The benefits of recycled materials in pet accessories

Booming market, short-term use of pet toys

The pet accessories market is booming. In a recent survey by Pets International and Yummypets, 65% of pet owners said they buy new pet toys at least every six months. The report also reveals that ‘toys that are à la mode one day, are old hat the next.’

The short life span of pet toys is detrimental to their ecological footprint. Sustainability in the design, production and recycling of pet toys offers exciting opportunities for the industry.

Materials – the sustainable choice

Of course, material choice significantly influences a product’s environmental footprint. Increasingly, we see pet toy brands using natural fibres, like hemp or wool. Once discarded, these products decompose naturally.

Yet, plastic remains a popular choice: it is lightweight, waterproof, easily moulded and easy to clean. At the same time, the trend to use recycled plastics is growing.

More recycled content

Belgium-based Moderna – manufacturer of plastic products for pets – has as its goal to have 35% of its yearly plastics volume consist of recycled materials. Their ambition is to even have some products comprise up to 95% recycled content. ‘The challenge lies in reducing the pollution plastic causes,’ according to Moderna, ‘for Moderna, that spells recyclable.’ Similarly, US-based pet accessory producer West Paw has developed a 100% recycled content plastic fibre stuffing.

Towards a closed-loop circular plastics economy

And West Paw is doing more. The company’s strategy for its plastic toys is to create a so-called closed-loop circular economy. To this end, they developed a proprietary plastic blend that makes it easy to use production scraps and used toys over and over again in a closed loop. Pet owners send back their pets’ used toys and West Paw recycles the materials into new toys.

Showing the way for pet parents

Although a trending topic, not all pet owners are aware of the importance of sustainability in the production of pet accessories. Here lies an important role for our industry: providing pet owners with proof-of-concept will help convince them to opt for sustainable alternatives. Ultimately, this will also benefit manufacturers with reduced supply chain costs as the loop is closed and purchasing loyalty is boosted.