Pet Owners Prioritize Sustainability in Pet Food Purchases: Insights from Petfood Forum 2024
Pet owners are increasingly paying attention to sustainability claims on pet food products when making purchasing decisions for their furry friends. This shift in consumer behavior has led pet food professionals to discuss the importance of incorporating sustainability into the development process of new pet food products.
During the Ask the Pet Food Pro panel discussion at Petfood Forum 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri, Jim Lamancusa, executive director of the Pet Sustainability Coalition, hosted a conversation on the benefits of baking sustainability into the recipe during the new pet food product development process.
Shannon Landry, pet brand manager at Packaged Facts, highlighted the importance of value in sustainability efforts. Consumer surveys have shown that a significant portion of consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable products, but price points remain a key factor. Educating consumers on what sustainability means and how it benefits them, their pets, and the planet is crucial.
Brian Steinwagner, executive vice president with sustainability responsibilities at Morris Packaging, emphasized the need to design materials that align with customers’ existing equipment and processes to minimize waste and operational disruptions.
Adam Craig, director of product development at Hill’s Pet Nutrition, discussed the impact of raw materials on carbon footprints and the importance of sourcing ingredients with lower carbon emissions. Collaboration between manufacturers and suppliers is essential to make a significant impact in this space.
Elizabeth Maier, director of growth and innovation at Wilbur-Ellis Nutrition, highlighted the importance of considering both input and output sustainability factors in the development process. Efficient use of ingredients and waste reduction are key considerations for suppliers.
Stephie Volo, chief impact officer at Earth Animal, stressed the importance of integrating sustainability throughout the company and establishing clear expectations for partners in the supply chain. A partner code of conduct can help ensure alignment on sustainability goals and practices.
Overall, the discussion underscored the growing importance of sustainability in the pet food industry and the need for collaboration and innovation to address environmental and social concerns in product development. Pet owners are increasingly looking for sustainable options for their pets, and pet food professionals are rising to the challenge to meet these demands.
