Blueprint for sustainable pet food protein sourcing

The pet food industry is an integral part of the global food system and has a considerable impact on the environment. The Pet Sustainability Coalition (PSC) has created an extensive blueprint to support the industry and its sourcing issues.

The industry’s role in sustainability

The pet food industry often flies under the radar when it comes to discussions about sustainability. Yet it plays a pivotal role in the global food system, with a significant effect on both the environment and society. The industry’s influence stretches far and wide, from the sources of its ingredients to the sustainability practices it promotes.

PSC has stepped up with an ambitious project called the Blueprint to Responsibly Sourcing Animal Proteins for the Pet Food Industry.

This initiative aims to guide pet food companies in making more responsible sourcing decisions, ultimately leading to a more sustainable future for the industry and the planet.

Understanding the challenges

Before diving into the PSC Blueprint, it’s essential to grasp the broader issues at play within the global food system.

The drive to produce cheap, abundant food has led to several significant problems.

Environmental impact:

Agricultural practices supporting food production contribute to climate change through greenhouse gas emissions.

Biodiversity loss, deforestation, water scarcity and pollution are other critical concerns.

Social impact:

The human cost includes poor working conditions, forced and child labor, and insufficient wages for farmers and producers.

These social issues are deeply intertwined with the food system.

Animal welfare:

Ethical concerns arise from practices that fail to ensure good animal welfare, which is often compromised in the quest for lower costs and higher yields.

The PSC Blueprint 5-part structure

The PSC Blueprint addresses these challenges. It is a comprehensive tool designed to help those in the pet food industry, regardless of where they are in their sustainability journey.

These are the 5 pillars:

1. Context and methodology

Highlights the pet food industry’s potential to drive sustainability within its supply chain. Emphasizes the need for the industry to tackle environmental, social and animal welfare issues.

2. Potential material impacts and risks

Identifying the most significant impacts and risks within a company’s supply chain. This is crucial for prioritizing actions that will have the most substantial positive effect.

3. Assessing impacts and risks

Provides a framework for evaluating the significance of identified risks. Assessment ensures that sustainability efforts are focused and effective.

4. Summary of potential material impacts of 8 relevant species

Offering insights into how different species, production systems and regions contribute to risks, to help companies make informed decisions about their sourcing practices.

5. Taking corporate action

Guidance on formalizing responsible sourcing strategies. Companies are encouraged to set clear objectives and targets, engage with stakeholders and measure their progress.

Emphasizing transparency and accountability as key components of successful sustainability initiatives.

The blueprint encourages alignment with global sustainability frameworks, such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

By adhering to these standards, the pet food industry can significantly contribute to environmental stewardship, social responsibility and improved animal welfare.

4 strategies for success

1. Stakeholder engagement

Building strong relationships with suppliers, farmers and other stakeholders is crucial.

Collaboration and open communication foster collective action toward shared sustainability goals.

2. Supply chain transparency

Prioritizing transparency helps in mapping supply chains, identifying critical control points and ensuring that suppliers meet sustainability standards.

3. Innovation and technology

Leveraging innovation can enhance sustainability. Precision farming, alternative protein sources and improved feed efficiency are examples of technological advances that reduce environmental impacts.

4. Monitoring and reporting

Regularly tracking and reporting sustainability metrics is essential. This process allows companies to monitor their progress, identify improvement areas and communicate their achievements to stakeholders.

Path to a sustainable future

A commitment to sustainability within the pet food industry is not just a moral imperative but also a business one.

As consumers increasingly demand ethical and environmentally friendly products, companies that adopt the strategies outlined in the PSC Blueprint will be well-positioned to meet these expectations and lead the way toward a more sustainable world.

The industry’s potential to promote sustainable animal protein production is immense. By embracing the PSC guidance, companies can make meaningful strides toward sustainability, setting a standard for other sectors within the global food system.

The journey toward responsible sourcing is a collective effort, and with the right tools and commitment the pet food industry can lead the way in reducing its negative impacts but also in enhancing its positive contributions to the environment, society and animal welfare.

The PSC Blueprint provides a clear path forward, offering practical solutions and inspiring success stories to guide the way. Together, we can create a more sustainable and ethical future for all.

You can download the PSC Blueprint here.