SUSTAINABILITY 60 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE July 2024 The pet food industry is an integral part of the global food system and has a large impact on the environment, particularly with regards to protein sourcing. The Pet Sustainability Coalition's Blueprint provides a comprehensive guide to responsibly sourcing animal proteins, addressing environmental, social, and animal welfare concerns. This article explores the Blueprint's structure and its role in fostering a sustainable pet food supply chain. The pet food industry often flies under the radar when it comes to discussions about sustainability. However, it plays a pivotal role in the global food system, with a significant impact on both the environment and society. The industry’s influence stretches far and wide, from the sources of its ingredients to the sustainability practices it promotes. The Pet Sustainability Coalition (PSC) has stepped up with an ambitious project: the "Blueprint to Responsibly Sourcing Animal Proteins for the Pet Food Industry." This initiative aims to guide pet food companies in making more responsible sourcing decisions, ultimately leading to a more sustainable future for the industry and the planet. UNDERSTANDING THE CHALLENGES Before diving into the Blueprint, it’s essential to grasp the broader issues at play within the global food system. The drive to produce cheap, abundant food has led to several significant problems: 1. Environmental Impact: The agricultural practices supporting food production contribute to climate change through greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, biodiversity loss, deforestation, water scarcity, and pollution are critical concerns. 2. Social Impact: The human cost includes poor working conditions, forced and child labor, and insufficient wages for farmers and producers. These social issues are deeply intertwined with the food system. 3. Animal Welfare: Ethical concerns arise from practices that fail to ensure good animal welfare, which is often compromised in the quest for lower costs and higher yields. INTRODUCING THE PSC BLUEPRINT The PSC Blueprint is designed to help pet companies address these challenges head-on, regardless of how mature or sustainable their existing sourcing strategy is. It serves as a comprehensive guide in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), Science-Based Targets (SBTi), and the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). The Blueprint is structured into five main parts: PET FOOD INDUSTRY'S ROLE IN SUSTAINABILITY Blueprint for Sustainable Pet Food Protein Sourcing Jim Lamancusa Executive Director Pet Sustainability Coalition
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