Pet Sustainability Coalition: helping businesses to reduce their environmental impact

Although sustainability looks slightly different depending on the type of organization, from small own-label manufacturers to large multinational brands, they can all take steps to minimize their environmental impact. The Pet Sustainability Coalition (PSC) has a multitude of resources to help all kinds of pet industry companies with their sustainability initiatives.

Sustainable proteins

The food consumed by cats and dogs accounts for an estimated 25-30% of the environmental impact of animal agriculture in terms of land use, water consumption, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and other indicators. Therefore, it is critical for pet food and treat companies to take action to address their own role in this.

A good starting point is the Pet Sustainability Coalition’s 4-Factor Framework for Protein Evaluation in Petfood, which covers 4 impact areas: social impact, nutrition, animal welfare, and environmental impact. Companies can use this report as a guide to evaluate the sustainability performance of the proteins they use in pet food, and to learn about foundational concepts, issues and best practices associated with pet protein sustainability.

Emissions tracking

Greenhouse gas accounting – the process of measuring and tracking emissions-related data – helps companies to set clear goals and identify improvements. Companies usually start by calculating Scope 1 & 2 emissions; these are the emissions that they themselves control, whereas Scope 3 emissions are generated by their wider supply chain. By quantifying and understanding all emissions, companies gain insight into the bulk of their carbon footprint and can address potential risks or opportunities throughout their value chain.

Sustainable packaging

A growing number of companies are committed to reducing the impact of their packaging by switching to more sustainable packaging: recyclable, compostable or refillable. This is reflected by the rising number of PSC Packaging Pledge signatories.

This increased focus on sustainable packaging is due to both consumer demand for sustainable packaging, and emerging legislation such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) strategies. Under EPR, producers are held accountable for the full life cycle of their products, including disposal. Companies that sell in US states such as California, Oregon, Colorado and Maine, or in European countries that have passed EPR laws, may incur higher tax costs if they utilize or manufacture products with negative environmental impacts.

Getting started

According to PSC, some of the biggest barriers to implementation can be a lack of executive buy-in, high potential or perceived costs, and insufficient time dedicated to sustainability initiatives. PSC provides a wide range of research-based resources, ranging from presentations and articles to case studies, to help businesses address these barriers head-on.

Simple strategies for getting started include:

• ensuring that production facilities have waste management systems in place that enable recycling and/or composting
• monitoring and setting targets for reduced energy and water use
• sustainable purchasing policies that will educate and engage the team.

Additionally, third-party certifications are becoming more prevalent across the industry. Pet industry companies should ask current and potential new suppliers about their third-party sustainability-related certifications. PSC’s third-party certification tool provides guidance on which certifications may be most relevant for different types of organizations.

PSC resources

The PSC Sustainability Toolkit contains a myriad of free tools in 7 performance areas: Integrated Strategy, Culture & Engagement, Building & Climate Efficiency, Supply Chain, Brand, Packaging, and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.

There are numerous benefits to becoming a PSC member. PSC has expertise in working with members to understand where they are in their sustainability journey. It utilizes the Sustainable Development
Goals (SDG) Action Manager Assessment tool to benchmark where companies are today, and to create a roadmap for their sustainability goals with clear recommendations and next steps.

PSC also offers hands-on project support and consulting covering a wide range of sustainability topics, ranging from supplier questionnaires and life cycle assessments, to carbon accounting (including Scope 3 emissions), codes of conduct, and energy and waste facility audits. Based on its 10 years of success, PSC is an all-encompassing partner to drive sustainability for any pet industry business.