The Hidden Cost of Cheap Plastic in Pet Treat Packaging
Plastic didn’t used to be everywhere.
That simple reflection has been echoing lately, especially with more people talking about “plastic detox” — the idea of noticing how much plastic enters our homes, and reducing it where we can.
At My Pet Life, this isn’t a trend. It’s part of our purpose: Wellness in Every Bite, and Good for Pets, People & the Planet.
Plastic’s long tail
Conventional plastic packaging is cheap, light, and convenient. It also tends to stick around. Even when it breaks down, it doesn’t simply disappear — it can fragment into smaller and smaller pieces that move through waterways, soil, and ecosystems.
Many pet parents are already choosing better ingredients for their dogs and cats. Human-grade, locally sourced, functional treats are becoming the new baseline. Packaging is the next part of the conversation: what’s inside matters, and so does what’s left behind.
Compostable vs “biodegradable”: why words matter
Packaging labels can be confusing, and some terms get used loosely.
Compostable generally means the material is designed to break down under specific composting conditions into natural components, leaving no harmful residue when processed correctly.
Biodegradable can mean many things, and the timeline and conditions are often unclear. Some materials may only break down in particular environments, over long periods, or not in a meaningful way at all.
This is why we focus on compostable packaging and clear communication. The goal is to reduce persistent waste, not just swap one marketing label for another.
What about landfill?
This is where it gets honest: landfill is not an ideal “end of life” for any packaging. Landfills can be low-oxygen environments, which slows down breakdown for many materials.
Choosing compostable packaging is about aiming for a better outcome when disposal is done thoughtfully, and reducing reliance on conventional plastics that can persist for a very long time. It is not about pretending there’s a perfect solution.
Why we still chose compostable
Compostable packaging costs more. It can be more complex to source. It can require more education and clearer instructions.
We chose it anyway because we believe the cheapest option at checkout can be the most expensive option in the long run.
Sustainability is a series of decisions:
choosing materials that aim to leave less behind
improving what we can as technology and supply chains improve
creating products that align with a healthier life for pets and a healthier planet for the humans who love them
Choosing wisely (even if it costs a little more)
Every time you buy pet treats, you’re choosing more than a flavour. You’re choosing ingredients, sourcing, manufacturing standards, and packaging outcomes.
If you can spend a little more for a product that aligns with your values, you’re helping shift what becomes normal — and what becomes widely available.
That’s what My Pet Life is here for: treats you can feel good about, from the first bite to the last step of the pack’s journey.
Ready to choose better? Explore My Pet Life treats and feel the difference in every bite — for your pet, your home, and the planet.
