Our Commitment to More Than Just Nutrition
At Canada Raw, our mission has always been clear: to help your pets live longer, healthier lives through the power of biologically appropriate, raw nutrition. We obsess over the quality of our human-grade meats, the integrity of our sourcing, and the science behind our food in our Markham facility.
But lately, we’ve been asking ourselves: What about the footprint we leave behind?
As pet parents, we want our dogs and cats to thrive in a world that is just as healthy as they are. It’s not enough to provide clean food if that food arrives in packaging that stays in a landfill for centuries. That is why, in 2026, we are taking a leap forward. We aren't just experts in raw food; we are becoming leaders in sustainable delivery.
To do this right, we’ve partnered with the specialists at Crateform to redesign our shipping boxes and product boxes from the ground up. In this post, we’re pulling back the curtain on why we made this change, the challenges of shipping raw food sustainably, and how our new packaging protects both your pet’s dinner and our Canadian wilderness.
1. The "Plastic Problem" in the Pet Industry
If you walk down the pet food aisle of any traditional grocery store, you are looking at a sea of non-recyclable plastic. From multi-layer kibble bags to plastic-lined tubs, the industry has long prioritized convenience over the environment.
The Staggering Reality
Research shows that the pet food industry generates over 300 million pounds of plastic waste every year in North America. For raw food companies, this has historically been even harder to solve. Because our products are frozen and high in moisture, traditional paper packaging would simply fall apart. For years, the only solution was heavy-duty plastic and Styrofoam coolers.
But at Canada Raw, "the way it’s always been done" isn't good enough. Our customers—the dedicated raw feeders of Canada—are some of the most conscious consumers on the planet. You’ve told us you want a better way, and we’ve spent the last year working with Crateform in Toronto to find it.
2. Why We Partnered with Crateform
When we set out to find a packaging partner, we weren't just looking for a box supplier. We needed an engineering team that understood the unique "supply chain of cold."
Crateform stood out because they don't believe in "one size fits all." They specialize in custom, sustainable solutions that don't sacrifice performance. They understood that a Canada Raw box has a high-stakes job to do: it has to survive a 48-hour journey across Ontario or beyond, stay structurally sound when wet, and keep its contents at sub-zero temperatures.
By combining our expertise in raw nutrition with Crateform’s expertise in structural design, we’ve created a shipping system that is as premium as the food inside it.
3. The Science of the "Smart Box"
What makes our new packaging different? It’s a combination of materials and math. Here is a look at the technical upgrades we’ve implemented with Crateform’s help:
A. High-Density Corrugated Board
Frozen raw food is heavy. A standard 40lb order can easily crush a generic shipping box. Our new custom mailers use a specific "flute" density designed to withstand 50+ lbs of pressure. This means fewer damaged deliveries and less food waste.
B. Eco-Friendly Moisture Barriers
Raw meat is 70% moisture. If a package thaws even slightly during transit, standard cardboard turns to mush. Crateform helped us implement a water-based, PFAS-free coating on the interior of our boxes. It provides the grease and water resistance of plastic, but it remains 100% curbside recyclable.
C. Right-Sizing for Carbon Efficiency
Did you know that shipping "air" is one of the biggest contributors to carbon emissions? If a box is too big for its contents, it requires more trucks to move the same amount of food. Crateform helped us "right-size" our entire catalog. By matching the box size perfectly to our 1lb and 2lb bricks, we’ve reduced our shipping volume by nearly 15%.
4. The Unboxing Experience: First Impressions Matter
We know the excitement of a Canada Raw delivery day. When that box hits your porch, it’s the start of a healthier month for your pet. We wanted the unboxing to reflect that.
Tactile Quality
When you touch our new boxes, you’ll notice a difference. They feel sturdy, premium, and clean. There are no messy Styrofoam crumbs or excess plastic tape. We’ve moved toward a "self-locking" design that uses the structural integrity of the cardboard to stay closed, meaning we use significantly less adhesive.
Communication Through Design
Working with Crateform allowed us to turn our boxes into an educational tool. We intend to put QR codes on our packaging that lead you directly to our product pages for more information. Whether you need tips on transitioning a picky eater or want to see the specific lab results for your batch of beef, the information is right there on the box.
5. Overcoming the "Cold Chain" Challenge
The biggest hurdle to sustainable packaging in raw food is Thermal Integrity. How do you keep food frozen without using Styrofoam (polystyrene)? Styrofoam is excellent at insulating, but it is an environmental nightmare—it never biodegrades and is almost never recycled.
The Paper-Based Alternative
Through rigorous testing with Crateform, we’ve transitioned to high-performance paper-based insulators. These liners use recycled fibers to create air pockets that mimic the insulation of foam. When you’re done, you don't have to feel guilty about putting a giant white cooler in the trash. You simply pull the paper liners out and put them in the paper recycling.
6. What This Means for You, the Pet Parent
We know that being a "Pet Parent" in 2026 means making a dozen choices every day. You choose to avoid fillers; you choose to avoid preservatives; and now, you can choose a brand that respects the planet.
No More "Packaging Guilt"
We’ve all been there—ordering something online and feeling a pang of guilt when a mountain of plastic waste is left over. Our goal is to eliminate that feeling. When a Canada Raw order is finished, your only "waste" should be a stack of clean, flat cardboard ready for the recycling truck.
Lowering Our Collective Footprint
By supporting Canada Raw, you are supporting a local supply chain. Our meats are sourced from Ontario farmers, processed in our Markham plant, and shipped in boxes designed right here in Canada. This "Circular Economy" keeps your dollars in your community and reduces the "food miles" associated with your pet’s diet.
7. Looking Ahead: The Future of Canada Raw
Our journey with Crateform is just beginning. As we look toward the rest of 2026, we are exploring even more innovations, including:
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Compostable Pouches: We are testing plant-based films for our individual meat portions.
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Returnable Packaging: We are investigating a "closed-loop" system for our local GTA customers to return their shipping materials for sanitization and reuse.
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Sustainable Treats: Look out for new treats packaged in our new custom pouches.
A Partnership for the Planet
At the end of the day, Canada Raw is a family business. We care about our families, our pets, and the beautiful Canadian landscape we call home.
We are proud to show that you don't have to choose between "premium" and "sustainable." You can have the best raw food in the country delivered in the most responsible packaging in the industry.
Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Every time you choose Canada Raw, you’re choosing a healthier future for your pet and a greener future for the world they play in.