Pet Sustainability Coalition publishes industry-wide sustainability report

The Pet Sustainability Coalition (PSC) has published what it says is the first comprehensive assessment of environmental and social progress across the global pet industry, with findings suggesting sustainability is increasingly seen as a commercial strategy.The ‘State of Sustainability in the Pet Industry 2025’ report draws on data from PSC’s own benchmarking programme, insights from accredited member companies, consumer research from Nextin and BBMG, and publicly available industry information. The work was funded through a grant from the World Pet Association.

The report found that consumer expectations around sustainability are high, with 84% of pet owners saying companies should act on climate change. Respondents were also significantly more likely to buy products marketed as environmentally friendly, according to the research cited.

PSC said the findings suggest sustainability is increasingly being treated as a commercial strategy rather than a cost, with companies linking it to operational efficiency, risk management, talent recruitment and investor confidence.

However, the study highlights gaps in data and disclosure, as only 40% of companies surveyed said they report on Scope 3 emissions, despite these typically accounting for more than 90% of a company’s total environmental footprint.

Jim Lamancusa, chief executive of the Pet Sustainability Coalition, said the report was intended to clarify both progress and shortcomings within the sector. 

He said: “Despite economic pressures and a complex regulatory landscape, the message from leading companies is clear: sustainability is a growth strategy. We created this report to illuminate the path ahead. My hope is that it not only helps pet industry leaders understand the progress we are making together, but also inspires more companies to take the next step on their own sustainability journey.”

Founded in 2013, the Pet Sustainability Coalition is a US-based non-profit organisation with more than 200 member companies spanning retail, manufacturing, distribution and supply. It works with members on sustainability strategy, measurement and reporting, as well as collaborative projects such as packaging and protein sourcing.