Flex Forward Launches to Tackle Pet Industry Waste
Flex Forward, a groundbreaking pilot program, has been launched to tackle waste in the pet industry. Experts, Earth Animal, and the Pet Sustainability Coalition (PSC) have joined forces to provide sustainable packaging solutions and reduce landfill waste. The program aims to collect and upcycle post-consumer plastic packaging, with hundreds of independent retailers participating at no cost, thanks to Earth Animal's sponsorship.
PSC estimates that a staggering 300 million pounds of plastic pet food and treats bags are generated annually in the US, with nearly all ending up in landfills. Caitlyn Dudas, Executive Director at PSC, acknowledges the industry's progress in sustainable ingredients but emphasizes the urgent need to address packaging waste. Flex Forward targets collecting 5,000 pounds of post-consumer plastic packaging over 3-4 months in select independent retail locations.
The pilot program, announced in 2020, is a return-to-retail initiative. Collected packaging will be upcycled into new pet products, intended for donation at animal shelters and rescues nationwide. Stephanie Volo, Chief Marketing Officer at Earth Animal, sees Flex Forward as a collaborative effort for the good of the industry and the Earth. More information is available at www.earthanimal.org/flexforward. An information session will be held at Earth Animal's booth at the Global Pet Expo on March 26, and a PSC launch webinar is scheduled for March 31.
Flex Forward, a joint effort by Experts, Earth Animal, and the Pet Sustainability Coalition, is set to make a significant impact on waste reduction in the pet industry. By collecting and upcycling post-consumer plastic packaging, the program aims to divert waste from landfills and provide sustainable packaging solutions. With hundreds of independent retailers participating at zero cost, Flex Forward is poised to set a new standard for sustainability in the pet sector.
