The Pet Sustainability Coalition (PSC) has released a comprehensive guide to help pet food companies navigate the complex landscape of responsible protein sourcing. The 70-page “Blueprint to Responsibly Sourcing Animal Proteins for the Pet Food Industry” offers a roadmap for addressing environmental, social, and animal welfare concerns within the supply chain.
Developed in collaboration with Earth Animal and Ocatra, the Blueprint aligns with international sustainability standards like the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). It aims to empower companies to move beyond mere compliance and embrace a proactive approach to sustainability.
“We have an obligation to use the Earth’s resources responsibly,” stated Stephie Volo, Chief Impact Officer at Earth Animal. “This report provides a framework for companies to embark on their own responsible sourcing journeys, regardless of where they are in their sustainability development.”
The Blueprint is structured into five key sections:
Context & Methodology: Emphasizes the pet food industry’s unique potential to drive sustainability throughout its supply chain.
Potential Material Impacts and Risks: Helps companies identify and prioritize the most significant impacts and risks within their sourcing practices.
Assessing Impacts and Risks: Provides a framework for evaluating the severity of identified risks, ensuring targeted and effective sustainability initiatives.
Summary of Potential Material Impacts of Eight Relevant Species: Offers detailed analysis of environmental and animal welfare impacts for key protein sources including beef, chicken, lamb, salmon, and more.
Taking Corporate Action: Guides companies in developing formal responsible sourcing strategies, setting clear objectives, engaging stakeholders, and measuring progress.
Darren Vanstone, Managing Director of Ocatra, stressed the Blueprint’s focus on continuous improvement. “Start where you are, and know you don’t have to do it alone,” he said, encouraging companies to connect with peers and resources.
Collaboration is paramount, as Volo emphasizes. “We would not be where we are today without it,” she said, recommending connections with stakeholders, partners, and industry experts. The Blueprint itself serves as a testament to the value of shared knowledge and collective action.
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