24/06/2025

Life Cycle Analysis, a Possibility Towards Sustainability

By María Candelaria Carbajo

For several years now, concern for sustainability has driven various industries to evaluate how to reduce the environmental impact of their processes and operations. In this context, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) becomes a key tool for analyzing and improving the sustainability of final products' whole production chain.   Pet Food Value Chain: A Key Factor   The pet food production value chain and its importance are key to the conversation about the sustainability of the industry's production system. It represents between 1.1% and 2.9% of global agricultural GHG emissions. The situation gets worse with certain products, such as those considered premium or top-quality, due to their higher meat content, which implies a greater need for GHG emissions and the exploitation of agricultural land to obtain them. If companies commit to quantifying the environmental impact of their different product chains, it is possible to start a data-driven conversation toward a more sustainable future.
  Science-Based Targets   Following the goal of reducing emissions and the environmental impact of a company's products or even the industry's value chain, it is necessary to recognize SBTi (Science-Based Target Initiatives). This initiative motivates and incentivizes companies to quantify their emissions footprint and set targets, aiming to achieve or sustain 1.5°C (or at least below 2°C) emissions. In our industry, the majority of emissions come from the supply chain, known as Category 1 of Scope 3 (purchased goods and services) in the GHG Protocol, which relates to raw materials purchased to create food products. Measuring the carbon footprint at the product level facilitates a more data-informed discussion about reduction strategies throughout the supply chain, in addition to expanding opportunities to support initiatives to reduce emissions throughout the value chain.   Life Cycle Analysis, Applied to the Pet Food Industry: A Tool for Building a Future   The scientific community is increasingly focused on sustainability. The increasing demand for pet food is also consequently increasing the resources used. To address the impact of production, it is necessary to have accurate data and validated information that allows for informed and objective decision-making.
  Life Cycle Assessment is a standardized methodology used for the evaluation of a product's environmental impact, process, or service throughout its entire life cycle, from the extraction of raw materials to final disposal, considering aspects such as energy consumption, GHG emissions, water use, and waste generation, among others. It consists of four main phases:
  Goal and scope definition: The study's boundaries and the impacts to be assessed are defined. Inventory: Data is collected on resource use and emissions associated with each life cycle stage. Impact assessment: The inventory data is translated into specific environmental impacts. Result interpretation: The information obtained is analyzed to identify opportunities for improvement and impact reduction.
  A life cycle assessment of Brazilian dog food identified the formulation stage as the most influential in a product's sustainability, accounting for between 70% and 90% of the total environmental impacts. Some of these ecological consequences included terrestrial and marine eutrophication, excessive nutrient accumulation, ocean acidification, particulate pollution, and climate change.   LCA Applied to the Pet Food Industry   LCA is a system that allows companies to identify critical points in a production process and make data-driven decisions with the aim of reducing environmental impact. Some key areas where this methodology can be applied are:   Raw materials and formulation: The ingredients used to produce pet food represent one of the main sources of environmental impact, such as meat or fish, for example, which are obtained through a process that needs many natural resources. With the Life Cycle Assessment process, a company can evaluate the impact of using more sustainable options, such as alternative proteins from insects, algae, or meat by-products.
  Production and processing: Production plants consume energy and water, in addition to generating emissions and waste. A detailed analysis helps identify ways to optimize energy consumption, reduce unnecessary water use, and improve overall efficiency. It also provides clarity on the benefits of incorporating renewable energy or cleaner technologies.
  Packaging and distribution: Product packaging and logistics also have a significant environmental impact. LCA can be used to analyze the most sustainable packaging choices, such as biodegradable, recyclable, or reusable packages. In the case of distribution, alternatives can be evaluated to optimize delivery routes and reduce pollution.
  Usage and disposal: Pet food impact does not end with consumption but with packaging disposal and contammination. Having an LCA allows us to design recycling strategies, reduce waste generation, and promote environmental education among consumers.   Conclusion   Implementing the Life Cycle Assessment process in the pet food industry allows us to visualize countless benefits, from reducing the carbon footprint, optimizing the use of non-renewable resources, and, crucially, making better decisions. Its benefits and opportunities position LCA as a highly useful tool for the pet food industry on its journey toward sustainability.


By All Pet Food
Source: All Pet Food Magazine

23/05/2025

How Rendering is Recycling: The Role of Rendering in Pet Food Production

The work that renderers do not only supports sustainability but also plays a vital role in maintaining the safety and quality of the products pet food manufacturers deliver to consumers.
  Rendering is, in fact, a form of recycling—a process that converts inedible material from animal production that might otherwise go to waste and converts them into useful, high-quality ingredients. But what exactly is rendering, and how does it contribute to a more sustainable world? In this blog, we'll explore the key facts about rendering and why it's a process that we should all support and understand.
  What is Rendering?
Rendering is a highly regulated and specialized process that involves converting animal by-products—such as meat scraps, bones, fats, and trimmings—into useful materials like meat and bone meal, fat, and protein meals. These ingredients are often used in pet food production, livestock feed, biofuels, oleochemicals and even fertilizers.
  Roughly 50% of an animal is considered inedible by Americans due to consumer preferences. While these animal by-products are typically viewed as waste by many, rendering transforms them into essential ingredients that support animal nutrition, health, and welfare. It's a process that reduces the environmental footprint of animal agriculture by preventing waste and lowering emissions. Rendering is truly recycling in its purest form, as it takes materials that would otherwise be discarded and gives them a second life.   The Environmental Benefits of Rendering
Rendering not only recycles valuable nutrients but also helps reduce the environmental impact of waste in the food supply chain. According to the North American Rendering Association (NARA), rendering is an efficient way to recover animal by-products and keep them from ending up in landfills, where they could contribute to methane emissions—a potent greenhouse gas.
  By turning these by-products into valuable ingredients, rendering reduces the demand for new raw materials, conserves natural resources, and lowers energy consumption. Each year, renderers recycle and repurpose approximately 31.4 billion pounds of fat, oil, and protein products into nutritious pet food, biodiesel, and countless other useful items — making rendering one of the most sustainable ways to reduce food waste.   Facts About Rendering: A Deeper Look
Rendering is often underappreciated, so let's dive into a few key facts about the process and its many benefits, many of which are supported by NARA:
  Rendering reduces waste: By recycling animal by-products, rendering prevents them from entering landfills, thus reducing the overall waste burden on the environment. These by-products can come from food processing plants, slaughterhouses, and even restaurants and grocery stores, all of which contribute to the massive amounts of inedible waste with the potential to be upcycled into valuable sources of fats and proteins.
  Rendering is safe and regulated: The rendering industry is highly regulated by government agencies such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This ensures that rendered products meet strict safety standards and are safe to use in pet food, livestock feed, and other products.
  Rendering is a key ingredient supplier for pet food: Many pet food ingredients—such as meat and bone meal, poultry by-product meal, and a variety of animal fats—are the result of the rendering process. These high-quality ingredients provide essential nutrients that keep pets healthy and nourished.
  Rendering supports sustainability: The rendering process is an integral part of the sustainability of animal agriculture. By converting waste into useful products, rendering helps reduce the need for additional natural resources, conserving water, land, and energy.
  Rendering helps reduce carbon footprint: The rendering industry is a significant player in reducing the carbon footprint of food production by ensuring that food and animal agriculture waste is converted into usable products rather than releasing harmful gases like methane into the atmosphere.
  For more detailed facts on rendering and its importance to sustainability, we encourage you to visit NARA's Facts about Rendering page. The organization provides a wealth of information on the many ways rendering contributes to reducing waste and supporting sustainable practices in the pet food and agriculture industries.   The Role of Kemin Nutrisurance in Rendering
At Kemin Nutrisurance, we provide innovative solutions to support the rendering industry. Our products help renderers preserve the quality and freshness of their ingredients, ensuring that the pet food and other animal feed products made from rendered materials are safe and nutritious. Through a combination of antioxidants, antimicrobials, and preservatives, we help prevent the rancidity and spoilage of rendered products, which not only extends shelf life but also maintains the quality, safety and efficacy of these ingredients.
  We are proud to partner with industry leaders, such as those at NARA, to continue driving innovation in the rendering process and to improve the sustainability of the pet food industry as a whole. Together, we're working to promote the many environmental benefits of rendering, making it clear that rendering is not only recycling—it's a crucial step in building a sustainable future.   Why Rendering Matters
Rendering is an essential and sustainable practice that serves multiple purposes: it recycles waste, supports the pet food industry, conserves resources, and reduces our environmental footprint. At Kemin Nutrisurance, we are proud to support renderers with products designed to keep rendered ingredients fresh, safe, and high-quality, ultimately helping the pet food industry thrive in a sustainable and responsible way.
  Rendering is recycling in its truest form, and it's a process that we should all recognize and support. By continuing to work with industry leaders like NARA and pushing the boundaries of innovation, Kemin Nutrisurance is committed to promoting the environmental, economic, and nutritional benefits of rendering for a sustainable future.
  For more information on how Kemin Nutrisurance is helping renderers improve product safety and freshness, visit our solutions for rendering page.
  Together, let's support the circular economy and keep moving toward a more sustainable future.


About the author
Jim has been at Kemin for over 30 years fulfilling a variety of roles in quality control, research and development, and technical services. 


By Jim Mann, Global Platform Manager: Antioxidants & Food Safety | Kemin Nutrisurance
Source: Kemin Nutrisurance 

14/05/2025

Plastic and Pet Food: Achieving Sustainability

By Juan Gómez Basauri, Ph.D.

The shift toward sustainability is essential for addressing climate change, preserving biodiversity, and ensuring long-term prosperity for people, pets, and the planet. At the individual and/or consumer level, almost everyone will agree that sustainability means making conscious choices e.g. reducing plastic use, conserving water, supporting ethical brands, and prioritizing energy efficiency.
  Plastic has become an integral part of modern life. Its durability, versatility, and cost-effectiveness have made it the packaging material of choice. However, growing concerns about environmental sustainability and plastic pollution lead us to ask if plastic should continue to be the material of choice. As of 2015, approximately 6,300 MT of plastic waste had been generated, around 9% of which was recycled, 12% was incinerated, and 79% was accumulated in landfills. If current production and waste management trends continue, roughly 12,000 MT of plastic waste will be in landfills or the natural environment by 2050 (Geyer et al.; 2017). This article briefly examines plastic usage in the pet food sector, its benefits and challenges, and potential sustainable solutions.
  Plastic and its Widespread Usage
Plastics are synthetic polymers derived primarily from petrochemicals. Their lightweight nature, moisture resistance, and flexibility make them indispensable in food packaging, including pet food. The widespread use of plastic in food packaging serves various functions, such as preserving product freshness, preventing contamination, and enhancing convenience for consumers.
  Plastic packaging in the pet food sector includes multi-layered bags, resealable pouches, rigid containers, and flexible films. These materials ensure product stability and extended shelf life and provide a barrier against oxygen and humidity. The pet food industry heavily relies on single-use plastics, which, despite their functional advantages, contribute to environmental impact.
  Benefits of Plastic Usage in the Pet Food Industry   Extended shelf life: Plastic packaging protects pet food from air, moisture, and light, thereby reducing spoilage and food waste.
  Cost-effectiveness: Compared to alternatives such as glass or metal, plastic is lightweight and less expensive to produce and transport.
  Convenience: Resealable pouches, tear-resistant bags, and portion-controlled packaging provide convenience to pet owners.
  Product safety and quality: Plastic packaging prevents contamination, ensuring that pet food remains safe for consumption.
  Branding and marketing: Plastic flexibility allows innovative packaging designs that enhance brand recognition and consumer appeal.
  Challenges of Plastic Usage in the Pet Food Industry
Despite its numerous advantages, plastic usage poses significant environmental and sustainability challenges:
  Environmental pollution: A large portion of plastic packaging ends up in landfills and oceans, contributing to pollution and harming wildlife.
  Non-biodegradability: Most plastics take from 100 to 1,000 years to decompose, creating long-term waste management issues (as cited by Baberemu et al.; 2022).
  Microplastics contamination: The degradation of plastic packaging can lead to microplastics entering the ecosystem, potentially affecting animal and human health (UN Environmental Program, 2021).
  Recycling challenges: Pet food packaging often consists of multi-layered materials that are difficult to recycle due to the combination of plastics and other substrates.
  Dependence on fossil fuels: The production of plastic relies heavily on non-renewable petroleum resources, contributing to carbon emissions and climate change.
  Sustainable Alternatives
Many plastic pet food bags and containers are designed for single use, leading to an accumulation of waste that is challenging to manage. Although recycling programs exist, the complexity of pet food packaging materials makes recycling inefficient or impossible in many cases.
  Biodegradable and compostable packaging: Materials like polylactic acid (PLA), derived from cornstarch or sugarcane, offer a compostable alternative to traditional plastics (Trivedi et al.; 2023). Other bioplastics made from algae, mushroom mycelium, and seaweed provide innovative solutions (Iyer et al.; 2023; Elkaliny et al.; 2024; Yang et al.; 2021). These materials break down naturally without leaving harmful residues.
  Recyclable mono-material packaging: Switching to single-layer recyclable materials, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), enhances the recyclability of packaging (Benyathiar et al.; 2022; T. M. Joseph et al.; 2024). Manufacturers can design packaging with easy-to-remove labels and reduce the use of mixed-material films.
  Paper-based packaging: Kraft paper and coated paperboard can replace plastic in some pet food packaging applications. Advances in barrier coatings enable paper packaging to maintain freshness and resist moisture.
  Reusable packaging and bulk refill systems: Implementing bulk refill stations at pet stores can reduce single-use packaging waste. Encouraging consumers to bring their reusable containers can minimize reliance on disposable packaging.
  Edible packaging: Emerging research explores the potential of edible packaging made from natural ingredients like starch, proteins, and seaweed (Patel, 2020). Still, in experimental stages, edible packaging could offer a waste-free solution.
  Upcycled and reclaimed plastic packaging: Some companies use recycled ocean plastic or post-consumer plastics to create new products like toys and laptops (North, 2024; Thakkar, 2024), reducing the demand for virgin plastic. However, this is not an easy task and would need the commitment to develop a global network of ocean-bound plastic supply chains.    Industry Initiatives and Future Outlook
Many pet food companies are taking proactive steps toward sustainability. Leading brands are investing in research and development to explore eco-friendly packaging solutions. Companies are also adopting carbon-neutral strategies, reducing plastic usage, and educating consumers about responsible disposal practices.
  Collaborations between pet food manufacturers, packaging suppliers, and recycling organizations are essential to improving waste management systems. Consumer demand will continue to drive innovation in sustainable packaging solutions.
  Looking ahead, the future of pet food packaging perhaps lies in a circular economy model or where materials are designed for Reuse, Recycling, Repair, Remanufacture, Refurbish, or safe biodegradation, i.e., the 5Rs. Advances in material science, AI-driven waste management, and bio-based packaging will shape the industry's transition toward sustainability.
  Final Thoughts
The impact of plastic usage in the pet food industry is a pressing environmental concern. While plastic offers undeniable benefits in food preservation, cost efficiency, and convenience, its sustainability challenges cannot be ignored. Moving toward biodegradable materials, recyclable packaging, and reusable solutions is crucial for reducing plastic waste and fostering sustainability. By embracing innovation and responsible practices, the industry can minimize its environmental footprint while continuing to provide high-quality nutrition for pets worldwide.


By Juan Gómez-Basauri, Ph.D. - Magellan LLC
Source: All Pet Food Magazine

21/04/2025

APC Earns Bronze Badge in the EcoVadis Sustainability Rating 2025

The EcoVadis assessment provides a comprehensive view of policies and practices across the categories of Environment, Ethics, Labor & Human Rights, and Sustainable Procurement. With over 185 participating countries, more than 2.8 million companies evaluated, and over 150,000 companies ranked, EcoVadis is a key global benchmark for corporate sustainability performance. In 2025, APC do Brasil stood out in the Environment category, thanks to its commitment to sustainability policies aimed at reducing emissions, optimizing resource use, and contributing to a more sustainable planet.   'This achievement and recognition demonstrates our commitment to sustainability in the global animal nutrition industry. We continue to move forward with our ongoing efforts to reduce the environmental impact of our operations around the world', says Dave Dirks, Chief Operating Officer of APC.   Supplier Leadership on Climate Transition (Supplier LOCT) Program   As part of its sustainability initiatives, APC also announces its achievement of Scope 1, 2, and 3 badges from the Supplier Leadership on Climate Transition (Supplier LOCT) program for greenhouse gas emissions management. The Supplier LOCT program is a global initiative that supports suppliers in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and developing science-based targets for a more sustainable future.   The Supplier LOCT program provides resources and expertise to help suppliers measure their greenhouse gas emissions, set reduction targets, and implement effective strategies. Through this initiative, APC aims to enhance its ability to manage and report its carbon footprint across Scopes 1, 2, and 3, promoting a sustainable future for its operations and supply chain.   'Joining the Supplier LOCT Program is a natural extension of our commitment to sustainability. As a company that prioritizes environmental responsibility, we are excited to collaborate with other industry leaders to reduce emissions, optimize resource use, and contribute to a healthier planet. Our participation will allow us to take concrete actions to further advance our sustainability goals' says Dave Dirks, Chief Operating Officer of APC.   APC is also committed to promoting sustainability throughout its supply chain by integrating sustainable sourcing and production practices, as well as product and operations management. The company continues to innovate and reduce its environmental footprint while delivering high-quality functional protein ingredients derived from blood to improve animal health and nutrition. Achieving Scope 1, 2, and 3 certifications reflects APC's leadership in environmental management and its commitment to building a sustainable future for the animal nutrition industry.   For more information about APC's sustainability efforts, visit: https://apcproteins.com/br/sustentabilidade
For more information on EcoVadis, visit: https://ecovadis.com/pt/
For more information on the Supplier LOCT program, visit: https://supplierloct.com   Source: APC

14/04/2025

Food, Defecation and Environment: A Glance to Improve the Impact (Part 2)

Life Cycle Analysis in Dog and Cat Ownership and the Defecation Production     As we mentioned in the article in the last issue, we provide further information about this tool, which has become an interdisciplinary research field with great potential for scientific and technological production. The Brazilian LCA has been spread in the academic area, industries, and the government, which supports the green label program and the Environmental Product Declaration. In Brazil, among the studies applying the Life Cycle Analysis are those on agriculture, livestock, and product development (Souza et al. 2017).
  Even though in Brazil there has been increasing research about LCA use and its implementation in companies during the last few years, there is still a big field of study and opportunities to be explored. For example, regional environmental impacts related to dogs and cats' environmental footprints and their effects have not been analyzed with this approach.
  Costa et al. (2024) used the LCA to evaluate dry food impact in Brazil considering the following stages: food manufacturing, packaging production, and product distribution (from the industry to the sales process). They found that food formulation provides almost 70% of the available impact (Figure 2), which mainly contributed to the impact of soil and marine eutrophication, acidification, particulate material, and climate change —that represents 80% of the total environmental impact of raw material selection (Figure 3). LCA activities involving product consumption were not studied.
  Figure 2: Contribution (percentage) of each stage in pet food manufacturing and environmental impacts. Published by Costa et al. (2024).
  Figure 3: Contribution of the raw materials selection impact category. Published by Costa et al. (2024).
  Only one European study investigated the shelf-life end of pet waste from the LCA perspective. Yavor et al. (2020) analyzed three points of view (Figure 4) and discovered that the urine and feces of an average dog have a potential climate change and freshwater eutrophication of 8,200 kg of carbon dioxide equivalent and 5 kg of phosphorus equivalent respectively. For 13 years, urine (≅ 44%) and feces (≅ 43%) have mainly contributed to freshwater eutrophication (caused by phosphorus contained in feces) and significantly in ecotoxicity (≅50%). 
  The produced waste is just a factor in the food use stage and does not define sustainability in pet ownership. Generally, diet effects exceed the other stages. However, quantifying the flows of this substage adequately can complement the existing regional information and identify possibilities or technologies for the environmental footprint cycle of dogs and cats, especially nitrogenated waste and potentially toxic nutrients in feces and urine.
  Figure 4. Dogs' defecation system to the shelf-life end of waste. Published by Yavor et al. (2020).
  Advantages and Challenges of the LCA   Life Cycle Analysis is a methodology used to evaluate products and services environmental impact, from manufacturing to elimination. It is useful since it analyzes all the stages in the product life cycle integrally. This approach comprises systems at different levels and regions throughout flow evaluation, which enter and leave the system. Its results can combine other methodologies to better define system sustainability; it can be used in complex environmental analysis for objective decision-making and to formulate plans that satisfy sustainable development needs.
  Using the LCA has the potential to: Identify critical points and the impacts of a process, product, or service. Enhance or develop products and services. Optimize mechanical systems and energy recovery.  Compare equivalent products. Define criteria for ecological labels. Support the creation of politics of sustainability.  Provide clear information to consumers. Manage and preserve natural resources.
  These characteristics can be extremely interesting to characterize dog and cat waste, towards sustainability. However, here are some challenges and limitations to consider: The number of people and experienced professionals using this methodology is still minimal. 
  There are no accurate and solid regional inventories about the product's life cycle, especially in Brazil. Databases are essential to save time and resources in LCA study. 
  This shortage is a problem as Brazil has diverse production, agriculture practices, weather, and technology. Using a specific database from Brazil would help to carry out accurate and adequate research for more sustainable production. Another challenge is to follow general rules for product characterization, such as Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules (FEDIAF, 2018) that ensure standardized studies and suitable results.
  Final Thoughts   So far, impacts generated by pet ownership have not been defined in Brazil. The LCA focus can help to characterize them, predict harmful effects, minimize the short/long-term impact, and reach global and sustainable goals. However, the scientific data on cat and dog ownership used by this approach is still lacking. 
  Defecation and its accumulative effects are related to pet ownership, being a substage in food usage which also must be studied for its environmental impact. Understanding the impact helps evaluate pet possession in an integrated way. Brazil has unique characteristics and highlights the importance of studying and characterizing local impacts. Research can offer new insights as well as improve awareness and promote pro-environmental behavior in society and industries, helping the environment and sustainability in dog and cat ownership, such important species for human beings.
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