Social responsibility: Its importance in the pet food industry

Sustainability growth in pet food

In a world where natural resources are limited and ambient awareness is rising, sustainability is not a trend, but a long-term change in consumer culture. In this context, pet food industries in Latin America are rapidly adopting social responsibility procedures, which aim to minimize environmental impact and add value to society and consumers.

Outstanding examples of reducing waste

Many companies have been striving to reduce waste and optimize their production processes. For example, Mars Petcare is taking significant measures to reduce its carbon footprint by redesigning their packaging for recyclable ones. Also, they are transitioning to use renewable energy in all facilities by 2025. In addition, they launched programs for using recyclable materials in their products, teaching consumers about the importance of recycling.

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In Brazil, BRF is committed to becoming a Net Zero carbon emissions by 2040 using renewable energies, the promotion of low-carbon agriculture, and the launch of carbon-neutral products.

Nestlé Purina invests in operations in Latin America, including the extension of its facilities in Silao, Mexico. It has become one of the biggest in America Latina and uses advanced technology to reduce environmental impact. Nestlé Purina promotes the reduction of greenhouse effects and the use of recyclable packaging.

Innovations in recycling

Recycling is a key factor in sustainability strategies in the industry. By implementing packaging recycling programs in Perú and Colombia, Nestlé Purina promotes reusing materials and reducing the use of plastic materials and plastic. This initiative not only helps to preserve the environment but also to encourage circular economy, which is a benefit to the company and the local community.

In Brazil, Adimax launched campaigns to collect and recycle post-consumer packaging, making them useful for backpacks or pencil cases. It not only reduces plastic waste but also supports animal shelters donating food in exchange for collected packaging.

In Mexico, Nupec stands out for its commitment to sustainability through several initiatives. The company carried out a recycling program, called 'Let's Recycle', which encourages consumers to return used packaging for recycling. In addition, by working with local suppliers, Nupec promotes national trade and ensures sustainable and high-quality practices in the section of raw materials. In its Innovation and Technology Centre, Nupec also does continuous research that focuses on digestibility and palatability, ensuring optimum pet nutrition.

In Perú, many pet food industries are committed to social and ambient responsibility. An outstanding example is Rintisa which implemented programs about reusing packaging and materials by transforming them into useful products and promoting a circular economy in the region.

Molino Chacabuco, a company from Argentina, also stands out for its support. It has significantly reduced its use of paper and waste; it uses renewable energy for 90% of its production and collaborates in recycling and circular economy projects like creating dog shelters with Tetra Pak. Moreover, Molino Chacabuco sustains a partnership with Fundación Banco de Alimentos by donating and participating in campaigns that aim to reduce hunger and improve nutrition in local communities.

Material reuse programs

Reusing materials is essential to close the product lifecycle. Agroindustrias Baires in Argentina developed a program about reusing balanced food packaging, in which consumers can return post-consumer bags to transform them into useful products. This initiative not only promotes sustainability but also supports the local community by donating food to animal shelters.

The company Carozzi, from Chile, showed a strong commitment to sustainability in pet food manufacturing. It incorporates recycling and reusing materials practices in its production process, reducing waste and promoting a circular economy.

Publishing ethical codes and sustainability reports

Transparency is fundamental to sustainability. Many industries are publishing their ethical codes and sustainability reports as part of their commitment to social responsibility. In Ecuador, Bioalimentar launched its Memorias de Sostenibilidad, following the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards to evaluate its economic, social, and environmental performance. These reports not only strengthen the link with their interest groups, but they are also exercises of transparency and responsible management.

Impacts and benefits of sustainable practices

Reducing, recycling, and reusing measures benefit the environment and improve corporate image, as well as consumer loyalty. By adopting sustainable practices, companies not only answer society's call but also contribute to creating a sustainable and responsible future.

In addition, these initiatives can generate important long-term savings. Efficient energy, reducing waste, and reusing materials lessen operational costs and open up new market opportunities, especially between environmentally conscious consumers.

Conclusion and future perspectives

In Latin America, the pet food industry is making significant efforts to integrate sustainability into its operations. These initiatives are essential to satisfy consumer expectations and ensure a positive impact on the environment and society. The companies already mentioned are examples of how the industry is a leader for a green, cleaner, and responsible future, creating a long-lasting impact at local and global levels.

In the future, more companies are expected to adopt these practices, driven by the growing demand of consumers and government regulations. Partnerships between companies, governments, and communities will be the key to moving in this direction, ensuring sustainable development for the pet food industry and the region.

By: Iván Franco

Source: All Pet Food Magazine