Pet Food Packaging Waste: How You Can Help Battle the Crisis

Understanding the Challenge: Pet Food Packaging Waste

In today’s pet-loving America, where over 94 million households have furry friends, the way we package pet food holds immense importance. In 2024, American consumers invested a whopping $67.8 billion in pet food and treats, yet the environmental toll of this enjoyment is staggering. Approximately 300 million pounds of pet food packaging waste is generated annually, and shockingly, more than 99% of that waste is headed straight to landfills.

The Environmental Footprint of Pet Food Packaging

Many pet food packages are made from polypropylene (#5 plastic) and multi-layer materials that combine plastic and aluminum. The complexity of these materials makes them highly challenging for conventional recycling to address. Organizations like the rePurpose Global are stepping in, as they partner with pet food brands to recapture and repurpose this plastic waste. In fact, 20 brands are working to siphon 2,000 tons of plastic from nature, accomplishing what resembles removing 111 million plastic bottles from circulation.

Positive Steps: Industry Initiatives Towards Sustainability

The Pet Sustainability Coalition’s Packaging Pledge is a noteworthy initiative encouraging companies to transition to 100% recyclable, reusable, or compostable packaging by 2025. Major companies like Open Farm and Stella and Chewy’s have already committed to this critical transition.

Recycling Solutions: What Can You Do?

Despite challenges, there are still avenues for recycling certain types of pet food packaging. Steel cans, often used for wet pet food, are widely accepted in curbside recycling programs. Just rinse the cans and toss them in with your regular recyclables. Dry pet food bags, on the other hand, present a more significant challenge, often accepted only at specialized recycling centers.

Brands like TerraCycle offer free mail-in recycling programs for various flexible packaging, presenting a valuable option for eco-conscious consumers. Programs include partnerships with brands such as Wellness Pet Food and Royal Canin, which aim to reduce landfill contributions significantly.

Consumer Action: Choosing the Right Packaging

As a boutique hospitality professional, your recycling practices can significantly influence your guests and the industry. When purchasing pet food for your lodging services, opt for brands that use sustainable packaging solutions.

Connect with your suppliers and question their sustainability practices—ask how their packaging can be recycled or what initiatives they have partnered with for a greener future.

Inspiring Change: The Future of Pet Food Packaging

Companies are starting to embrace sustainable packaging more than ever. Purina has committed to ensuring nearly 90% of its plastic packaging is designed for recycling across North America by 2025. The shift towards monomaterial designs and lighter packaging can lead to more energy-efficient production processes and benefits for our planet.

This change is essential as younger generations of pet owners prioritize sustainability, influencing brands to rethink their approaches to packaging.

Your Role: Contribute to Sustainability

As a small-scale hotel owner or eco-lodge operator, your choices can create a ripple effect that propels sustainability in your community. Consider featuring eco-friendly pet products in your offerings, supporting brands with sustainable practices. Every little choice contributes to a larger transformation.

To make informed decisions regarding packaging and sustainability, keep an eye on the brands you are buying from. Get involved in recycling and sustainability initiatives tailored to your community. Clean plastic bags from pet food are always a tough area, but with teamwork and dedication, they can be tackled.