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A step ahead of responsible
packaging

Our goal: 100% recyclable packaging by 2025

Hill’s is one of the first major pet food manufacturers globally to switch to completely recyclable dry pet food packaging. This breakthrough recyclable material was co-developed with our bag suppliers, and we will roll it out in 2021 for our brand Vet Essentials in Europe.

Hill’s pet food cans

All Hill’s Pet Food Cans

All Hill’s metal pet food cans are completely recyclable

Hill’s pet food cardboard packaging

Cardboard

Often used with cases and pouches

See Recycling FAQs

To make sure your dry pet food bag is recyclable, look for one of these codes

Our recyclable Vet Essentials bags are made out of #4 Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) plastic – one of the most recycled plastics. LDPE can be turned into all kinds of new things, including construction materials and new packaging.

Location of #4 LDPE label on vet essentials packaging
Hill's Bags

We want to keep a good thing going

Our plan is to continue the rollout of recyclable packaging across all of our brands and across other parts of the world — just one part of the larger 2025 environmental strategy from our parent company, Colgate-Palmolive.

Frequently asked questions

  • I’m not sure if my pet food bag is recyclable in my area. What should I do?

    Different regions have different rules and policies when it comes to recycling. Contact your local recycling center for region-specific questions, or check our guide below for details.

  • Are your dog food or cat food bags biodegradable?

    No, these bags (and plastics in general) are not designed to be biodegradable. The #4 LDPE plastic used in our bags is designed to be “circular,” so that the material can be re-processed into new products and packaging.

  • What are you doing to ensure your bags are accepted by recycling facilities?

    A lot, actually. We’re leading industry groups and working with industry partners around the globe to increase the circularity of packaging materials. Through testing in labs and real facilities, we are also working to ensure sorting is done at peak efficiency.

  • What happens after a Hill’s pet food bag is recycled?

    Once the bag is in the recycle stream, it gets sent to places like a Materials Recovery Facility [MRF]  where it would get sorted, then sent to a reprocessor who turns LDPE into little plastic pellets. These pellets can then get turned into new products and packaging!

  • Why are some of your bags not recyclable today?

    We have traditionally used flexible plastic materials that contain a PET layer due to their light weight and durability. These bags are lined with different plastic layers that have been sealed together. As a result, many Material Recovery Facilities have trouble sorting and breaking down these types of materials, which is why we are working to fully transition to 100% recyclable packaging by 2025. This process takes time since we do not want to sacrifice the quality or safety of your pet’s food.

  • Can your products be upcycled?

    We fully endorse customers getting full use out of our packaging and keeping trash out of landfills. If you’re looking for ways to reuse your cat and dog food bags and cans, there are a few decorative and practical upcycling ideas you can try yourself.

Need details on how and where you can recycle?

Select your region below for area-specific instructions. Local recycling rules apply.

South Africa

Recyclable Bags

Currently, we are in the process of transitioning from non-recyclable to completely recyclable packaging. To avoid sorting complications, check to see if your bag is made from #4 Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) plastic.

Metal Cans

Hill’s cans are 100% aluminum and therefore one of the most recyclable packaging products on the planet. Give them a rinse and pop them in your yellow recycling box or bag. They’ll be turned into new tins and cups within just 60 days.

Paper & Cardboard

Please put cardboard and paper into the paper waste bins of your household or bring them to collection points in your community.

Pouches

Up until now, mixed plastics are not broadly recycled in Germany. Please put the pouches into your General Waste bin.

Shrink-Wrap

Please place shrink wrap into your “Yellow trash bag” or “Yellow Bin” or your household in your recycling bin.

A step ahead for future generations

Being in the pet food industry since 1907, we understand the value of planning for long-term sustainability.

Our Nutritional Philosophy

Committed to good

Every part of our manufacturing process is designed to meet ethical, sustainable and responsible standards.

Our Company Values

A product you can trust

Learn how we ensure your pet’s food meets the highest benchmarks for nutrition, safety and taste.

Photo of boy petting dog in the grass

A step ahead for future generations

Being in the pet food industry since 1907, we understand the value of planning for long-term sustainability.

Photo of woman petting cat indoors

Committed to good

Every part of our manufacturing process is designed to meet ethical, sustainable and responsible standards.

photo of scientist ensuring quality in a sterile environment

A product you can trust

Learn how we ensure your pet’s food meets the highest benchmarks for nutrition, safety and taste.

Hill’s Pet Nutrition Logo

Veterinarian Recommended

As the leader in cutting edge food science and research, Hill’s is honored to be Veterinarian Recommended.

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100% Satisfaction Guaranteed

Is your pet unhappy with this food for any reason? 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE for quality, consistency & taste, or your money back.

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