BOULDER, COLO. — Royal Canin announced Sept. 13 it has upped its membership status with the Pet Sustainability Coalition (PSC). The science-based pet food manufacturer is now an Icon-level member, which represents continued investments in its own sustainability mission as well as a commitment to sustainability leadership for the industry as a whole.

Royal Canin has been a member of PSC since 2018. As an Icon member, it will increase its engagement in environmental and social sustainability, addressing systemic issues facing the industry  and providing expertise and financial support to further industry-wide priorities.

These industry-wide priorities include solving complex packaging challenges, sourcing proteins more sustainably, and promoting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) across the pet products sector. The company has demonstrated a commitment to several of these initiatives in its own sustainability journey.

“As one of the largest pet food manufacturers in the industry, and a brand within the MARS Petcare family, Royal Canin’s selection of an Icon membership is a major milestone that indicates the significance of sustainability as a key business topic for brands large and small,” said Caitlyn Dudas, executive director of PSC. “MARS has one of the most aggressive sustainability plans amongst its peer group and we are honored to support their efforts within Royal Canin to advance their progress within their pet care business.”  

Royal Canin’s sustainability goals include reduction goals for carbon emissions and water consumption for raw materials, improving product formulations and sourcing practices, and maintaining partnerships with the World Wildlife Fund, Marine Stewardship Council, the Ellen McArthur New Plastic Economy and the US Plastics Pact, as well as adhering to the Brazilian Forest Code.

“At Royal Canin, we strive to create a sustainable world for pets, people, and the planet,” said Cecile Coutens, regional president of Royal Canin North America. “With a mission of Creating a Better World for Pets, we have lived our sustainability commitment with our sites sending zero waste to landfill, and achieved 100% sustainable fish sourcing. We have an important role to play and want to extend our sustainability leadership, while inviting others in the industry to join us in helping to create a more sustainable world in which our pets, people, and planet thrive.”

“While each of us can promote sustainable practices within our own entities, becoming an Icon member of the Pet Sustainability Coalition enables us to join forces with other highly motivated PSC members to increase the impact of our collaboration in sustainability,” Coutens added.

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