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Custom Case Study
How an Australian Pet Brand Developed Custom Dog Waste Bags
An independent Australian pet accessories brand wanted to expand its product range with compostable dog waste bags that complemented its existing accessories.
The goal was to create a coordinated retail product without investing in direct bag printing for the initial launch.
The project involved custom-coloured bags, branded roll labels, printed four-roll retail boxes, packaging samples and overseas delivery.
Here is how ORIZON Biomaterials worked through the manufacturing and packaging decisions with the customer.
Customer Requirements
| Project Detail | Final Specification |
|---|---|
| Customer | Independent Australian pet accessories brand (anonymous) |
| Product | Custom compostable dog waste bags |
| Material | PLA, PBAT and starch-based compostable blend |
| Bag Style | Flat-top, star-sealed bottom |
| Bag Size | 230 × 330 mm |
| Thickness | 18 microns |
| Colour | Custom muted pink |
| Bag Printing | Plain film without direct logo printing |
| Roll Configuration | 15 bags per roll |
| Branding | Custom printed roll labels |
| Retail Packaging | 4 rolls per printed retail box |
| Final Quantity | 1,200 rolls / 18,000 bags |
| Retail Boxes | 300 boxes |
| Destination | Australia |
| Outcome | Delivered successfully; positive customer feedback |
The Challenge: Developing a Branded Product Without a Large Initial Commitment
The customer already sold pet accessories, including dog waste bag holders, and wanted a complementary product that could be introduced to the existing range.
There were several practical challenges.
The bags needed to have a colour that suited the brand’s visual identity. The finished rolls also needed to be compact enough for convenient storage and use with dispensers.
The customer wanted branded retail packaging, but a relatively small initial order meant that printing setup costs and packaging quantities needed careful consideration.
Rather than beginning with a fully printed bag, we focused on a configuration that could provide a distinctive finished product while keeping the initial production requirements manageable.
Our Solution: Custom Film Colour, Branded Labels and Retail Boxes
Rather than introducing direct printing onto each bag, we proposed a simpler private-label configuration.
The bags would be produced in a custom solid colour, while branding would be presented through the roll labels and printed retail boxes.
This approach avoided additional bag-printing plate costs while still providing a coordinated retail product.
The agreed specifications included 230 × 330 mm bags, 18-micron film, a flat-top opening, a star-sealed bottom and 15 bags per roll.
We also discussed the finished roll dimensions with the customer because compatibility with existing dispensers was important.
The estimated roll diameter was approximately 32–34 mm, depending on winding tension. We explained that compatibility with a holder having a narrow internal dimension could not be guaranteed without physical testing.
This helped the customer understand the relationship between bag thickness, roll diameter and dispenser fit before shipment.
Retail Packaging Development: Balancing Design and Production Cost
Retail packaging required more discussion than the bags themselves.
The customer initially preferred natural kraft paperboard with artwork printed directly onto its surface. The objective was to achieve a premium, minimal appearance while retaining the visible natural paper texture.
We reviewed this option with our packaging supplier. However, the relatively small quantity resulted in additional production costs.
After comparing the alternatives, the customer selected printed white card-stock for the initial order.
The design and production process involved several practical considerations.
1. Material Selection
We reviewed the differences between natural kraft paperboard and white card-stock, including printing appearance, surface texture and order-related costs.
2. Colour Consistency
The retail packaging incorporated a large pink design area.
Our packaging supplier advised that extensive solid-colour coverage could show visible variation with small-batch digital printing. We also reviewed the higher cost of spot-colour printing.
3. Artwork Preparation
The customer’s artwork required technical adjustments, including converting text and selected graphic elements to outlines to prevent font or display problems.
We also reviewed the positioning and reproduction of compostability-related graphics.
4. Printed Samples and Surface Finish
Digital printed samples were prepared to evaluate colour, text clarity, folding performance and overall presentation.
A protective matte-laminated finish was selected for the retail packaging to help reduce printing damage around folded edges.
The final result combined custom-coloured compostable bags, matching roll labels and four-roll retail boxes.
Production and Quality Communication
Once the specifications and artwork were approved, we proceeded with material preparation and manufacturing.
The custom film colour required coordination with the colour-masterbatch supplier before bag production.
During manufacturing, we shared production photos with the customer, including images from the bag-making process and the finished rolls.
We also demonstrated how the rolls would fit inside the retail box.
Throughout the project, communication focused on keeping the customer informed about production progress, packaging readiness and practical product tolerances.
The initial order was subsequently expanded by one additional export carton of finished products, bringing the total shipment to 1,200 rolls.
This was a project-specific small-batch arrangement based on the selected configuration. It should not be interpreted as the standard minimum order quantity for fully custom-printed dog waste bags.
Shipping to Australia and Delivery
The completed order was packed for sea freight delivery to Australia.
The shipping process experienced delays caused by weather-related vessel schedule changes and a longer-than-expected customs clearance process.
We stayed in contact with the freight forwarder and provided the customer with shipment updates as information became available.
After pet garbage bags delivery, the customer confirmed that the goods had arrived safely and expressed satisfaction with the finished bags and packaging.
The customer also indicated an interest in future orders.
For us, this was an important part of the project: successful OEM manufacturing includes not only producing the product but also communicating clearly through sampling, production, shipment and delivery.
A Follow-Up Request: Exploring Other Compostable Packaging
Following the successful dog waste bag project, the customer approached us with another packaging concept: a padded mailing envelope featuring a paper-based outer layer and internal compostable bubble cushioning.
After reviewing the reference product, we explained that this composite structure was outside our current manufacturing capabilities.
We did not offer an unverified equivalent.
Instead, we introduced an alternative within our existing product range: custom compostable film mailers with optional double adhesive strips.
These can be developed with custom dimensions and printing, but they do not include a paper outer layer or integrated bubble cushioning.
The proposed alternative was a separate product option, not part of the completed dog waste bag order.
This follow-up illustrates an important principle of our OEM service: we aim to provide realistic manufacturing solutions and communicate clearly when a requested construction falls outside our capabilities.
Learn more about our custom compostable mailers.
What This Project Demonstrates
This Australian pet brand project highlights several considerations for businesses launching private-label compostable dog waste bags.
Product specifications and retail packaging should be developed together. Bag thickness, roll diameter, winding configuration and retail-box dimensions affect one another.
Not every product needs direct bag printing. For an initial product launch, coloured film combined with custom roll labels and printed boxes may offer a practical alternative.
Printed packaging samples help manage expectations. Artwork previews alone cannot fully demonstrate how colour, folding and surface finishes will appear on physical packaging.
Custom compostable product claims need appropriate documentation. Certification marks and packaging claims should be reviewed against the applicable certification scope and usage requirements.
Clear communication matters throughout the order. Colour preparation, manufacturing progress, logistics updates and post-delivery follow-up are all important parts of an international OEM project.
Planning Your Own Private Label Dog Waste Bag Range?
Send your holder’s internal dimensions, preferred bag size, rolls per box, expected order quantity and destination market. We can review the roll format and retail packaging together.
