As concern for our planet grows, pet food companies are stepping up to embrace sustainability. The upcoming Petfood Essentials 2025 event, taking place on April 28 in Kansas City, Missouri, is set to guide businesses on how to do just that. The keynote speaker, Allison Reser, a director at the Pet Sustainability Coalition, will share actionable strategies to kickstart sustainability programs.
Reser believes the journey begins with curiosity. “Anyone can take the first step,” she says. If you’re attending this seminar or simply interested in the topic, you’re already on your way to making a difference.
One crucial starting point for companies is the materiality assessment. This process helps identify significant environmental and social issues affecting the business and its stakeholders. Reser wishes every pet food company would start here. It not only lays the groundwork for a sustainability strategy but also fosters deeper connections with stakeholders.
In the pet food industry, areas of focus can include energy use in production processes, sourcing sustainable ingredients, and improving customer communication about sustainability efforts. Recent studies show that pet owners care deeply about sustainable products, yet many feel disconnected from the messages from companies. "Communicating sustainability benefits effectively can bridge that gap," Reser points out.
Securing internal buy-in is another essential piece. Whether these initiatives come from top management or passionate employees, support from everyone is vital. “Buy-in unlocks budgets and encourages innovation,” Reser explains. Leaders have an opportunity to drive change, but it’s equally important to ensure that every team member understands the significance of their roles in this journey.
To build enthusiasm, forming green teams can be effective. Identifying allies across different departments and using data to make a strong business case can help rally support. Clear communication is key. Sustainability should not be seen as a separate entity but integrated into the overall business strategy.
Once sustainability is woven into the company culture, the next step is creating a long-term roadmap. This plan should feature measurable goals aligned with the broader business objectives. Reser advises companies to work backward from these goals, considering potential challenges like resource limits or regulations. Keeping track of key metrics and sharing progress openly helps maintain accountability and trust both within the company and with consumers.
Reser reminds us that starting small is perfectly fine. “Progress is more important than perfection,” she says. Many companies hesitate to acknowledge they are early in their journey, but every step counts. Recognizing what to tackle next can lead to meaningful change.
Attending Petfood Essentials will offer practical strategies and real-world examples to inspire those at all stages of their sustainability efforts. It’s an opportunity to learn, connect, and take significant steps towards a more sustainable future.
For more insights on sustainability in the pet industry, check out authoritative sources like the Pet Sustainability Coalition or the Petfood Forum. These platforms are valuable for staying updated on trends and best practices in sustainable pet food.
Check out this related article: Savor the Flavors: Discover Classic and Modern New Orleans Cuisine at French Quarter Fest Food Shows
Source link