Emsland Group is entering the wet petfood segment with the launch of Empet® SmartBind, a new starch-based texturising solution for wet dog and cat food applications.
With this development, the company expands its petfood portfolio beyond dry applications, introducing a carrageenan-free solution designed to deliver reliable texture, simplified formulations and cleaner ingredient profiles across a wide range of wet petfood products.
One Solution, Multiple Textures
Empet® SmartBind is a multi-functional starch blend that enables manufacturers to achieve a variety of wet petfood textures without the use of carrageenan, xanthan, locust bean gum, guar or cassia.
Suitable for applications such as all-meat pâtés, chunky stews and smooth meat pastes, the solution offers:
- Stable and appealing textures across different product formats
- Carrageenan-free and hydrocolloid-free formulations
- Simplified ingredient lists with reduced reliance on additives
- Greater formulation flexibility, allowing independent adjustment of salts, minerals and other ingredients
- Consistent performance at competitive and stable cost levels
Texture can be fine-tuned to meet specific product requirements while maintaining processing stability and overall product quality.
Meeting Future Market Needs
Amid increasing scrutiny of hydrocolloids such as carrageenan—driven by concerns around sourcing, sustainability, price volatility and consumer perception—Empet® SmartBind provides a forward-looking alternative.
“Our goal was to develop a solution that combines technical performance with cost competitiveness, while eliminating the need for commonly used and increasingly scrutinised ingredients such as carrageenan,” said Fabian Ahuis, Application Expert for Animal Nutrition at the Emsland Group Innovation Center in Germany. “With Empet® SmartBind, we enable our customers to meet evolving consumer expectations without compromising on quality.”
Empet® SmartBind is based on plant-derived starches sourced in Europe, supporting short and sustainable supply chains, transparency and consistent quality. The Emsland Group’s broader plant-based portfolio can also support customers with more specialised requirements.