Pet Product Innovation is Changing as Fast as Consumer Expectations
The pet products industry is growing by leaps and bounds. In 2017, American pet owners spent $70 billion on items for their "fur babies," including health foods and luxury items. With that level of expenditure, it's no wonder that pet product innovation is top-of-mind for manufacturers, enabling them to solve problems for pet owners and differentiate their products at the point of sale. For example, Pet Tech or smart devices for pets have been featured as a top trend for 2018 and beyond, demonstrating the fact that owners are looking for products that work harder for them and their pets.
One of the key trends for millennial pet owners is a decrease in brand loyalty. As is the case with millennial consumers in a variety of different industries, they are more likely to opt for what they deem the best product on the shelf, versus the brand they've used previously. In addition, pet pampering is at an all time high, with more pet owners demonstrating a willingness to pay for products that provide added value to their lives or the lives of their pets.
With all of these trends taken into consideration, the industry is primed for pet product innovation. Consumers will expect added features that enhance the value of the products they choose.
How Do Microbes Impact Pet Products?
Pet products are frequently exposed to microbes that come from your pet, the dirt they bring in from outside and even the food that they eat. Given the right conditions, bacteria can double in number every 20 minutes on any given surface. In addition, some types of bacteria found on surfaces of pet products can be harmful to the pets themselves.
In this culture taken from a typical pet drinking bowl, you can see the proliferation of bacteria, which would be invisible to the naked eye. As was done in this culture, many pet owners may opt to just refill a nearly empty drinking bowl instead of washing it each day to help reduce the growth of bacteria. One can imagine that the odors and potential stains associated with this type of bacterial build up might lead a pet owner to dispose of the product prematurely. Plus, no pet owner would want their beloved pets drinking from a bowl with this issue. Cleanliness can be part of your pet product innovation strategy.
Antimicrobial Product Protection is a Solution for Pet Product Innovation
Microban International has a long history of successfully integrating antimicrobial technologies into products used in the pet category. Our customized solutions will not wash off or wear away and do not create emissions into the environment, like might be found with harsh chemicals and cleaners used to keep pet products cleaner. Added at the point of manufacture, the technologies are constantly active on treated products, providing 24/7 product protection against the growth of bacteria, mold and mildew.
The portfolio of technologies utilized by the Microban research & development team for pet products includes solutions registered with the EPA in the US and compliant with the BPR in Europe for these specific uses. In addition, the Microban brand is a trustmark that stands for effective, durable protection that provides consumers peace of mind. A Microban partnership also gives manufacturers access to a suite of services to help successfully launch your pet product innovation into the marketplace, including legal, regulatory and marketing support.
Pet Products that Benefit from Added Antimicrobial Protection
Microban technologies are effective in a wide variety of material types, including plastics, textiles, foams and ceramics. Our engineering team is well-equipped to evaluate substrates and manufacturing processes to recommend effective technologies that can be incorporated with ease. High touch and frequently used pet products including toys, beds, feeding and watering containers, food storage containers, crates, litter boxes and training devices all benefit from the added protection offered by antimicrobial technologies.
Building and decor products for the home that are geared toward pet owners should also be considered for antimicrobial treatments. Pet screens, carpet, laminate flooring and upholstery can be manufactured to be more attractive to the pet enthusiasts by adding built-in protection against the growth of bacteria, mold and mildew.
If you are ready to take the pet products you manufacture to the next level and fully take advantage of the ongoing growth of the pet products industry, contact us today!
