
a fast-evolving market. If you’re looking<br />
for a reliable partner to support the<br />
next generation of pet food products,<br />
CLEXTRAL delivers the experience,<br />
performance, and confidence to move<br />
your business forward.<br />
ANIMAL FEED EXTRUSION <strong>PRO</strong>CESSING<br />
Technology & Marketing<br />
<strong>PRO</strong>DUCT FORMING/SHAPING<br />
MULTI-SHAPES<br />
Issue 2 <strong>2026</strong><br />
TYPICAL KIBBLE PETFOOD <strong>PRO</strong>CESSING LINE<br />
For more information<br />
www.clextral.com<br />
21
<strong>PRO</strong>CESSING<br />
Inside Pet Food Safety:<br />
Why is Salmonella Detection so Difficult<br />
Pet food often is perceived as a single category, but it includes a wide range of products that have different<br />
characteristics. Dry kibble is a low-moisture and highly processed product. Raw and fresh pet food products<br />
resemble raw meat and poultry that contain natural PCR inhibitors. Freeze dried pet treats also behave<br />
differently than dry-kibble and raw and fresh products. The differences between pet food categories impact<br />
how pet food products are tested, while three key factors infleunce testing results: whether processing kills<br />
cells but leaves DNA behind, how natural PCR inhibitors in ingredients affect amplification, and how lowmoisture<br />
conditions stress Salmonella and influence detection.<br />
of false negatives for pet food products.<br />
For this reason, enrichment recovery<br />
time plays a crucial role in the accurate<br />
detection of Salmonella in dry pet food.<br />
One question commonly asked is<br />
“Does processing kill cells but also leave<br />
DNA behind?” Steps in the pet food<br />
manufacturing process, such as extrusion<br />
and heating, can eliminate Salmonella<br />
cells in pet food. Free floating DNA or<br />
DNA from ruptured cells can remain in the<br />
product even if survival is no longer viable.<br />
Given that PCR detects DNA and not<br />
viability, residual DNA can still generate a<br />
positive result during amplification. This<br />
challenge is not only limited to pet food,<br />
it is well recognized in many heat-treated<br />
and highly processed foods, including<br />
powdered dairy, extruded snacks, and<br />
dehydrated ingredients. There are existing<br />
solutions utilizing modern PCR workflows<br />
for processed or complex foods, which<br />
include steps to reduce the influence<br />
of nonviable Salmonella DNA. Existing<br />
solutions include enzymatic treatments<br />
and validated protocol refinements that<br />
minimize DNA from dead cells being<br />
detected.<br />
normal contamination pattern. When<br />
contamination levels are already low,<br />
signal loss can occur. Salmonella may<br />
be present, but underrepresented due<br />
to inhibition, increasing the risk of falsenegative<br />
results. Low moisture can stress<br />
Salmonella cells, entering a stressed or<br />
injured state. These cells are viable and<br />
capable of causing illness, but may require<br />
additional time during enrichment to<br />
recover to detectable levels. Enrichment<br />
time must not be too short as<br />
the Salmonella cells may not reach<br />
concentration needed for detection. A<br />
short secondary enrichment step ensures<br />
that injured Salmonella cells can repair<br />
and increase to detectable levels in dry<br />
kibble or dehydrated products. Without<br />
the secondary enrichment, a negative<br />
test result may occur, even though low<br />
numbers of viable Salmonella cells can<br />
occur. Including a secondary enrichment<br />
in PCR testing protocols reduces the risk<br />
DNA cleanup is an additional step that pet<br />
food manufacturers can take to reduce<br />
Salmonella contamination. Modern PCR<br />
methods that include DNA clean up or<br />
selective detection helps reduce the<br />
detection of DNA from dead cells. This<br />
refinement focuses on the detection of<br />
viable organisms, reducing the likelihood<br />
of false-positive results from PCR testing<br />
methods. For pet food manufacturers,<br />
this an important component of accurate<br />
pathogen detection. Validated PCR<br />
systems designed for complex matrices<br />
also include internal positive controls and<br />
optimized chemistries that reduce the<br />
impact of inhibitors. These methods offer<br />
more consistent performance for pet food<br />
products that are high-fat, high protein, or<br />
low moisture.<br />
Why does innovation in pet<br />
food require adaptive testing?<br />
Innovation in the pet food continues<br />
to evolve with emerging processing<br />
styles, ingredient combinations, and<br />
functional formulations. Every adjustment<br />
in formulation may impact<br />
enrichment behavior, inhibition risks,<br />
or DNA persistence. For these reasons,<br />
Another commonly asked question when<br />
testing for Salmonella in pet food is “how<br />
do natural PCR inhibitors affect testing?”<br />
Pet food matrices include high levels<br />
of fat, protein, fiber, minerals, flavored<br />
coating, and polyphenol-rich ingredients<br />
(such as vegetables). These ingredients<br />
can interfere with DNA extraction and<br />
amplification. PCR may still run, but the<br />
amplification curve may not follow a<br />
22<br />
Technology & Marketing
<strong>PRO</strong>CESSING<br />
manufacturers perform fit-for-purpose<br />
validations on new products to confirm<br />
their testing approaches remain effective.<br />
As product categories continue to widen,<br />
choosing the appropriate testing strategy<br />
becomes ever more critical for maintaining<br />
confident and dependable results.<br />
Hygiena offers the BAX® System Real-<br />
Time Salmonella PCR Assay, developed<br />
specifically to address these blind spots.<br />
The assay enables reliable detection<br />
of low-level Salmonella contamination<br />
in large samples (375g) of challenging<br />
matrices such as pet food, delivering<br />
results in under 24 hours. A secondary<br />
enrichment step is built into the workflow<br />
to improve recovery of stressed cells and<br />
reduce the risk of false negatives, which is<br />
a critical consideration for low-moisture<br />
foods.<br />
How do environmental<br />
monitoring programs support<br />
pet food safety?<br />
Testing for Salmonella in finished products<br />
is one part of controlling Salmonella in<br />
pet food manufacturing. Routine environmental<br />
hygiene and process control<br />
indicators, such as Enterobacteriaceae,<br />
provide manufacturers insights on whether<br />
their manufacturing environ ments support<br />
Salmonella survival. Dry facilities can harbor<br />
Salmonella in areas that are hard to reach<br />
or clean. Production zones with cooling,<br />
conveying, and packaging operations are<br />
especially at risk. Incorporating a robust<br />
environmental monitoring program is<br />
essential for pet food facilities in order<br />
to detect harborage points before they<br />
impact the finished product.<br />
Hygiena® offers rapid tools such as the<br />
MicroSnap®, which enables pet food<br />
pro duction teams to verify sanitation<br />
effectiveness within the same shift.<br />
MicroSnap is a two-step workflow<br />
that integrates with EnSURE® Touch<br />
luminometers. Information from EnSURE®<br />
Touch can be integrated into SureTrend®,<br />
a cloud software for automated data<br />
management. When paired with PCR<br />
and analytical solutions like SureTrend,<br />
environmental monitoring programs provide<br />
pet food manufacturers with valuable<br />
insights that address patterns, sanitation<br />
effectiveness, and hygienic health of their<br />
manufacturing environment.<br />
Confidence in Salmonella<br />
detection requires testing<br />
designed for pet food<br />
The nature of pet food makes it one of<br />
the most difficult categories for pathogen<br />
detection. A variety of factors, including<br />
residual DNA, chemical inhibition, and<br />
environmental persistence can all influence<br />
testing results. Modern PCR workflows that<br />
address these factors offer high accuracy<br />
of tests, limited retesting and production<br />
delays. Accurate results protect pet safety<br />
and consumer confidence, while testing<br />
solutions pro vide a reliable foundation for<br />
product release decisions and long-term<br />
microbial control.<br />
Technology & Marketing<br />
For more information<br />
www.hygiena.com<br />
We realize your ideas<br />
pet-food ready<br />
with frey<br />
technology!<br />
Vacuum filler F190R<br />
With our new TC1000 control unit<br />
Particularly gentle product treatment<br />
due to the FREY vane cell pump<br />
Highest energy efficiency due to the<br />
FREY Dynamic Line drive<br />
compatible with various FREY attachments<br />
to produce kibble, snack sticks<br />
or fill canned pet food<br />
Heinrich Frey<br />
Maschinenbau GmbH<br />
89542 Herbrechtingen<br />
Phone: +49 7324 1720<br />
info@frey-online.com<br />
www.frey-online.com<br />
Issue 2 <strong>2026</strong><br />
23
<strong>PRO</strong>CESSING<br />
Precision that Performs:<br />
How a trio of cutting machines is shaping<br />
next-generation petfood production<br />
As petfood processors face rising demands for premium texture, shape, and appearance – while working with<br />
increasingly variable raw materials – FAM STUMABO’s Yuran Hytec 300, CMD.2, and Volantis deliver precision,<br />
consistency, and flexibility across a full range of applications.<br />
poultry trims, fish, and alternative proteins<br />
differ in fat content, moisture, structure,<br />
and temperature from batch to batch,<br />
creating challenges that extend beyond<br />
simple size reduction.<br />
“Pet owners increasingly judge quality by<br />
what they see in the bowl: defined meat<br />
chunks, clean dice, natural shreds, and<br />
uniform inclusions in gravy or freeze-dried<br />
formats,” explains Paul Krechel, Executive<br />
Vice President, North America. “Visual<br />
integrity and texture influence brand<br />
perception as strongly as formulation<br />
claims. Manufacturers must deliver a handcrafted<br />
look at an industrial scale, often<br />
across varying temperatures and protein<br />
types. Cutting has therefore become a<br />
decisive quality control point.”<br />
Paul Krechel<br />
Photos: FAM STUMABO<br />
As premiumisation reshapes the<br />
petfood market, processors face rising<br />
expectations around texture, appearance,<br />
and product consistency. FAM STUMABO’s<br />
Yuran Hytec 300 belt-fed dicer, CMD.2<br />
drum dicer, and Volantis V-belt slicer rise<br />
to the challenge, enabling manufacturers<br />
to maintain precise cuts, operational<br />
efficiency, and repeatable quality across<br />
diverse petfood formats.<br />
Processors must manage highly variable<br />
raw materials while maintaining hygiene,<br />
yield, and throughput. Organ meats,<br />
Where cutting determines<br />
product quality<br />
Appearance and texture influence<br />
visual appeal, portion accuracy, and<br />
downstream efficiency. Petfood cutting<br />
often involves extreme conditions: frozen<br />
organs at sub-zero temperatures, hot<br />
extruded blends for slurry, sticky highfat<br />
materials, and dense dried treats. The<br />
same line may require clean dice, defined<br />
chunks, and precise transverse slices –<br />
all of which demand equipment that<br />
robustly manages temperature, texture,<br />
and product shape while safeguarding<br />
hygiene and operator safety.<br />
For example, diced inclusions in canned<br />
or slurry-style products must remain<br />
within strict size limits – often between<br />
6 and 12 mm – while freeze-dried cubes<br />
must retain their structure during drying.<br />
Different applications demand distinct<br />
cutting principles: frozen organs require<br />
24<br />
Technology & Marketing
Hall 7A - 515<br />
GET TO MARKET<br />
SMARTER AND GET<br />
TO MARKET FASTER!<br />
Download our brochure<br />
Email: info@petfoodcompetencenet.com<br />
WWW.PETFOODCOMPETENCENET.COM
<strong>PRO</strong>CESSING<br />
Sven Boen<br />
drum dicers; shredded or extruded<br />
inclusions benefit from belt-fed cutters;<br />
jerky-style treats need precise slicing.<br />
Matching the right cutting principle to the<br />
product condition is therefore essential<br />
for consistent cut quality and operational<br />
reliability.<br />
“Petfood processing rarely deals with<br />
uniform raw materials,” says Paul Krechel.<br />
“Each condition requires a specific cutting<br />
principle and controlled handling.”<br />
FAM STUMABO’s trio of cutting machines<br />
addresses these needs by applying<br />
complementary cutting principles:<br />
CMD.2 handles frozen organs and highfat<br />
ingredients, producing clean dice<br />
Freeze-dried<br />
organ meat dice<br />
Extruded<br />
meat chunks<br />
without compressing the product; Yuran<br />
Hytec 300 manages chilled, cooked,<br />
or extruded proteins, delivering diced,<br />
chunked, and pulled-look textures with<br />
fast changeovers; Volantis ensures precise<br />
transverse slicing of treats and sticks,<br />
preserving alignment and cut integrity.<br />
Together, the three machines support a<br />
full range of formats while maintaining<br />
operational efficiency.<br />
A recent project with a European petfood<br />
processor illustrates this flexibility. By<br />
independently adjusting tool and belt<br />
speeds on the Yuran Hytec 300, the<br />
processor could produce a wide range<br />
of particle structures with a single set of<br />
tools.<br />
“The biggest improvement has been<br />
flexibility without sacrificing cut quality,”<br />
explains Sven Boen, Senior Sales Manager<br />
Europe at FAM STUMABO. “With the Yuran<br />
Pulled<br />
chicken coarse<br />
Fresh frozen dice<br />
Hytec 300, the customer can produce<br />
the full range of cuts – from very coarse<br />
down to very fine – using just one set of<br />
tools. By independently adjusting tool<br />
and belt speeds, processors can achieve<br />
the desired structure while maintaining<br />
strict control over particle size. That’s<br />
especially important in cat food, where<br />
we can reliably achieve that hand-cut or<br />
pulled look while still controlling particle<br />
size within strict specifications.”<br />
Efficiency without compromise<br />
Precision cutting drives product quality, but<br />
efficiency keeps production competitive.<br />
Petfood manufacturers must manage SKU<br />
proliferation while maintaining throughput<br />
and minimizing downtime.<br />
FAM STUMABO machines are designed<br />
for ease of operation: quick tool changes,<br />
flexible parameters, and intuitive controls<br />
enable rapid transitions between formats<br />
and support efficient management of<br />
expanding product portfolios. At the same<br />
time, heavy-duty frozen applications –<br />
down to -7°C (19.4° F) – require robust<br />
equipment such as the CMD.2 dicer.<br />
Beyond equipment, FAM STUMABO<br />
collaborates with customers to optimize<br />
the cutting process from upstream preparation<br />
to downstream packaging.<br />
This performance is reinforced by FAM<br />
STUMABO’s in-house blade development<br />
and manufacturing. Blade thickness, edge<br />
profile, and cutting geometry are carefully<br />
matched to the product’s temperature,<br />
structure, and fat content, helping<br />
About FAM STUMABO<br />
FAM STUMABO engineers and develops<br />
industrial cutting machines as well as<br />
manufactures precision knives for the<br />
food industry. We provide customers with<br />
the solutions they need for the cutting,<br />
slicing, and dicing of fruit, vegetables &<br />
nuts, cheese, meat & poultry, fish, petfood,<br />
potato chips and, French fries. Over the<br />
past 60 years, we have established longlasting<br />
partnerships in cooperation with<br />
highly reliable, influential companies,<br />
customers, and leaders in the industrial<br />
food processing market. We are present on<br />
all continents, with customer experience<br />
centers, spare parts, and services.<br />
processors maintain clean cuts, reduce<br />
fines, and optimise yield across a wide<br />
range of petfood applications.<br />
“We replicated the customer’s product in<br />
our lab down to the smallest detail – not<br />
only the end quality, but also our exact<br />
preparation steps,” recalls Sven Boen.<br />
“What really made the difference for<br />
the customer was how open we were to<br />
thorough testing and to thinking about<br />
solutions together – not only for the cutting<br />
itself, but also to optimize the complete line<br />
upstream and downstream of the cutter. In<br />
the end, FAM STUMABO’s technical support<br />
and solution-focused mindset convinced<br />
the customer not just about the machine,<br />
but also about a long-term partnership.<br />
That collaborative approach is what we<br />
mean when we say: ‘Together we cut your<br />
product to perfection.’”<br />
A technology-driven partner<br />
for long-term success<br />
FAM STUMABO supports petfood<br />
manufacturers as a technology-driven<br />
partner at every stage – from machine<br />
selection and configuration to testing and<br />
ongoing technical support. “Processors<br />
want to focus on developing and growing<br />
their product ranges. That’s exactly what our<br />
solution enables: reliable results, predictable<br />
operation, and fewer headaches – helping<br />
customers deliver consistent product<br />
appearance and a professional, premium<br />
image,” Paul Krechel concludes.<br />
Technology & Marketing<br />
For more information<br />
www.fam-stumabo.com<br />
26<br />
Technology & Marketing
<strong>PRO</strong>CESSING<br />
Flexible Dosing Solutions for<br />
Classic and Innovative Petfood<br />
Handtmann offers modular production systems for manufacturing a wide variety of pet food products, from<br />
well established classics to innovative, on trend products. The portfolio includes solutions ranging from product<br />
preparation with Handtmann Inotec technology, through processing, all the way to packaging interfaces for<br />
trays, cans, cups, or thermoformed packaging. These systems are suitable for both formed and portioned<br />
products, such as wet food, snacks and treats, raw food, dry food, chunks, as well as trending products featuring<br />
insect protein or alternative ingredients. Concept ideas on display include pet food sachets in alginate casing<br />
and snacks in customized shapes. In addition to modular series solutions, Handtmann also offers upstream and<br />
downstream interfaces, project planning, and tailored solutions for individual customer needs.<br />
In product preparation, Handtmann<br />
provides mixing and emulsifying<br />
technology for small and medium-sized<br />
operations as well as for industrial-scale<br />
production. Product preparation plays a<br />
crucial role in the overall process: on the one<br />
hand, short grinding, mixing, and cutting<br />
times are essential, while on the other<br />
hand, achieving optimal mixing quality<br />
is equally important. For this purpose,<br />
Handtmann Inotec grinding, mixing, and<br />
cutting systems are ideally suited. They<br />
are characterized by their robustness and<br />
the high precision of their production<br />
parameters. Raw materials such as fresh<br />
and frozen by products, dry ingredients,<br />
and water are mixed with exceptional<br />
reliability and in the shortest possible time<br />
using the patented VarioMix technology<br />
featuring two intermeshing mixing<br />
shafts. Depending on the application,<br />
the process can be supplemented by a<br />
fine mincer that further processes the<br />
mixture into a fine emulsion. This ensures<br />
homogeneous product quality for a wide<br />
range of applications, such as chunks in<br />
gravy, snacks of any type and shape, and<br />
raw food.<br />
Upstream, a Handtmann Inotec industrial<br />
grinder can be integrated, delivering<br />
powerful and efficient size reduction of<br />
both deep-frozen blocks and fresh raw<br />
materials. Downstream processing steps,<br />
Variety of wet food<br />
products<br />
such as forming, dosing, and producthandling<br />
and automation solutions, can<br />
be implemented in combination with<br />
a Handtmann vacuum filler as the base<br />
module.<br />
Dosing of wet and raw food<br />
The wet food category for dogs and cats<br />
is considered one of the most innovative<br />
market segments. Today, wet food is<br />
no longer offered only in traditional<br />
cans but also in trays, pouches, jars, and<br />
even clipped sausage portions. For the<br />
industrial production of wet and raw pet<br />
food, Handtmann cutting and dosing<br />
systems, such as SV 424, DS 560 P or DS<br />
554, are ideally suited, as they combine<br />
several process steps in one: powerful<br />
yet gentle conveying of demanding<br />
product masses, along with simultaneous<br />
cutting and gram-accurate dosing in a<br />
single operation. Processing demanding<br />
formulations often pushes technical limits,<br />
as the composition of wet and raw food<br />
typically includes chunky components,<br />
sinews, and cartilage. In this process,<br />
Handtmann technology focuses not only<br />
on efficient, automatic conveying and<br />
portioning of the product mass but also<br />
on preserving large chunks (coarsely preground<br />
material) and valuable ingredients<br />
such as vegetables or fruits. This directly<br />
contributes to both product quality and<br />
appearance.<br />
Processing wet and raw food products with<br />
a wide variety of components requires<br />
systems with product flexibility for both<br />
common recipes and demanding recipes.<br />
Direct and accurate-to-the-gram dosing<br />
into the thermo-forming packaging eliminates<br />
the manual depositing/portioning<br />
of products, resulting in enormous<br />
savings in personnel costs (e. g the use of<br />
a 2-lane cutting valve SV 424-02 replaces<br />
up to eight persons). Thanks to the<br />
interface compatibility, the systems can<br />
be integrated very easily into overall lines<br />
and connected to tray sealers, tray lines,<br />
bucket lines or thermo-forming packaging<br />
machines. High system performance,<br />
high availability and process reliability<br />
result in maximum overall equipment<br />
effectiveness with excellent OEE values.<br />
SV 424 cutting valve for serial<br />
cutting and dosing directly into<br />
containers<br />
After the grinding and mixing process,<br />
serial cutting and dosing of the product<br />
into the selected packaging form then<br />
takes place directly via the Handtmann<br />
VF 840 with SV 424 cutting valve, fully<br />
automatically and without manual<br />
SV 424 cutting valve<br />
with vacuum filler<br />
All Photos: Handtmann<br />
28<br />
Technology & Marketing
<strong>PRO</strong>CESSING<br />
DS 560 P multi-lane depositing system with<br />
container feeding and vacuum filler<br />
own when dosing chunky, fibrous and<br />
inhomogeneous filling products with<br />
portioning accuracy to the gram. Its<br />
innovative valve technology with cutting<br />
action offers various dosing options for<br />
the most diverse filling products from<br />
fluid, pasty or viscous to chunky.<br />
intervention. The product is dosed directly<br />
into trays, or directly into a thermoforming<br />
packaging machine. The cutting<br />
valve is moveable, adjustable in height and<br />
can be flexibly placed above the table, the<br />
conveyor or the thermo-forming machine.<br />
Vertical filling is performed directly into<br />
various tray formats, thermoforming<br />
films or other containers. The production<br />
can be flexibly organised, since the valve<br />
distance can be adjusted in different<br />
ways and only short conversion times are<br />
required for format changes. The cutting<br />
valve is available as standard in 1-, 2-, 3-,<br />
4- or 2 x 2-lane version (customer-specific<br />
adjustments are also possible here).<br />
Portion sizes from 200 g are possible. The<br />
cutting and outlet diameter is 60 mm. The<br />
cutting valve itself has a safety-compliant<br />
design without protective cover. This<br />
reduces the project planning effort for the<br />
entire system, additional costs for safety<br />
housings are eliminated and efficient<br />
operation of the plant is ensured.<br />
DS 560 P multi-lane depositing<br />
system with container feeding<br />
and positioning solution<br />
A new automation process for highly<br />
precise and efficient petfood dosing is<br />
achieved through the combination of the<br />
Handtmann Depositing System DS 560 P<br />
with a container feeding and positioning<br />
solution. The specially developed ZB<br />
391 feed belt optimizes and automates<br />
dosing processes by precisely positioning<br />
containers under the dosing system. This<br />
integrated solution is ideal for mediumsized<br />
and industrial enterprises. It enables<br />
efficient processing of pasty and chunky<br />
masses as well as liquid products with<br />
inclusions. The complete solution is<br />
characterized by optimally coordinated<br />
components with defined interfaces,<br />
centralized control, and a coordinated<br />
safety concept. The short travel distances<br />
allow simultaneous filling of up to eight<br />
containers, increasing production output<br />
and reducing cycle times. Various container<br />
shapes, sizes, and materials are handled<br />
securely, ensuring the necessary flexibility<br />
for changing production requirements.<br />
Containers such as round, square, and<br />
oval shapes, as well as container types<br />
like cans, jars, and cups, can be filled. The<br />
number of dosing stations ranges from<br />
2 to 8. The system's capacity is up to 200<br />
containers per minute with 8 cans having<br />
a diameter of 60 mm, with performance<br />
depending on container size and the<br />
number of dosing stations. Product sizes<br />
vary in weight from 50 to 1,500 grams.<br />
Container dimensions include a height of<br />
30 to 150 mm, a diameter of 50 to 160 mm,<br />
and a length of 50 to 200 mm.<br />
DS 554 single-lane depositing<br />
system for fibrous and<br />
inhomogeneous filling<br />
products<br />
The single-lane and flexible-in-use<br />
DS 554 depositing system comes into its<br />
DS 554 single-lane depositing system with vacuum filler<br />
The integrated lifting/lowering mechanism<br />
ensures the optimum and safe filling<br />
of containers. In simple line solutions,<br />
the DS 554 depositing system can fill, in<br />
combination with tray sealers, container<br />
and conveyor belts or vertical flow pack<br />
machines, trays, cups, cans, jars and packs<br />
accurate to the gram and with a portioning<br />
capacity of up to 50 portions per minute.<br />
The depositing system has been given a<br />
mobile and intrinsically safe design and<br />
offers maximum flexibility thank to its<br />
compatibility with all vacuum fillers. The<br />
dosing solution is simply controlled via<br />
the vacuum filler, even if integrated in line<br />
solutions and combined with tray sealers,<br />
container and conveyor belts or vertical<br />
flow pack machines.<br />
DV 85-4 depositing system for<br />
use in artisan production as<br />
well as industrial performance<br />
levels<br />
In combination with a vacuum filler,<br />
direct dosing is flexibly possible in trays<br />
and thermo-forming packaging, such<br />
as feeding two-lane, 2-1 formats into<br />
thermo-forming packaging machines and<br />
tray sealers. Thanks to the serial 2-lane<br />
dosing, a capacity of up to 100 portions<br />
per minute can be achieved, depending<br />
on the portion size. A wide variety of<br />
product variations is possible here from<br />
fluid to pasty or with chunky inserts. Hot<br />
fillings up to 90 degrees Celsius provide<br />
additional advantages for the production<br />
of wet and cooked petfood.<br />
Issue 2 <strong>2026</strong><br />
29
<strong>PRO</strong>CESSING<br />
DV 85-4 2-lane dosing valve<br />
with vacuum filler<br />
Various outlet variants, round or starshaped<br />
nozzles and a dosing nozzle with<br />
stamp and return suction further expand<br />
the scope for product and production.<br />
The adjustable ejection movement of the<br />
piston, (“double stroke” function) and the<br />
precise cutting of chunky products thanks<br />
to the patented “pulling cut” guarantee<br />
an excellent and appealing product<br />
presentation for all products. In addition,<br />
the precise feed system of the Handtmann<br />
vacuum filler ensures consistent weight<br />
accuracy. The dosing valve features the<br />
latest hygienic design and all materials<br />
are FDA-compliant. Made of high-quality<br />
stainless steel, the dosing valve is easy<br />
to clean and meets highest hygiene<br />
requirements.<br />
DV 85-3 for artisan production<br />
Handtmann also offers dosing valves for<br />
the artisan production of wet and raw<br />
food that also meets the requirements<br />
for partial automation of production,<br />
high product quality and the best<br />
hygiene conditions. It can be connected<br />
to all Handtmann vacuum fillers, thus<br />
it is flexibly suitable for small and<br />
medium-sized companies. Generally, the<br />
processing of products in the consistency<br />
of very fluid, pasty, inhomogeneous,<br />
chunky, fibrous, with large inserts or high<br />
liquid content is possible. The 85-3 dosing<br />
valve is a flexible solution that can easily<br />
be integrated in everyday production. It<br />
is connected directly to the outlet of the<br />
vacuum filler. Its working height can be<br />
individually adapted to the operator, the<br />
filling table or a conveyor belt. This means<br />
that the valve allows dosing accurate to<br />
the gram in cups, trays, jars, tins and other<br />
containers. Dosing performances of up to<br />
7,000 kg per hour are possible. In addition,<br />
product build-up can be prevented<br />
by adjusting the ejection speed or by<br />
selecting the "double stroke" function.<br />
The dosing valve features the latest<br />
hygienic design as well as the high quality<br />
and hygiene standards applied to all<br />
Handtmann products. The ejector pistons<br />
are made of FDA-compliant, detectable<br />
material. Full wet cleaning of the line<br />
is possible. These features guarantee<br />
hygienic and reliable production. Further<br />
variants in production are offered by<br />
the choice of different ejection pistons,<br />
including two variants with additionally<br />
integrated cutting function. The cutting<br />
edge on the ejection piston provides<br />
effective support, for example for cutting<br />
carrot pieces or meat fibres during the<br />
dosing process. The Handtmann specific<br />
and patented cutting principle of the<br />
DV 85-3 dosing<br />
valve with<br />
vacuum filler<br />
"pulling cut" also allows even extremely<br />
sensitive products to be dosed gently.<br />
Flexible production solutions<br />
that meet evolving trends<br />
To address current trends such as the<br />
humanization of pets and recipes tailored<br />
to individual health needs, allergies,<br />
and age, flexible production solutions<br />
are essential. Handtmann Processing<br />
technologies offer a modular, combinable<br />
system design that enables a wide range<br />
of options for producing diverse pet food<br />
products. The equipment is engineered<br />
for use in the production of classic wet<br />
food, semi-moist products (e.g., treats), as<br />
well as dry food. Handtmann’s machine<br />
technology also provides extensive<br />
freedom for developing new product<br />
ideas and concepts – for example,<br />
products based on insect protein or pods<br />
in an edible alginate casing.<br />
Customized solutions for<br />
individual pet food production<br />
processes<br />
The pet food processing industry<br />
demands are as diverse as the trends<br />
for pet food are. Therefore, Handtmann<br />
generally offers a variety of modular<br />
and flexible production solutions for<br />
pet food manufacturing. Filling and<br />
portioning, cutting/dividing, forming,<br />
dosing or co-extruding a wide variety of<br />
products are their core functions. When<br />
these standardised solutions reach their<br />
limits Handtmann is also able to address<br />
individual needs and special requirements<br />
with highest flexibility with the<br />
HANDTMANN CUSTOMIZED SOLUTIONS<br />
(HCS). A team of internationally<br />
experienced technical experts works<br />
exclusively for Handtmann Customized<br />
Solutions, developing any customized<br />
solution needed for individual production<br />
process, from product preparation all the<br />
way through to packaging.<br />
wet food products<br />
precisely dosed into<br />
cans and trays<br />
30<br />
Technology & Marketing
<strong>PRO</strong>CESSING<br />
DV 85-3 dosing system and Ecoma GPT for filling cans and jars.<br />
HANDTMANN DIGITAL SOLUTIONS (HDS)<br />
offer optimum support for complex<br />
production processes as well as for stateof-the-art<br />
production management<br />
based on the latest Industry 4.0 essentials.<br />
All this comes up to the demand for more<br />
automated and effective solutions.<br />
Cost reduction solutions<br />
The sector is facing many challenges<br />
like cost explosions and more. The<br />
outstanding feature of all Handtmann<br />
systems is the exceptional portioning<br />
accuracy owing to the vane cell feed<br />
system in the basic machine, the vacuum<br />
filler. This weight accuracy significantly<br />
reduces costs, especially when processing<br />
high-quality products with expensive<br />
raw material. In addition, the systems<br />
include modularity and easy integration<br />
into automation processes thanks to<br />
open interfaces. In terms of digitalisation,<br />
Integrated production line<br />
answers automation demand<br />
Robotization in pet food production<br />
will increase further like it already does<br />
in other branches. Handtmann answers<br />
automation and robotization demands<br />
with the HANDTMANN LINE SOLUTIONS<br />
(HLS) for the development, planning and<br />
implementation of integrated pro duction<br />
lines. One example of an integrated<br />
process solution is a new modular<br />
overall solution for the fully automated<br />
production of formed products comprising<br />
VF 800 vacuum filler, inline grinding<br />
system, FS 525 forming system for either<br />
free forming or forming and separating,<br />
WS 910 weighing system in the new<br />
advanced version and the Handtmann<br />
transfer system for product depositing into<br />
the packaging solution.<br />
Technology & Marketing<br />
For more information<br />
www.handtmann.com/petfood<br />
Website<br />
Together we cut your product to perfection<br />
info@fam.be<br />
eMail<br />
Issue 2 <strong>2026</strong><br />
31
<strong>PRO</strong>CESSING<br />
Innovation in Pet Food<br />
The Seydelmann Cutting Drum –<br />
Product Safety in a League of Its Own<br />
The Seydelmann Cutting Drum, a further development of the separation set, is a specially designed cutting<br />
system for meat grinders. It is used in place of the conventional cutting set or a separation set – consisting of<br />
grinder blades and perforated discs – and significantly expands the functionality of the meat grinder.<br />
Minced meat (turkey) and trimmings (tendons, cartilage, and foreign objects)<br />
The Seydelmann Cutting Drum, a further<br />
development of the separation set, is<br />
a specially designed cutting system for<br />
meat grinders. It is used in place of the<br />
conventional cutting set or a separation<br />
set – consisting of grinder blades and<br />
perforated discs – and significantly expands<br />
the functionality of the meat grinder.<br />
While conventional separation sets perform<br />
well in removing hard components<br />
such as tendons, cartilage, and bone<br />
fragments, they reach their limits with<br />
soft components and especially foreign<br />
objects, as the meat undergoes pregrinding<br />
before it finally encounters the<br />
end-hole plate designed as a separation<br />
plate. There, all previously chopped<br />
foreign objects smaller than the holes in<br />
the end-hole plates escape and are not<br />
discharged as a separate product.<br />
Unlike conventional separation sets,<br />
the unwanted components and foreign<br />
bodies are not further pre-ground in the<br />
Cutting Drum and thus do not end up as<br />
small particles in the final product.<br />
The Cutting Drum enables both the reduction<br />
of the raw material to the desired<br />
particle size and the reliable removal of<br />
unwanted raw material components –<br />
such as connective and supporting tissue,<br />
cartilage, tendons, bone fragments,<br />
and pieces of skin and rind – in a single<br />
operation. In addition, foreign objects,<br />
such as plastic residues (splinters from<br />
E2 crates, plastic film, or even pieces<br />
of disposable gloves), can be reliably<br />
separated.<br />
The cutting system consists of a support<br />
cross for additional guidance, an attached<br />
cutting worm, the perforated drum,<br />
and the pneumatic discharge valve. The<br />
cutting worm presses the soft material<br />
through the holes in the perforated drum<br />
and cuts it off with the sharp edges of<br />
the worm flights only after it has entered<br />
these holes, while harder and/or tougher<br />
material – i.e., the unwanted components<br />
32<br />
Technology & Marketing
<strong>PRO</strong>CESSING<br />
Design of the cutting system<br />
as well as foreign objects – is transported<br />
further toward the discharge valve and<br />
discharged there.<br />
Product safety through foreign<br />
object separation<br />
Ensuring product safety is a key challenge<br />
in modern pet food production, particularly<br />
against the backdrop of<br />
increasingly restrictive legal regulations<br />
and operational hygiene requirements.<br />
Measures such as the increased use<br />
of packaging and protective films,<br />
disposable gloves, and plastic aprons<br />
do indeed enhance hygienic safety, but<br />
at the same time lead to an increased<br />
risk of unintentional foreign object<br />
contamination in the production process.<br />
A proven preventive approach to<br />
minimizing this risk is switching the color<br />
of plastics and films to blue. This color<br />
scheme makes it possible to visually<br />
identify even the smallest particles in<br />
the final product and thus remove them<br />
at an early stage. Nevertheless, splinters<br />
from plastic containers such as E2 crates<br />
remain a frequent source of potential<br />
contamination. The resulting product<br />
recalls are not only associated with<br />
significant economic losses but can also<br />
cause lasting damage to a company’s<br />
reputation.<br />
In addition to prevention, the targeted<br />
separation and removal of unwanted<br />
components plays a crucial role. In the<br />
processing of reward foods and snacks,<br />
for example, the removal of cartilage<br />
and tendons is necessary, as these can<br />
otherwise lead to blockages in extrusion.<br />
However, the separated components<br />
do not have to be considered waste,<br />
provided they are free of foreign objects:<br />
through downstream emulsifying,<br />
they can be processed into collagencontaining<br />
emulsions and reintroduced<br />
into the production process.<br />
Another critical aspect is the removal<br />
of bone fragments, which can occur<br />
particularly during the processing of<br />
meat from carcass disassembly. These<br />
pose a significant risk, especially in cat<br />
food, as they can become lodged in a cat’s<br />
sensitive tongue. Similar hazards exist in<br />
the production of pet food from whole<br />
chickens, where bone fragments must be<br />
consistently removed to prevent injuries<br />
or choking hazards for pets.<br />
Even in the production of coarser products,<br />
such as ground meat for BARF diets, the<br />
elimination of hard particles like tendons,<br />
cartilage, or rind is essential. These<br />
components are often rejected by animals<br />
- especially small dog breeds and cats - and<br />
significantly impair product quality.<br />
Furthermore, foreign object protection<br />
encompasses the detection and removal<br />
of a wide variety of undesirable materials<br />
that can originate from both raw materials<br />
and the production environment. These<br />
include, among other things, packaging<br />
residues such as film fragments from<br />
thawed frozen meat blocks, small stones<br />
from chicken stomachs, ear tags from<br />
livestock, metal parts such as fragments<br />
of feed magnets, injection needles, and<br />
shot pellets from game meat. Fragments<br />
of hygiene and protective items from the<br />
production process itself also represent a<br />
potential source of contamination.<br />
Overall, ensuring product safety requires<br />
a holistic approach that encompasses<br />
both preventive measures and efficient<br />
separation and control technologies. Only<br />
by combining these approaches can a<br />
high level of quality, safety, and consumer<br />
confidence be guaranteed.<br />
Processing result and crosssection<br />
like that of a meat<br />
grinder<br />
Unlike with a soft separator, the raw<br />
material is not compressed. The result is<br />
high-quality ground meat with a defined,<br />
mosaic-like texture – not a pressed meat<br />
paste. Studies by the German Institute of<br />
Food Technology (DIL) have shown that<br />
the juice-holding capacity is significantly<br />
higher than with conventional cutting<br />
or separating units. This means better<br />
pH stability and thus extended shelf life,<br />
better color stability, and consequently<br />
more appealing products.<br />
Issue 2 <strong>2026</strong><br />
33
<strong>PRO</strong>CESSING<br />
The separated components are collected<br />
and discharged in a controlled manner<br />
via a pneumatic discharge valve. In this<br />
process, the pressure of the product<br />
flow itself acts to open the pneumatic<br />
cylinder. Only when enough separated<br />
product has been collected and is<br />
resting against the cylinder does the<br />
pressure rise high enough to exceed the<br />
counterpressure of the pneumatic system;<br />
as a result, the cylinder is opened until the<br />
separated product has been discharged.<br />
Subsequently, the counterpressure of the<br />
pneumatic cylinder prevails again.<br />
Controlled foreign object separation<br />
supports operational quality and safety<br />
concepts and contributes to compliance<br />
with stringent regulatory requirements.<br />
For companies, this means greater product<br />
safety, reduced liability risk, and<br />
strengthened brand trust.<br />
Contact-free cutting without<br />
metal abrasion<br />
The system is designed to operate with a<br />
cutting worm and a cylindrical perforated<br />
drum with a pneumatic discharge valve.<br />
The system works in a meat grinder<br />
without the use of traditional cutting<br />
components such as knifes or hole plates.<br />
Installation is very simple and intuitive.<br />
The cutting drum is available as an option<br />
for all Seydelmann grinders in sizes E 130,<br />
G 160, and U 200.<br />
A key technical feature of the cutting<br />
drum is the minimal distance between the<br />
cutting worm and the perforated drum.<br />
This allows the raw material to be ground<br />
without contact. Unlike conventional<br />
cut ting sets, where grinding knifes run<br />
directly against hole plates, there is no<br />
metal-to-metal contact and thus no<br />
abrasion, which in turn prevents metal<br />
contamination.<br />
The contact-free design without metal<br />
abrasion significantly reduces wear and<br />
ensures very long component service life.<br />
The parts do not need to be reground<br />
until much later – service life of up to<br />
10,000 tons is possible.<br />
At the same time, mechanical resistance<br />
in the process is reduced due to lower<br />
friction, which has a positive effect on<br />
energy consumption, heat input, and<br />
product quality.<br />
Low product stress and minimal<br />
heating<br />
Thanks to the contact-free cutting<br />
principle, the raw material is processed<br />
particularly gently. Mechanical stress is<br />
significantly lower than with conventional<br />
cutting sets or cutting and separating<br />
systems. Cell structures remain largely<br />
intact, product smearing is prevented,<br />
and the particle structure remains stable.<br />
This has a very positive effect on juice<br />
retention and pH stability.<br />
In addition, energy input is very low,<br />
resulting in a temperature increase that<br />
is up to 60 percent lower compared<br />
to conventional cutting or separation<br />
systems. This minimal heating protects<br />
the protein structure, preserves color and<br />
binding capacity, and creates optimal<br />
conditions for downstream processes.<br />
Higher throughput with<br />
reduced energy consumption<br />
The cylindrical perforated drum has a<br />
much larger surface area with more holes<br />
than a conventional end-hole disc in a<br />
meat grinder. This significantly increases<br />
the effective cutting and discharge area.<br />
Compared to conventional cutting or<br />
separating sets, a throughput that is<br />
approximately 15 to 20 percent higher is<br />
achieved.<br />
Despite the increased performance,<br />
specific energy consumption decreases<br />
because the material is processed without<br />
high mechanical resistance and with<br />
less friction. This combination of higher<br />
production capacity and lower energy<br />
consumption leads to a sustainable<br />
increase in operational efficiency.<br />
Cost-effectiveness and low<br />
operating costs<br />
In addition to improving product quality,<br />
the cutting drum also offers economic<br />
benefits. The absence of metal-to-metal<br />
contact reduces wear to a minimum,<br />
resulting in a significant decrease in the<br />
need for replacement parts and maintenance<br />
costs. The long service life of the<br />
components between grinding cycles<br />
sustainably lowers operating costs. The<br />
cutting drum and cutting worm can be<br />
reground multiple times without any<br />
issues.<br />
In addition, the higher throughput ensures<br />
increased productivity per unit of<br />
time. Combined with reduced energy<br />
consumption and improved raw material<br />
utilization, this results in noticeable cost<br />
savings in day-to-day production.<br />
Opting for a cutting drum does not<br />
preclude the use of conventional cutting<br />
sets on the same meat grinder – these can<br />
still be used if the product requires it.<br />
When using the cutting drum in conjunction<br />
with a Seydelmann AU 200 U<br />
Universal Grinder, you eliminate the<br />
need not only for a soft separator but<br />
also for a frozen meat grinder or any<br />
flakers and frozen meat choppers –<br />
a major advantage, as significantly<br />
less production space is required and<br />
maintenance costs are reduced. For<br />
processing frozen meat – entire blocks<br />
down to minus 25 degrees Celsius are<br />
possible – a conventional cutting set is<br />
simply used. This results in a true 3-in-1<br />
solution for cost-effective operation with<br />
minimal space requirements.<br />
Conclusion<br />
The Seydelmann Cutting Drum combines<br />
product safety, material upgrading,<br />
texture-preserving grinding, reliable<br />
foreign material separation, and high costeffectiveness<br />
in a compact attachment<br />
system for meat grinders. With contactfree<br />
cutting, minimal energy input, and<br />
increased throughput, it represents a<br />
technically mature solution. This makes it<br />
a future-oriented component for modern,<br />
quality-oriented pet food processing<br />
facilities.<br />
The Authors:<br />
Andreas<br />
Seydelmann,<br />
Managing Partner,<br />
Maschinenfabrik<br />
Seydelmann KG<br />
Technology & Marketing<br />
Stefan Geisen,<br />
Sales Manager,<br />
Butcher, Food<br />
Technologist<br />
For more information<br />
www.seydelmann.com<br />
34<br />
Technology & Marketing
T Mai Aum<br />
LARGEST EXHIBITION ON AQUARIUMS<br />
16th<br />
India International<br />
Pet Trade Fair<br />
Gateway to the Indian Pet Industry<br />
Concurrent Show<br />
7th<br />
The Magic of Aquarium<br />
LARGEST EXHIBITION ON AQUARIUMS<br />
STALL<br />
BOOKING<br />
NOW<br />
29 th and 30 th<br />
August, <strong>2026</strong><br />
Hall No. 6, Bharat Mandapam,<br />
(Pragati Maidan), New Delhi<br />
9.00 AM to<br />
6.00 PM<br />
+91-82877 68466 | info@iiptf.in www.iiptf.in
PACKAGING<br />
Poly-clip System at interpack 26:<br />
Efficient, scalable, and sustainable<br />
packaging solutions for all industries<br />
Poly-clip System will be exhibiting at interpack <strong>2026</strong> in Düsseldorf as a provider of flexible and scalable<br />
packaging solutions for a wide range of industries. With a clear focus on cross-industry solution expertise and<br />
sustainability, the company will demonstrate how its technologies can be applied across sectors – from meat<br />
and sausage products to dairy products, pet food and convenience foods to fruit and vegetables, as well as<br />
industrial applications such as adhesives and sealants.<br />
food, and sealants and adhesives for<br />
industry and trade. Clip packaging is<br />
realizing its potential in both the food and<br />
non-food sectors: it is already being used<br />
successfully in many areas of meat and<br />
sausage products, while its advantages<br />
can be exploited even more in other<br />
applications.<br />
Compared to traditional packaging forms<br />
such as cans, thermoformed packaging or<br />
tubes, clip solutions significantly reduce<br />
material usage and CO₂ emissions. They<br />
enable noticeable savings in weight,<br />
resource consumption and transport<br />
costs. “We don't think in terms of product<br />
categories, but in terms of applications and<br />
efficiency potential,” says Giehl. “interpack<br />
is the ideal platform for us to showcase this<br />
versatility.”<br />
Scalable machine solutions for<br />
companies of all sizes<br />
At interpack, Poly-clip System will also<br />
be demonstrating how it can support<br />
Less packaging.<br />
More responsibility.<br />
Under the motto ‘The packaging<br />
company with less packaging’, Polyclip<br />
System focuses on the efficiency<br />
of its clip packaging. Compared to<br />
traditional packaging forms such as cans,<br />
thermoformed trays or cartridges, clip<br />
solutions significantly reduce the amount<br />
of material used, in many cases to just<br />
1–2% of the total product. At the same<br />
time, CO₂ emissions can be reduced by up<br />
to 90%, depending on the application.<br />
The figures are based on an independent<br />
sustainability assessment by the Circular<br />
Analytics Institute (Vienna), carried out<br />
for production and disposal in Germany.<br />
The results show that clip packaging<br />
combines product protection, flexibility<br />
and recyclability with a significantly<br />
reduced ecological footprint. “For us,<br />
sustainability is not an added benefit, but<br />
part of the system concept,” emphasises Dr.<br />
Alexander Giehl, CEO at Poly-clip System.<br />
“Our solutions intervene in processes: they<br />
save material, reduce weight, optimize<br />
logistics and thus make a measurable<br />
contribution to CO₂ reduction along the<br />
entire value chain.”<br />
Industry diversity as a strategic<br />
focus<br />
At interpack, Poly-clip System will be<br />
showcasing specific applications for meat<br />
and sausage products, dairy products<br />
such as cream cheese and herb butter,<br />
ready meals, fruit and vegetables, pet<br />
Dr. Alexander Giehl<br />
36<br />
Technology & Marketing
PACKAGING<br />
About Poly-clip System<br />
Poly-clip System is the world's largest<br />
provider of sustainable clip closure<br />
solutions and is recognized as a global<br />
market leader and hidden champion in<br />
this segment of the food industry and<br />
packaging sector. The corporate group<br />
maintains 29 sales offices. Additionally,<br />
there are sales partners in nearly every<br />
country worldwide. Poly-clip System's<br />
clip closure solutions excel not only in the<br />
meat processing industry and butcher<br />
trade but also in numerous other sectors,<br />
such as the chemical industry.<br />
businesses of all sizes in their growth.<br />
With over 60 different machine models<br />
covering the entire spectrum in terms<br />
of price and degree of automation,<br />
customers are sure to find the right<br />
solution for them – from small businesses<br />
to large industrial operations.<br />
Visitors can experience machines from<br />
different performance segments: from<br />
the compact new SCH 600 for smaller<br />
businesses to the flexible PDC-A 700<br />
and the highly automated, innovative<br />
FCA 160 XL, which processes large<br />
production volumes in two- and fourclip<br />
operation. This clearly illustrates how<br />
customers can expand their individual<br />
level of automation step by step without<br />
compromising on efficiency, quality or<br />
process reliability.<br />
Technology that optimizes<br />
processes<br />
In addition to sustainability, process<br />
integration also plays a key role. Clip<br />
packaging enables high cycle rates,<br />
automated processes and space-saving<br />
logistics. The lower packaging weight<br />
reduces transport costs and improves<br />
warehouse utilisation. This offers<br />
economic advantages that are becoming<br />
increasingly important, particularly in<br />
international markets.<br />
The interpack presentation once again<br />
highlights Poly-clip System's evolution<br />
from a specialist provider of individual<br />
packaging solutions to a flexible partner<br />
for a wide range of industries that uses its<br />
technologies in a resource-saving manner.<br />
“We want to use our technologies across<br />
industries – efficiently, resource-conserving<br />
and with a noticeable impact,” adds Mesut<br />
Akbulut, CSO at Poly-clip System. “That<br />
is our understanding of future-oriented<br />
packaging.”<br />
Poly-clip System at interpack May 7-13,<br />
<strong>2026</strong> in Düsseldorf Hall 11, Booth E19.<br />
Technology & Marketing<br />
For more information<br />
www.polyclip.com<br />
Mesut Akbulut<br />
Issue 2 <strong>2026</strong><br />
37
PACKAGING<br />
Korozo Group is Redefining the<br />
Future of Flexible Packaging<br />
International flexible packaging manufacturer Korozo Group is participating at interpack <strong>2026</strong> with a full suite<br />
of high-performance solutions, showcasing how the company is getting the supply chain future-ready with<br />
innovative, high-performance, and sustainable packaging.<br />
These examples and others brought to<br />
interpack <strong>2026</strong> by Korozo underscore<br />
the depth and breadth of the company’s<br />
capability to produce sustainable<br />
and circular packaging structures.<br />
Manufactured using Korozo’s proprietary<br />
KoroRCY MDO-PE laminating film, the<br />
technology creates high-barrier monomaterial<br />
pouches, flowpacks, and other<br />
films to pack an endless array of products.<br />
Selin Bahar Mesulam, Chief Marketing<br />
Growth Officer at Korozo, said:<br />
“Sustainability remains the most important<br />
topic for brands and retailers. Consumers<br />
expect sustainable packaging solutions<br />
while lawmakers and regulations are<br />
demanding the move to recyclable solutions<br />
and circular business models.<br />
Korozo is again exhibiting at interpack in<br />
Dusseldorf on Stand F32 in Hall 9. May<br />
7-13, <strong>2026</strong>. Korozo has experts on hand<br />
and stand-up pouch samples on show<br />
that are relevant to food and non-food<br />
customers alike, working in markets such<br />
as petfood, confectionery, home care, and<br />
personal care.<br />
This demonstrates the variety of flexible<br />
packaging structures Korozo can manufacture<br />
using in-house extrusion technology.<br />
These films are then printed and<br />
either converted directly into pouches<br />
or supplied as rollstock, according to the<br />
client’s needs, and used to pack everything<br />
from everyday essentials and occasional<br />
treats to frequently used cleaning<br />
products and challenging chemicals.<br />
For CPG and FMCG brands, Korozo’s<br />
expertise in the development and<br />
production of high-performance standup<br />
pouches is of particular interest.<br />
These are already trusted by brands and<br />
retailers for food and non-food packaging<br />
applications. To suit the widest range of<br />
applications possible, stand-up pouches<br />
can include spouted options, easy-open<br />
and reclose formats (including child-proof<br />
zippers), different handle options, and<br />
customisation up to 5 litres.<br />
For food manufacturers, Korozo’s skin<br />
films provide the solution for complex<br />
supply chains, where efficiency and<br />
product integrity are paramount.<br />
The KoroSkin film range, for example, is an<br />
extremely versatile lidding film for a wide<br />
range of food packaging applications.<br />
At the same time, a low gauge delivers<br />
material savings of up to 20%, and high<br />
barrier properties extend the shelf life<br />
of products; excellent clarity and gloss<br />
ensure maximum shelf appeal.<br />
“This requires fresh thinking and a new<br />
approach to packaging supply chains,<br />
where every loop must play its part to reduce<br />
the environmental footprint of flexible<br />
packaging and move the industry closer to<br />
Net Zero, or at least the 2030 specifications<br />
for recyclability and resource efficiency<br />
laid out in the EU’s Packaging & Packaging<br />
Waste Regulation (PPWR).<br />
“That is why in Hall 9 on stand F32, visitors<br />
will discover the most comprehensive<br />
range of sustainable and circular flexible<br />
packaging solutions for any application.”<br />
Another consideration for brands<br />
and retailers in the current climate is<br />
that they are working with a flexible<br />
packaging partner that has the presence<br />
and reputation to support their<br />
business through challenging operating<br />
environments, while also supporting and<br />
enabling further growth.<br />
Across the full 7 days of interpack <strong>2026</strong>,<br />
attendees are invited to meet with<br />
Korozo and discuss their current and<br />
future requirements for functional and<br />
sustainable flexible packaging and<br />
understand how Korozo’s ability to<br />
38<br />
Technology & Marketing
PACKAGING<br />
reliably and responsibly support their<br />
needs delivers a competitive advantage.<br />
Selin continued: “We devise and deliver<br />
sustainable and functional packaging<br />
solutions. These are developed and<br />
manufactured at our site in ÇorluTürkiye,<br />
which is one of Europe’s largest integrated<br />
manufacturing facilities. Alongside the<br />
scope and scale this facility gives us to<br />
support our customers throughout Europe<br />
and elsewhere around the world, it gives<br />
reassurance to our customers that they are<br />
working with a reliable and trustworthy<br />
partner that can support their growth and<br />
long-term packaging requirements.”<br />
Technology & Marketing<br />
For more information<br />
www.korozogroup.com/<br />
flexible-packaging<br />
ARE YOU READY TO BET<br />
THAT OUR CARTONING<br />
MACHINES RUN<br />
FASTER THAN YOUR PET?<br />
Cama Group is a leading supplier of advanced secondary packaging systems in the pet food, continuously investing in innovative<br />
solutions. www.camagroup.com - sales@♥camagroup.com<br />
NUREMBERG- GERMANY<br />
12 - 15 May <strong>2026</strong><br />
Hall 7A / 7A-515<br />
Issue 2 <strong>2026</strong><br />
39
PACKAGING<br />
Nextek and Coveris Launch Fully<br />
Operational Demonstration Plant<br />
for Food-Grade Recycling<br />
Following its announcement last year, the COtooCLEAN TM demonstration plant developed by Nextek and<br />
Coveris, and supported by the Alliance to End Plastic Waste, is now fully operational at Coveris’ ReCover site in<br />
Lincolnshire, UK. This marks a major step forward in advanced recycling of flexible films.<br />
The plant showcases a breakthrough<br />
purification technology designed to<br />
convert post-consumer polyolefin (PE and<br />
PP) film waste into high-quality recycled<br />
resin suitable for food-grade applications.<br />
This operational phase represents a<br />
critical preparation step in tackling one of<br />
the industry’s most complex challenges:<br />
enabling safe, compliant food-grade<br />
recycling from post-consumer flexible<br />
packaging.<br />
Developed by Nextek and scaled in<br />
partnership with Coveris, COtooCLEAN<br />
addresses the persistent issue of<br />
embedded contaminants in plastic films.<br />
Using supercritical CO₂ extraction, the<br />
process penetrates deep into the polymer<br />
structure to remove oils, odors and legacy<br />
substances that conventional mechanical<br />
recycling cannot fully eliminate.<br />
According to Edward Kosior, founder<br />
of Nextek and a recognized leader in<br />
polymer circularity, COtooCLEAN’s high<br />
purification performance provides a<br />
critical complementary step to unlock<br />
higher-quality recycled materials and<br />
enable true circularity for flexible films.<br />
By enabling significantly higher decontamination<br />
performance, the technology<br />
promises to pave the way for<br />
increased availability of food-grade<br />
recycled content by supporting regulatory<br />
compliance and reducing reliance on<br />
virgin materials.<br />
This first-of-its-kind plant, built with the<br />
funding support from Alliance to End<br />
Plastic Waste, will allow the project to<br />
enter into its industrial phase, beginning<br />
in April <strong>2026</strong>. This phase will enable the<br />
development of larger-scale operational<br />
experience and the generation of the<br />
data required for European regulatory<br />
approval, while demonstrating both<br />
scalability and commercial viability.<br />
“This project marks the next step in<br />
advancing Coveris’ No Waste vision, with<br />
ReCover playing a central role in keeping<br />
plastics circular. With COtooCLEAN<br />
now fully operational, we are taking an<br />
important step in preparing to solve the<br />
food-grade recycling challenge for flexible<br />
films. Together with our advanced de-inking<br />
40<br />
Technology & Marketing
PACKAGING<br />
About Nextek<br />
Nextek Ltd is a leading sustainability<br />
technology consultancy specialising<br />
in innovative recycling solutions. Their<br />
COtooCLEAN process transforms postconsumer<br />
polyolefin films into highquality,<br />
food-grade recycled materials,<br />
addressing one of the toughest challenges<br />
in plastic recycling.<br />
About Coveris<br />
Coveris is a leading European packaging<br />
company specialising in highperformance<br />
flexible- and paperpackaging<br />
solutions. Serving some of the<br />
world’s most recognised brands, Coveris<br />
protects a diverse range of products,<br />
including food, pet food, medical<br />
supplies, industrial and agricultural<br />
goods. Committed to innovation and<br />
sustainability, Coveris continuously<br />
develops attractive and environmentally<br />
responsible packaging in line with<br />
its No Waste vision. Strengthening<br />
this commitment, Coveris recently<br />
established ReCover, a dedicated business<br />
unit focused on waste procurement,<br />
processing and plastics recycling,<br />
effectively closing the loop on plastic<br />
sustainability. Headquartered in Vienna,<br />
Coveris operates 17 sites across the EMEA<br />
region, employing 2,500 people.<br />
Bernhard Mumelter<br />
technologies, this innovation strengthens<br />
our mechanical recycling capabilities and<br />
opens the next phase of solutions for more<br />
demanding applications”, comments<br />
Bernhard Mumelter, Group Innovation<br />
Manager at Coveris Group.<br />
“COtooCLEAN has the potential to improve<br />
both the rate and quality of flexible plastics<br />
recycling. This demonstration plant is an<br />
important step in validating the technology<br />
and supporting its path to wider deployment.<br />
It also reflects the Alliance’s commitment to<br />
advancing practical, scalable solutions. By<br />
accelerating innovation and working with<br />
partners across the value chain, we are<br />
Jacob Duer<br />
working to turn progress into real systems<br />
change,” said Jacob Duer, President and<br />
CEO, Alliance to End Plastic Waste.<br />
Industrial-scale trials will begin in April<br />
<strong>2026</strong> to generate the two years of data<br />
required by European regulators, while<br />
also showcasing the technology to<br />
industry.<br />
Technology & Marketing<br />
For more information<br />
www.coveris.com<br />
www.nextek.org<br />
www.endplasticwaste.org<br />
About the<br />
Alliance to End Plastic Waste<br />
The Alliance to End Plastic Waste is<br />
an independent global non-profit<br />
organisation, with the purpose to end<br />
plastic waste entering the environment<br />
and to create circular systems that keep<br />
materials and products in use for as long<br />
as possible. The organisation goes beyond<br />
connecting existing solutions, to building<br />
unique and impactful circular solutions.<br />
42<br />
Technology & Marketing
HOW NATOO TURNED COMPANY-LEV<br />
SUSTAINABILITY INTO CERTIFIED <strong>PRO</strong>D<br />
CLAIMS<br />
PACKAGING<br />
Natoo Brings Verified<br />
Overview<br />
Sustainability Claims to Shelf<br />
Translating sustainability investments into credible shelf-level<br />
claims has been complex. To address this, Natoo established<br />
four strategic priorities: quantifying product carbon footprints,<br />
securing third-party certification, improving packaging<br />
recyclability and offsetting plastic impact through certified<br />
recovery programs.<br />
Working with sustainability verification consultant ClimatePartner,<br />
Natoo has measured product-level carbon footprints across<br />
select lines, enabling certification and supporting verified<br />
cookstove and international ocean plastic recovery initiatives.<br />
Packaging innovation is another focus: the Crunchy Biscuit line<br />
now uses recyclable mono-material packaging, and a TerraCycle<br />
take-back program allows Meal Topper pouches to be returned<br />
for specialized recycling.<br />
Since 2022, manufacturing operations linked to the brand have<br />
reduced carbon emissions by roughly 26,000 tons. Natoo’s facility<br />
is LEED Gold-certified and 100% solar powered, and additional<br />
verified carbon credit initiatives continue to support emissions<br />
Takeaways<br />
Describe About puN<br />
Natoo was de<br />
As sustainability expectations within the pet<br />
company to p<br />
Crafted in a L<br />
industry increased, Natoo faced a critical<br />
facility, Natoo<br />
challenge: company-level commitments were no sourced ingre<br />
longer enough. Retailers and consumers wanted Pet Sustainab<br />
product-level proof supported by credible thirdparty<br />
verification. To meet this demand, Natoo Better Pets. B<br />
Product-Level Certification Strategy Builds Retail Trust and Drives Category Growth<br />
ClimatePartne<br />
pursued a unified framework to measure product<br />
Natoo Pet Foods is advancing sustainability transparency mitigation, carbon while footprints, plastic secure introduced ClimatePartner<br />
to the Brazilian market is Since 2022, th<br />
in pet care by transforming company-level environmental<br />
certification, redesign packaging for recyclability, emissions by<br />
offset through a certified recovery program.<br />
and offset plastic responsibly.⁴ These initiatives electricity and<br />
commitments into verified product-level claims that support created a scalable climate accountability model compensated<br />
retailer confidence and informed purchasing decisions. As Verified built sustainability on integrated claims certification, also deliver packaging commercial value. Carbon Free<br />
demand grows for measurable proof behind climate messaging, redesign, and public transparency.<br />
using UN-cer<br />
Products displaying recognized environmental badges on digital Jirau Hydroel<br />
the brand has implemented a structured framework that enables<br />
electricity to m<br />
clear communication of verified claims at shelf.<br />
Lead with verified<br />
carbon data<br />
Establish accurate product carbon footprints<br />
before pursuing certification to ensure<br />
credibility and streamline third-party<br />
validation.<br />
Integrate measurement<br />
with packaging action<br />
Pair emissions accounting with recyclable<br />
packaging design and plastic offsets to<br />
deliver a cohesive, certified climate<br />
strategy.<br />
Make sustainability<br />
transparent and<br />
auditable<br />
Use measurable, third-party-verified<br />
reporting to build retailer trust,<br />
strengthen partnerships and reduce the<br />
risk of misleading environmental claims.<br />
Additionally,<br />
Brazil through<br />
program.¹<br />
The Ch<br />
As of 2022, N<br />
renewable en<br />
conservation,<br />
level sustaina<br />
claims visible<br />
marketplaces<br />
Both retailers<br />
product-level<br />
visibility beyo<br />
opportunity w<br />
measurable s<br />
packaging de<br />
remaining sca<br />
The Sol<br />
Natoo define<br />
1.Q uantify<br />
2.Secure th<br />
3.Redesign<br />
4.Offset pla<br />
“Responsible growth requires a measurable foundation. By certifying o<br />
built a scalable climate accountability model that proves sustainability a<br />
forward together.” – F ernando Torres Maluf, VP International Busine<br />
www.petsustainability.org<br />
info@<br />
Automated packaging machines, plants and<br />
systems for the food and beverage industry.<br />
Seamless.<br />
Limitless.<br />
Flawless.<br />
Visit us at<br />
7. - 13. May<br />
Düsseldorf<br />
Hall 11, Booth C60<br />
www.eol.group<br />
Issue 2 <strong>2026</strong><br />
43
International Magazine May <strong>2026</strong> ISSN 2628-5851<br />
Technology & Marketing 2/26<br />
Fax-Inquiry<br />
+49 (0) 911 2018 - 100<br />
or E-mail: food@harnisch.com<br />
Ingredients: Pet Wellbeing, Collagen, Botanical Extracts, Starch for Wet Petfood, Humanization<br />
Processing: Extrusion, Petfood Safety, Flexible Dosing, Cutting and Separation<br />
Packaging: Clip Packaging, Food-Grade Recycling, Flexible Packaging, interpack <strong>2026</strong><br />
Marketing: Interzoo <strong>2026</strong>, Caring for Cats, China International Pet Show, Pet Fair Asia<br />
Our service: If you like to have more information on articles<br />
and/or advertisements please fax this form.<br />
Issue 2/26<br />
1. Additional questions<br />
1.1. Business Classification:<br />
1.2. Number of employees at this location:<br />
1.3. How do you rate this publication? excellent good fair poor<br />
1.4. I wish to receive future issues of <strong>PetFood</strong><strong>PRO</strong>: Yes No<br />
2. I would like to obtain more information<br />
2.1. Regarding following articles/editorials (Title and page N o. ):<br />
2.2. Regarding following advertisements (Title and page N o. ):<br />
3. Please enter my subscription to <strong>PetFood</strong><strong>PRO</strong> for one year (4 issues)<br />
The subscription shall start immediately beginning of<br />
It is prolonged automatically for one year unless it is cancelled 6 weeks before expiry.<br />
Surface Mail (US $ 50,–/Euro 44,–) Air Mail (US $ 60,–/Euro 52,–)<br />
Check enclosed<br />
Bill me<br />
Charge my credit card: Euro-Card Visa AMEX<br />
valid until:<br />
4. Address<br />
Company:<br />
Name:<br />
Address:<br />
Address:<br />
Country:<br />
Position:<br />
Phone:<br />
Email:<br />
Date:<br />
Signature:
en’s certified plastic recovery program.¹<br />
product-level<br />
nlocks visibility on<br />
rms . Products displaying<br />
ledge Friendly<br />
see an average 12%<br />
illion customers have<br />
products,<br />
market value of credible<br />
s.²<br />
xt<br />
marketplaces have shown increased<br />
shopper engagement and sales growth,<br />
helping retailers reduce risk and support<br />
responsible category expansion.<br />
“Responsible growth requires a measurable<br />
foundation,” said Fernando Torres Maluf,<br />
VP of International Business. “By certifying<br />
our footprint and redesigning packaging,<br />
we built a scalable climate accountability<br />
model that shows sustainability and<br />
business performance can advance<br />
together.”<br />
Natoo is encouraging other pet industry<br />
companies to move beyond high-level<br />
commitments by adopting measurable<br />
systems linked to verified productlevel<br />
claims. The brand plans to expand<br />
certification across additional product<br />
lines, strengthen carbon data tracking,<br />
continue improving packaging efficiency<br />
and explore opportunities to scale<br />
plastic offset programs through new<br />
partnerships.<br />
ClimatePartner certification<br />
Technology & Marketing<br />
oduct lines while strengthening<br />
print tracking processes. The<br />
cuits and Chicken Meal Toppers<br />
Partner certified for carbon<br />
ffset, providing transparent<br />
hts that can be independently<br />
rs and consumers.<br />
oo plans to scale plastic offset<br />
h evolving partnerships and<br />
ities. Packaging improvements,<br />
recycled content and design<br />
a priority. The company also aims<br />
n data practices across its supply<br />
certification requirements and<br />
practices.<br />
rce Natoo’s commitment to<br />
rified reporting, strengthening its<br />
ile delivering meaningful<br />
business impact.<br />
For more information<br />
www.Natoo<strong>PetFood</strong>s.com / www.petsustainability.org<br />
Call to Action<br />
PACKAGING<br />
Your company-level commitments are the<br />
foundation.<br />
Bring your commitments from the operations level<br />
to the package level and give retailers and<br />
consumers proof they can see and trust at the<br />
product level.<br />
Don’t just talk about sustainability. Build systems that<br />
prove it. Start by measuring product carbon<br />
footprints, engaging suppliers early and pursuing<br />
credible certifications. Design packaging with reuse,<br />
recycling or composting in mind. Transparent,<br />
verifiable climate action builds trust, reduces risk and<br />
strengthens long-term brand value<br />
¹https://www.creditodelogisticareversa.com.br/logistica-reversapremierpet.<br />
²https://sustainability.aboutamazon.com/stories/sustainabilitylabels-are-shifting-shopping-decisions<br />
³https://projects.climatepartner.com/en/7018<br />
⁴https://www.terracycle.com/en-US/?<br />
srsltid=AfmBOoqYJYp8365kaNBSc8ghL46sKOyO-<br />
A83LJwgH79ZAMrR3JI4iycY<br />
www.petsustainability.org<br />
info@petsustainability.org<br />
Issue 2 <strong>2026</strong><br />
45
MARKETING<br />
CIPS <strong>2026</strong>: New Brand Identity<br />
Debuts with “Renewal,” Opening<br />
a New Industry Chapter<br />
As spring begins – a season widely associated with renewal and new growth – The 30th China International Pet<br />
Show (CIPS <strong>2026</strong>) has officially introduced its new brand visual identity under the theme “Renewal,” marking<br />
an important milestone in the event’s development.<br />
The update marks a new phase for CIPS as<br />
a leading global trade platform for pet &<br />
aquatics, while also reflecting a broader<br />
sense of renewal across the industry.<br />
Building on three decades of experience<br />
while looking toward future innovation,<br />
CIPS continues to develop as a more<br />
open and globally connected platform –<br />
supporting cooperation, strengthening<br />
dialogue, and enabling sustainable<br />
growth across the international pet and<br />
aquatics community.<br />
With nearly three decades of continuous<br />
development, CIPS stands today as a<br />
leading global trade platform serving the<br />
pet and aquatics industry. CIPS <strong>2026</strong> spans<br />
over 120,000 square meters of exhibition<br />
space, bringing together more than 1,400<br />
exhibitors and over 80,000 professional<br />
visitors from more than 120 countries<br />
and regions, forming a stable and diverse<br />
international industry network.<br />
Building on this foundation, CIPS is<br />
structured around a complete product<br />
system covering the entire pet and<br />
aquatics value chain. With a strong focus<br />
on professional B2B engagement, CIPS<br />
provides an efficient environment for<br />
market access and business cooperation.<br />
The latest brand renewal reflects a<br />
further step in the platform’s ongoing<br />
development, marking the beginning of a<br />
new phase in its long-term evolution.<br />
A Season of Renewal:<br />
When Industry Momentum<br />
Meets a New Cycle<br />
Spring traditionally symbolizes fresh<br />
beginnings and forward momentum,<br />
making it a fitting moment for CIPS to<br />
introduce its renewed brand identity.<br />
After nearly thirty years of engagement<br />
with the industry, CIPS has become an<br />
integral part of the global supply chain,<br />
and this latest update therefore goes<br />
beyond a visual refresh – it represents a<br />
strategic step toward CIPS’ next stage of<br />
growth and development.<br />
The renewed identity adopts a more<br />
modern and internationally aligned visual<br />
language while reinforcing CIPS’ longterm<br />
vision of serving as an evolving<br />
industry platform that continues to<br />
support the global industry.<br />
Dashi Zhang, head of visual design for CIPS,<br />
explains: “The recognizable typography<br />
and professional identity long associated<br />
with CIPS have been carefully retained and<br />
strengthened. Our goal was to create a<br />
visual language that feels contemporary<br />
and dynamic while respecting the<br />
platform’s heritage – meeting modern<br />
digital communication standards while<br />
maintaining the professionalism expected<br />
of a leading global trade platform.”<br />
At the center of the renewed identity is<br />
the dynamic “30” graphic, marking three<br />
decades of CIPS. Its flowing, forwardmoving<br />
form represents the continuous<br />
gathering of global industry resources and<br />
the platform’s role in shaping new market<br />
directions. The design communicates<br />
momentum, connectivity, and sustained<br />
growth as CIPS moves into its next phase<br />
of development.<br />
46<br />
Technology & Marketing
MARKETING<br />
The color system further supports this<br />
narrative through tones representing<br />
heritage, openness, vitality, and<br />
inclusiveness. A deep heritage red anchors<br />
the visual identity, symbolizing thirty<br />
years of accumulated experience and<br />
strong market foundations. Blue elements<br />
convey transparency and connectivity<br />
– key qualities in international trade<br />
cooperation. Yellow accents express<br />
innovation and market vitality, while<br />
white structures emphasize openness<br />
and the possibilities created through<br />
collaboration. Together, these elements<br />
create a visual landscape reflecting<br />
CIPS’s core values: connecting markets,<br />
enabling cooperation, and encouraging<br />
innovation-driven development.<br />
Yet the visual update ultimately brings<br />
attention back to what lies at the heart<br />
of the industry – the animals themselves.<br />
The refreshed imagery reinterprets<br />
CIPS’ familiar pet motifs through a<br />
contemporary design approach, featuring<br />
dogs, cats, ornamental fish, reptiles,<br />
birds, and other companion animals that<br />
increasingly shape lifestyles worldwide.<br />
In doing so, the new visual highlights the<br />
diversity of today’s pet ecosystem while<br />
expressing the universal bond between<br />
people and animals across cultures.<br />
A Shared Commitment:<br />
Driving Industry Dialogue and<br />
Collaboration<br />
“The new visual identity represents a visible<br />
commitment to our global partners,”<br />
says Hong Yu, project director of CIPS.<br />
“It reflects our continued evolution into a<br />
more innovative, inclusive, and sustainable<br />
industry hub. CIPS is not only a venue for<br />
trade – it is also where ideas are exchanged,<br />
trends are explored, trust is built, and future<br />
collaborations begin.”<br />
The renewed brand visual system will<br />
now be gradually introduced across<br />
official websites, social media channels,<br />
marketing materials, and partner<br />
platforms worldwide, helping create<br />
a more consistent and recognizable<br />
experience for exhibitors, visitors, and<br />
media partners worldwide.<br />
Technology & Marketing<br />
For more information<br />
en.cipscom.com<br />
Issue 2 <strong>2026</strong><br />
47
EVENTS<br />
Photos: Interzoo / Impressions from the last Interzoo 2024<br />
48<br />
Technology & Marketing
EVENTS<br />
Issue 1 <strong>2026</strong><br />
49
MARKETING<br />
Common<br />
Nutritional<br />
Deficiencies<br />
in Cats<br />
By Simran Sharma<br />
flaky skin, poor fur quality, slow wound<br />
healing, and behavioral changes.<br />
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning<br />
their diet must be rich in animal-based<br />
proteins and certain essential nutrients<br />
that they cannot synthesize on their<br />
own. Unlike dogs, cats have very specific<br />
dietary requirements, and deficiencies in<br />
key nutrients can lead to serious health<br />
issues. Understanding these common<br />
nutritional deficiencies is crucial for any<br />
cat owner or caregiver.<br />
1. Taurine Deficiency<br />
Taurine is an essential amino acid for cats,<br />
vital for proper heart function, vision, and<br />
reproductive health. Unlike many other<br />
animals, cats cannot produce sufficient<br />
taurine on their own and must obtain it<br />
from animal-based proteins. A deficiency<br />
can lead to dilated cardiomyopathy,<br />
a serious heart condition, as well as<br />
retinal degeneration, which can result<br />
in blindness. Reproductive problems,<br />
including stillbirths or low birth weight<br />
in kittens, are also associated with taurine<br />
deficiency. Commercial cat foods are<br />
typically supplemented with taurine, but<br />
homemade diets that are not carefully<br />
balanced can be a significant risk.<br />
2. Vitamin A Deficiency<br />
Vitamin A is another crucial nutrient<br />
that cats cannot synthesize from plant<br />
sources. It is essential for vision, immune<br />
system function, and skin health. Cats rely<br />
on preformed vitamin A, which comes<br />
from animal tissues, particularly liver.<br />
Deficiency in vitamin A can lead to night<br />
blindness, poor growth in kittens, and<br />
skin issues such as rough coat, scaling,<br />
and increased susceptibility to infections.<br />
Chronic deficiency may also contribute to<br />
skeletal abnormalities.<br />
3. Vitamin D Deficiency<br />
Unlike humans, cats cannot produce<br />
sufficient vitamin D through sunlight and<br />
must obtain it from their diet. Vitamin D<br />
is essential for calcium and phosphorus<br />
metabolism, which supports healthy<br />
bones and teeth. Deficiency can result in<br />
rickets in kittens or osteomalacia in adult<br />
cats, leading to soft bones, fractures,<br />
and skeletal deformities. While most<br />
commercial cat foods provide adequate<br />
vitamin D, homemade diets or poorly<br />
balanced foods can put cats at risk.<br />
4. Protein Deficiency<br />
Protein is the cornerstone of a cat’s diet.<br />
Being obligate carnivores, cats require<br />
high-quality animal protein for muscle<br />
main tenance, energy, and overall health.<br />
Inadequate protein intake can cause poor<br />
growth, muscle wasting, lethargy, and<br />
im paired immune function. Long-term<br />
protein deficiency may also lead to poor<br />
coat condition and reproductive issues. It<br />
is important to provide complete protein<br />
sources that include all essential amino<br />
acids.<br />
5. Essential Fatty Acid<br />
Deficiency<br />
Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are<br />
vital for skin and coat health, brain<br />
function, and inflammatory regulation.<br />
Cats cannot convert plant-based fatty<br />
acids efficiently, so these nutrients must<br />
come from animal sources such as fish oil<br />
or poultry fat. Deficiency may result in dry,<br />
6. Calcium and Phosphorus<br />
Imbalance<br />
Cats require a precise balance of calcium<br />
and phosphorus for bone health. Deficiency<br />
or imbalance, often caused by feeding<br />
bones alone or improper homemade diets,<br />
can result in skeletal deformities, dental<br />
issues, and weak muscles. Growing kittens<br />
are particularly susceptible to deficiencies<br />
in these minerals.<br />
7. Vitamin B Deficiencies<br />
B vitamins, including B1 (thiamine), B2<br />
(riboflavin), B6 (pyridoxine), and B12<br />
(cobalamin), are essential for energy<br />
metabolism, nervous system function,<br />
and red blood cell formation. Deficiency<br />
in these vitamins can lead to neurological<br />
signs such as unsteady gait, seizures, poor<br />
appetite, vomiting, and lethargy.<br />
Conclusion<br />
Cats have very specific nutritional needs,<br />
and deficiencies in taurine, vitamins A and<br />
D, protein, essential fatty acids, calcium,<br />
phosphorus, and B vitamins can lead to<br />
severe health complications. Feeding a<br />
balanced, high-quality commercial diet<br />
or carefully formulated homemade diet<br />
is essential to prevent these deficiencies.<br />
Regular veterinary check-ups and<br />
monitoring your cat’s health and dietary<br />
intake can help ensure a long, healthy,<br />
and active life for your feline companion.<br />
Technology & Marketing<br />
For more information<br />
www.creature-companions.in<br />
A version of this article was first<br />
published in the magazine Creature<br />
Companion, October 2025, L.B.<br />
Associates (Pvt) Ltd, Noida, India and is<br />
reproduced with permission.<br />
50<br />
Technology & Marketing
Pet Fair Asia returns in <strong>2026</strong><br />
more international than ever<br />
EVENTS<br />
Entering its 28th edition with bold initiatives and strong momentum, Pet Fair Asia returns to Shanghai from<br />
August 19 - 23, <strong>2026</strong>, set to achieve new milestones. As Asia’s flagship event for the pet industry, the show<br />
continues to push boundaries by broadening its scope and impact. Through strategic initiatives and new<br />
thematic additions, it is evolving beyond a traditional annual gathering into a fully integrated, forwardlooking<br />
platform - one designed to meet the industry’s changing needs while supporting the sustainable<br />
growth of the global pet community.<br />
“We are delighted to present a continually<br />
refreshed platform to our audience each<br />
year, enriched with new programs and<br />
innovative initiatives that showcase the<br />
very best of Asia’s pet industry,” said Edwin<br />
Tan, CEO at Globus Events – show’s<br />
organizer. “As both a manufacturing and<br />
innovation powerhouse, China remains<br />
a key and rapidly expanding pet market,<br />
offering significant opportunities for pet<br />
businesses worldwide. Pet Fair Asia has<br />
already established itself as an unmissable<br />
global meeting hub in Asia, providing a<br />
unique vantage point to understand where<br />
the future of the pet industry is headed.” Tan<br />
concluded.<br />
Unmached Scale and Product<br />
Diversity<br />
An all-time record of 320,000 sqm of<br />
exhibition space will host more than 2,600<br />
exhibitors, presenting a comprehensive<br />
360-degree showcase of pet industry<br />
products. While core segments such as<br />
food, supplies, and healthcare remain<br />
robust, Pet Fair Asia distinguishes itself<br />
by spotlighting emerging growth drivers<br />
such as functional nutrition, fresh pet<br />
diets, smart technologies, fashion, travel<br />
solutions, and human-pet co-living.<br />
These trends not only highlight the<br />
sector’s diversity but also its increasing<br />
convergence with adjacent industries,<br />
unlocking new business opportunities<br />
and shaping evolving consumer lifestyles.<br />
Carefully curated thematic areas that<br />
showcase the future of the pet industry<br />
include: Discovery (a spotlight on<br />
innovations), Genius Hub (showcasing<br />
smart technologies), Pet Fashion Week<br />
(setting style benchmarks for furry<br />
companions), and Start-Up (nurturing<br />
fresh inspiration from a new generation of<br />
industry players).<br />
In particular, PET FAIR SUPPLY, the colocated<br />
event dedicated to the pet<br />
industry supply chain, continues its<br />
strong expansion, with two additional<br />
halls introduced in <strong>2026</strong>. This brings the<br />
total to 10 outdoor halls, hosting over 900<br />
exhibitors across 70,000 sqm of dedicated<br />
space. The area will cover five core sectors:<br />
equipment, packaging, smart factory,<br />
OEM/OBM/ODM, and third-party services.<br />
Expanding International<br />
Presence<br />
Pet Fair Asia is attracting unprecedented<br />
global attention, with a growing number<br />
of international companies and brands<br />
choosing the show as their gateway to the<br />
Asian market – particularly through the<br />
expansion of national pavilions. Building<br />
on the strong presence of six pavilions<br />
in 2025 – New Zealand, Japan, South<br />
Korea, Taiwan (China), the United States,<br />
and Poland – the <strong>2026</strong> edition is set to<br />
welcome an even broader international<br />
lineup, with new pavilions from Australia,<br />
Canada, and Thailand. This continued<br />
expansion further reinforces Pet Fair Asia’s<br />
pivotal role as a global business hub,<br />
driving cross-border collaboration and<br />
advancing the development of the pet<br />
industry worldwide.<br />
On the visitation side, international<br />
attendance at Pet Fair Asia has become a<br />
standout feature. In 2025, the event was<br />
attended by 130,000 professional visitors<br />
from China and a record of 90 other<br />
countries, with international visitation<br />
growing by more than 20%, reflecting<br />
China’s rising influence in the global pet<br />
economy.<br />
Elevated B2B Experience<br />
This year, Pet Fair Asia is launching the<br />
VIP B2B DAY – a strategic initiative to<br />
strengthen the show’s business focus. The<br />
first day of the event will be an invitationonly<br />
opening, creating a targeted and<br />
efficient environment where exhibitors<br />
and key stakeholders can connect in a<br />
quieter, more productive setting with<br />
minimal distractions. Carefully curated,<br />
this day will bring together selected<br />
local importers, wholesalers, distributors,<br />
VIP buyers, and leading media partners,<br />
fostering high-quality interactions and<br />
meaningful business exchange. International<br />
visitors, meanwhile, will continue<br />
to benefit from full access throughout all<br />
show days, with the flexibility to engage<br />
from day one. The VIP B2B Day sharpens<br />
the focus on core networking with the<br />
Chinese domestic buyers, while global<br />
participants can explore the exhibition<br />
comprehensively and at their own pace.<br />
Technology & Marketing<br />
For more information<br />
https://en.petfairasia.com<br />
Issue 1 <strong>2026</strong><br />
51
LAST PAGE<br />
Upcoming Events<br />
May 7-13, <strong>2026</strong><br />
Interpack<br />
Düsseldorf, Germany<br />
www.interpack.com<br />
May 12-15, <strong>2026</strong><br />
Interzoo<br />
Nuremberg, Germany<br />
www.interzoo.com<br />
June 2-4, <strong>2026</strong><br />
VICTAM International<br />
Utrecht, The Netherlands<br />
www.victaminternational.com<br />
July 6-10, <strong>2026</strong><br />
Extruded Pet Foods & Treats Course<br />
College Station, Texas, USA<br />
foodscience.tamu.edu<br />
July 12-15, <strong>2026</strong><br />
IFT FIRST<br />
Chicago, Illinois, USA<br />
www.iftevent.org<br />
August 28-30, <strong>2026</strong><br />
India International Pet Trade Fair (IIPTF)<br />
Delhi, India<br />
www.iiptf.in<br />
November 12-15, <strong>2026</strong><br />
China International Pet Show<br />
Guangzhou, China<br />
en.cipscom.com<br />
May 11-13, 2027<br />
ZOOMARK<br />
Bologna, Italy<br />
www.zoomark.it<br />
Preview September <strong>2026</strong><br />
Minerals, Gelatine, Fiber<br />
Drying, Testing, Sterilization<br />
Big Bags, Cans, Labelling<br />
FI Europe, Frankfurt, Germany<br />
… and lots more!<br />
Impressum<br />
ISSN 2628-5851<br />
Technology & Marketing<br />
Publishing Company:<br />
Dr. Harnisch Publications<br />
Eschenstraße 25<br />
90441 Nuremberg, Germany<br />
Tel: +49-(0)-911-2018-0<br />
Fax: +49-(0)-911-2018-100<br />
E-mail: food@harnisch.com<br />
Internet: www.petfoodpro-mag.com<br />
www.harnisch.com<br />
Editor-in-Chief: Ian Healey<br />
Tel: +49-(0)-911-2018-215<br />
E-mail: ihealey@harnisch.com<br />
Publisher: Benno Keller<br />
International Communications:<br />
Benjamin Costemend, Steve Max,<br />
Britta Steinberg<br />
Editorial Team:<br />
Editorial Team:<br />
Vera Lengenfelder, Sabine Straka,<br />
Axinja Peine , Sabine Straka, Britta Göpfert, Bruno Bozic<br />
Sabrina Maasberg, Tanya Culley,<br />
Digital: Britta Steinberg<br />
Digital: Britta Steinberg<br />
Graphic Designer: Sabine Krauss<br />
Graphic Designer: Vera Lengenfelder<br />
Technical Manager: Armin König<br />
Technical Manager: Armin König<br />
Advertising: Sabrina Maasberg<br />
Advertising Department: Sabrina Maasberg<br />
Tel: +49-(0)-911-2018-245<br />
Tel: +49-(0)-911-2018-245<br />
E-mail: maasberg@harnisch.com<br />
E-mail: maasberg@harnisch.com<br />
Subscriptions: Marta Bletek-Gonzalez<br />
Subscriptions: Marta Bletek-Gonzalez<br />
Subscription Information:<br />
Subscription Information:<br />
Qualified Readers, executives in the food industry, are put on the<br />
Qualified Readers, executives in the food industry, are put on the<br />
mailing list free of charge. Regular delivery by subscription only.<br />
mailing list free of charge. Regular delivery by subscription only.<br />
Annual subscription 2020 (4 issues) – € 44 (Domestic)/€ 52<br />
Annual subscription 2025 (4 issues) – € 44 (Domestic)/€ 52 (Abroad)<br />
(Abroad)<br />
Printed by:<br />
Printed by:<br />
AKONTEXT s.r.o., Zárydničná 2048 / 7,<br />
Printed by Schleunungdruck GmbH, Marktheidenfeld, Germany<br />
14100 Praha 4, Czech Republic<br />
Copyright © <strong>2026</strong><br />
by Dr. Harnisch Verlag, Nuremberg, Germany<br />
Adobe Stock #309051846<br />
52<br />
Technology & Marketing
The unmissable<br />
ingredients event<br />
Fi Europe is where the<br />
F&B ingredients industry<br />
comes together to connect,<br />
innovate and drive the<br />
future of food.<br />
Book a stand
New processes,<br />
alternative raw materials,<br />
new formulations.<br />
From first idea to<br />
full production.<br />
Test, refine and scale your new product<br />
with our experts at Bühler Research<br />
and Training Centers.<br />
Ready to unlock your<br />
next market success?<br />
Scan to know more!<br />
Innovations for a better world.<br />
Innovations for a better world.