Encouraging approaches in the pet business

Challenges like the crisis in supply chains, the problems with energy supply and in particular the advance of climate change show that sustainability is an area that is not only important, but has also become existential for the future of the pet industry. It’s an issue that concerns the whole world, because in a globalised world, everything is interconnected.  

Many companies in the pet supplies industry understand that they can’t ignore the topic of sustainability. Reducing packaging is becoming more of a priority for many manufacturers. A lot of companies are doing everything they can to save energy. Renewable energy sources are, therefore, also being used more and more to provide energy. Some companies have sustainability managers and sustainability councils, which decide jointly and across departments on measures to achieve greater sustainability.

At the International Pet Conference, the topic of sustainability was given top billing. Michael Behnke, representing the Plant Litter Association for Germany and France, described the environmental problems of cat litter in his speech. Caitlyn Dudas, executive director of the Pet Sustainability Coalition, travelled to the conference from the USA and described the activities of her association. She made clear in her talk why sustainability is the key to greater business success. Some companies also had the opportunity to present themselves and their approaches for more sustainability in presentations and in a panel discussion moderated by Ralf Majer-Abele, editor-in-chief of the pet trade magazine PET worldwide. One of these companies was the Belgian pet accessories manufacturer Moderna Products. For its managing director Chantal Saelen, sustainability is a goal that can’t be achieved overnight. “It's a step-by-step process, being consistent and remaining fully focused on making a change,” she said in her talk. The company is a proponent of the circular economy. It focuses on high-quality, long-lasting plastic raw materials and wants to manufacture only products that are designed for reutilisation rather than single use. Another element of the company's concept is a high recycling rate of its products.

The topic of sustainability is also becoming increasingly important at the pet food manufacturer Interquell, famous for brands like Happy Dog, Happy Cat and Goood. Andreas Müller, son of the…