Heavy pet treats require strong and protective packaging. The wrong choice can lead to spoilage, odor contamination, and disappointed customers.
Woven PP bags are better for packing large quantities of pet treats. They protect from moisture, oxygen, and odors—unlike burlap sacks1, which are breathable and risky for food products.
A few years ago, I packaged a bulk pet treat order in burlap sacks1 because they looked natural. But complaints about stale smells and soft textures made me switch to woven PP bags2. That decision improved product quality and customer satisfaction.
Why is burlap sack not suitable for pet treats?
Burlap sacks are natural and breathable. But that’s exactly the problem when storing food-based products like pet treats.
Burlap bags allow air and moisture in. This causes pet treats to lose crunch, absorb unwanted smells, and even develop mold.
Burlap is too breathable for food safety
Pet treats are usually dry and rich in fat. Once exposed to air and moisture, they oxidize quickly. That means they lose texture and flavor—and may even become unsafe to eat.
| Feature | Burlap Sack |
|---|---|
| Moisture Barrier | ❌ None |
| Oxygen Protection | ❌ None |
| Odor Resistance | ❌ None |
| Suitable for Pet Treats? | ❌ Not recommended |
Pet treats are sensitive to environment
Unlike wood pellets or garden soil, pet treats must be kept fresh. Most treats have animal-based ingredients. These can absorb odors from the warehouse or container, like paint, plastic, or chemicals. Burlap does nothing to stop this.
Mold risk increases in long shipping routes
Pet treats in burlap sacks1 face huge risks during long sea freight. Temperature changes cause condensation. Burlap absorbs moisture, turning into a mold-friendly environment. One container of spoiled treats can cost thousands in returns.
Why are woven PP bags2 better for heavy pet treats?
Woven polypropylene bags are used in many industries—fertilizer, grains, rice—for a reason. They are tough, customizable, and protective.
Woven PP bags keep pet treats fresh by blocking moisture, oxygen, and odors. They also support heavy weight and are ideal for bulk packaging.
Layered protection keeps treats crunchy
Woven PP bags can include a laminated or PE-lined layer. This structure keeps out water vapor and oxygen. As a result, the texture and taste of the pet treats remain intact during transport and storage.
| Feature | Woven PP Bag |
|---|---|
| Moisture Resistance | ✅ High |
| Oxygen Barrier | ✅ Strong |
| Odor Protection | ✅ Excellent |
| Load Capacity | ✅ Up to 50kg+ |
| Custom Printing Available | ✅ Yes |
Helps with brand reputation3 and logistics
One of my Australian buyers recently upgraded to woven PP bags2 for their premium dog biscuits. Their sales increased 18% in 3 months, largely because of better product quality and fewer damaged deliveries. They even got fewer complaints from stores about packaging failure.
Suitable for automation and sealing
Many factories today use automated filling and sealing systems. Woven PP bags support these machines better than irregular burlap sacks1. That means faster production and more consistent sealing for food safety.
Are there any benefits to using burlap for pet treats?
Only in very rare cases—like temporary dry storage for non-oily, non-aromatic treats.
For commercial and export use, burlap does not offer enough protection for pet treats. Woven PP is the better choice.
Comparing the two in key areas
| Attribute | Burlap Sack | Woven PP Bag |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture Protection | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Odor Protection | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Strength for Heavy Load | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Custom Branding | ❌ Difficult | ✅ Easy |
| Reusability | ✅ Eco-friendly | ✅ Recyclable |
| Food Safety | ❌ Lacking | ✅ Food-grade films |
What if a client insists on natural look?
In that case, I recommend using a woven PP bag with a kraft paper outer layer. This gives the natural look of burlap, but with the protective performance of plastic.
What else should we consider for packaging heavy pet treats?
Besides choosing the right material, other factors matter too.
Look at sealing method, printing needs, barrier layers, and certification when choosing packaging.
Key packaging tips for heavy pet treats4
1. Use laminated woven PP5 for fat-rich treats
Fatty ingredients spoil quickly. A laminated woven PP5 bag with a metallized layer helps extend shelf life.
2. Avoid zipper pouches for bulk orders
Zippers are great for retail sizes, but not for 10kg or 20kg sacks. Go with heat-sealed woven PP bags6s](https://fillplas.com/pp-woven-bags-definition-benefits-applications/)[^2] for large volumes.
3. Always request food-grade certification7
Especially for exports. Ask for FDA or EU food-contact certification from your packaging supplier.
4. Print usage and storage instructions
Clear labeling helps downstream distributors and pet owners know how to store treats safely.
Conclusion
Woven PP bags protect pet treats better than burlap sacks1.
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Learn why burlap sacks can compromise food safety and quality, especially for sensitive products like pet treats. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩
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Explore the advantages of woven PP bags, including moisture and odor protection, essential for keeping pet treats fresh. ↩ ↩ ↩
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Learn how effective packaging can enhance brand reputation and customer satisfaction in the pet food market. ↩
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Get expert tips on packaging heavy pet treats to ensure freshness and safety during storage and transport. ↩
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Explore how laminated woven PP bags can enhance the shelf life of fat-rich pet treats. ↩ ↩
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Discover the advantages of heat-sealed woven PP bags for maintaining the quality of large pet treat orders. ↩
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Learn about the significance of food-grade certification in ensuring the safety of pet treat packaging. ↩
