Certification is much more than a quality label

The consumer buzz around sustainability and quality has made global certification schemes increasingly popular among pet players. They can help build a better reputation worldwide as well as maximize efficiency in many parts of your business.

Sustainable recognition

In the huge pool of internationally recognized certifications, there are only a few common and sought-after schemes. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and Food Safety System Certification (FSSC) provide international standards, schemes and audits for food safety and operational management, with sustainability and emission control among other benefits. B Corp certification is also increasingly popular.

ISO 14001 is often chosen by larger organizations and corporations involved in manufacturing, transportation and services, and it is one of the most common systems for environmental impact and risk evaluation.

“ISO 14001 has always sat there as an element of control, demonstrating that an organization is taking environmental responsibility seriously,” according to Tamma Carel, Environmental Consultant and co-founder of the iCOR compliance platform. She explains that the historic driver for seeking ISO 14001 has always been consumer-led. “What I think COVID has done is to make consumers more discerning about the environmental credentials of the businesses they engage with, and the products and services that they buy.”

Musti is convinced

Overall, the benefits of certifications center around risk assessment and heavy cost savings across legal, environmental or operating recalls, which otherwise would cost millions. They also aid in improving environmental performance by providing waste, water and electricity management schemes, boost market expansion opportunities and enhance brand reputation for a competitive edge.

One of the companies that recently obtained the ISO 14001 certificate was Nordic pet retailer Musti. Its pet food factory Premium Pet Food Suomi Oy also received another certification: FSSC 22000 (food safety management).

According to the retailer’s Chief Operating Officer Pamela Nelimarkka, the certification process itself brought numerous benefits to their internal processes. “Although consumer awareness of quality or environmental certificates may not be very high at present, consumers are increasingly demanding sustainable and locally produced products that are safe to use,” she tells PETS International.

Certifications also serve as an assurance for buyers that a business maintains a high level of food safety. This has proven essential for Musti when targeting markets beyond the Nordics. “External verification of our food safety level provides a competitive advantage,” concludes Nelimarkka.