PET Food Processing - March 2019 - 12

TRENDS

Consumers are beginning to place a higher
value in the sustainability and transparency of
a product, including the
impact its ingredients
may have on the
environment.
American Seafoods Company LLC

One seafood ingredient poised for sustainability is the
Wild Alaska Pollock. "American pollock producers supply some of the largest food companies in the world and
are well suited to meet the economic and quality standards
expected by the pet industry, and offer significant environmental credentials to add value to a brand," says Herve.
Petcurean uses Wild Alaska Pollock in one of its dog
food formulas. "As a member of the cod family, pollock
is an excellent source of protein, minerals and omega
fatty acids, and it is low in carbohydrates, cholesterol and
fat," Adolphe says. "Pollock is a tremendously abundant
species of fish generally found in large schools, making
them efficient to harvest." In its GATHER Free Acres
and Wild Ocean pet food formulas, Petcurean sources
MSC-certified, sustainably harvested krill. "Krill is not
only a unique ingredient, but a great alternative source
of marine omega-3 fatty acids, given concerns about the
sustainability of wild fish stocks," Adolphe says.
The use of by-products also plays an important role as
a sustainable source. The rendering industry has capitalized on this trend over the past 15 years, says Guthrie,
making "old" ingredients become "new," or rather more
accepted in the use of pet food processing. "A fresh look
has been granted to many by-products, including rendered products, because of their obvious advantage in
sustainability," he says.
However, achieving sustainability in pet food processing poses some challenges. Guthrie describes one
challenge as "greenwashing," or making claims toward
the sustainability of a product without a strong foundation that it is truly sustainable. "Willingness to provide
data and metrics can be a stumbling block," explains
Guthrie, such as providing information on traceability.
"Ingredient providers should have data and a verifiable
production history to back it up. There are many claims,
schemes, and certifications but nothing is better than
transparency, data, and a good supplier reputation."

Taking the first step

There are a number of ways pet food processors can begin
the journey toward sourcing more sustainable ingredients.

PET FOOD PROCESSING | March 2019 | www.petfoodprocessing.net

For example, local ingredients are highly sustainable. "They
cut down on transportation and reduce the amount of
emission and energy used," says Vanier and Oorbeck. In
the seafood industry, Herve says sourcing domestically
can be beneficial to the environment because fishers and
fish processors are often more knowledgeable about specific harvest, production and quality management variables
than foreign suppliers.
Processors can also work against the stereotype of "ugly
foods," or ingredients that might not look as fresh but offer
the same amount of nutrients and bioavailability in a pet
diet, by embracing them. "Instead of letting fruits and veggies go to waste because they don't meet the cosmetic quality standards, these products are being used more sustainably by incorporating them into pet food and treats," says
Vanier and Oorbeck.
Herve provides three best practices for processors looking to source more responsibly: look locally, choose suppliers who are engaged in the journey to sustainability, and
build strong, mutually beneficial relationships with those
suppliers. Collaborating with suppliers is crucial for continuous improvement in the sustainability of the industry.
"As an ingredient manufacturer, we have to understand the
supply chain and what our individual customers want and
need," Guthrie says. "It requires the development of a trusting relationship, good communications, good documentation on our part as well as farther up the supply chain."
Utilizing third-party audits and certification programs
is key to verifying supply chain practices, policies and
data. Risk assessment is another important step that pet
food processors must embrace to truly understand their
supply chain. "Consider risks associated with the country of origin and the specific type of raw material," Visser
says. "Determine your best strategy for addressing the areas of greatest risk, for influencing third parties critical to
your supply chain and for certifications that will make a
significant impact."
Achieving a sustainable pet food supply chain will not
happen overnight but, with the correct certifications, guidance and commitment, it offers a bright future for our planet while still providing quality nutrition for our pets. PFP

http://www.petfoodprocessing.net

PET Food Processing - March 2019

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