An online pet food and pet supply store, Eco-Dogs.com, recently opened to provide eco-friendly products to pet owners.
Eco-dogs.com officially opened its Web-based storefront on March 1, with the goals of introducing pet owners to natural, organic and eco-friendly products for pets, as well as educating them on ways to support a more sustainable environment, according to co-founder, Marion Elledge.
Items available in the online store include pet products such as Cycle Dog, Ecollargy, Wagging Green, and Earth Dog collars and leashes. The products are made of organic materials like soy, hemp, cotton, wool and bamboo, and also from recycled materials like inner tubes, billboards and plastic bottles.
“It is important to us to bring awareness as to how people can involve their pets in their eco-conscious efforts to prevent global warming and guarantee a sustainable environment. Thus, our slogan became ‘leaving smaller carbon paw prints,’" said Roger Franklin, co-founder and vice president. "We at eco-dogs.com are not only concerned about the environment but also the health of our canine and feline companions."
Showing posts with label Green Petfood. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Green Petfood. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Friday, August 27, 2010
Petfood part of a world 'going green'
Sustainability. Eco-friendly. Green. All buzzwords used -- though not consistently or backed by any common definitions or standards -- to describe products and practices that are supposedly kinder to the environment and, some believe, the health of humans and animals (including pets).
Yesterday AdAge.com announced that the US Federal Trade Commission will likely be releasing new "Green Guides" very soon to at least direct, if not regulate, how companies use marketing and packaging claims related to sustainability and environmental impact.
These new guidelines may help establish some standards and common definitions, at least in the US, which could go a long way in helping consumers sort through such green claims. Because if one thing is certain, it's that consumers (and probably most marketers) could really use some clarification.
In "World Gone Green," an article in the August issue of Food Technology (published by the Institute of Food Technologists, or IFT), Krista Faron of Mintel breaks down the latest research on what US consumers think about sustainability. Much of this research applies to consumer packaged goods, including petfood.
Some highlights:
Self-reported "green" purchasing behavior has changed dramatically just since 2006 and through 2007, though it has plateaued since. Just four years ago, 12% of consumers surveyed by Mintel were labeled as "True Greens": people who regularly purchased green products. By end of 2007, that figure had more than doubled, to 27%.
Mintel forecasts sales of natural and organic foods and beverages in mass retailers excluding Walmart and natural channels to increase 4.8% this year and 6.1% in 2011. (For natural and organic petfood data, see the latest research from Packaged Facts.)
That's the good news. The bad news, Faron says, is the high point for sustainability appears to have passed, at least in terms of spending patterns.
Much of the article discusses green marketing and labeling claims and just how confusing or even invisible these are to consumers. Faron argues that perhaps better visibility, awareness and definition of claims could have an influence on spending patterns and purchasing behavior.
The other point that stands out is that price is still a huge factor in whether consumers will respond to green claims and actually buy the products. This is especially true during tough economic times but appears to have always been the case: Like petfood, green products overall seem fairly recession-proof. Mintel's research shows green purchasing behavior has remained "remarkably similar in the boom times of late 2007, recessionary climate of October 2008 and January 2010 and, most recently, in June 2010," Faron writes.
Yesterday AdAge.com announced that the US Federal Trade Commission will likely be releasing new "Green Guides" very soon to at least direct, if not regulate, how companies use marketing and packaging claims related to sustainability and environmental impact.
These new guidelines may help establish some standards and common definitions, at least in the US, which could go a long way in helping consumers sort through such green claims. Because if one thing is certain, it's that consumers (and probably most marketers) could really use some clarification.
In "World Gone Green," an article in the August issue of Food Technology (published by the Institute of Food Technologists, or IFT), Krista Faron of Mintel breaks down the latest research on what US consumers think about sustainability. Much of this research applies to consumer packaged goods, including petfood.
Some highlights:
Self-reported "green" purchasing behavior has changed dramatically just since 2006 and through 2007, though it has plateaued since. Just four years ago, 12% of consumers surveyed by Mintel were labeled as "True Greens": people who regularly purchased green products. By end of 2007, that figure had more than doubled, to 27%.
Mintel forecasts sales of natural and organic foods and beverages in mass retailers excluding Walmart and natural channels to increase 4.8% this year and 6.1% in 2011. (For natural and organic petfood data, see the latest research from Packaged Facts.)
That's the good news. The bad news, Faron says, is the high point for sustainability appears to have passed, at least in terms of spending patterns.
Much of the article discusses green marketing and labeling claims and just how confusing or even invisible these are to consumers. Faron argues that perhaps better visibility, awareness and definition of claims could have an influence on spending patterns and purchasing behavior.
The other point that stands out is that price is still a huge factor in whether consumers will respond to green claims and actually buy the products. This is especially true during tough economic times but appears to have always been the case: Like petfood, green products overall seem fairly recession-proof. Mintel's research shows green purchasing behavior has remained "remarkably similar in the boom times of late 2007, recessionary climate of October 2008 and January 2010 and, most recently, in June 2010," Faron writes.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Cranimals receives 'Editor's Choice' award
Cranimals Zendog Biscuits received the "Editor’s Choice" award by Pet Product News International.
The Zendog Biscuits debuted in March 2010, as a certified organic cranberry dog biscuit, according to the company.
"Cranimals: With its four organic certification labels, bright colors and statement saying that a percentage of the product’s proceeds are donated to pet rescue organizations, the packaging for Zendog Calming Biscuits drew us in. The dog treats inside were equally impressive. Made of organic pumpkin extract—a natural source of calm-inducing tryptophan—flax protein powder, cold-pressed cranberry seed oil and Cranimals Original supplement, the ring-shaped treats are formulated to contribute essential nutrients to a dog’s diet. One product tester also noted the Biscuits’pleasant aroma and that these treats seemed to be her roommate’s dog’s favorite out of the 10 it tried," said Pet Product News International.
The Zendog Biscuits debuted in March 2010, as a certified organic cranberry dog biscuit, according to the company.
"Cranimals: With its four organic certification labels, bright colors and statement saying that a percentage of the product’s proceeds are donated to pet rescue organizations, the packaging for Zendog Calming Biscuits drew us in. The dog treats inside were equally impressive. Made of organic pumpkin extract—a natural source of calm-inducing tryptophan—flax protein powder, cold-pressed cranberry seed oil and Cranimals Original supplement, the ring-shaped treats are formulated to contribute essential nutrients to a dog’s diet. One product tester also noted the Biscuits’pleasant aroma and that these treats seemed to be her roommate’s dog’s favorite out of the 10 it tried," said Pet Product News International.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
MarketResearch adds new report on natural pet products
MarketResearch added a new report by Packaged Facts, titled “Natural, Organic and Eco-Friendly Pet Products in the U.S., 3rd Edition.”
The report divides the market into two classifications: petfood and pet care. For each classification of the natural and organic market, the report provides retail sales estimates from 2005 through 2014. It also provides competitive strategies and profiles of key industry manufacturers, along with trends in new product development. According to the report's pet owner consumer survey, 62% of dog owners and 56% of cat owners have purchased natural or organic pet products within the last three months.
The report divides the market into two classifications: petfood and pet care. For each classification of the natural and organic market, the report provides retail sales estimates from 2005 through 2014. It also provides competitive strategies and profiles of key industry manufacturers, along with trends in new product development. According to the report's pet owner consumer survey, 62% of dog owners and 56% of cat owners have purchased natural or organic pet products within the last three months.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Top scoring petfood brands in eco-friendliness ranking
Just three of 30 popular petfood brands received top scores in a ranking of eco-friendliness by Greenopia.
Greenopia collected data from petfood manufacturers and independent sources about many product factors, such as ingredients, packaging, animal testing policies and green building design. The brands were rated on a green-leaf-system, with companies receiving extra points for the implementation of environmental initiatives.
Top scoring brands got a four-green-leaf award and included the Karma Organics line from Natura Pet Products, The Honest Kitchen and Raw Advantage. Nearly one-third of the brands evaluated got the lowest, zero-leaf rating, including Friskees, Iams and Purina.
Greenopia collected data from petfood manufacturers and independent sources about many product factors, such as ingredients, packaging, animal testing policies and green building design. The brands were rated on a green-leaf-system, with companies receiving extra points for the implementation of environmental initiatives.
Top scoring brands got a four-green-leaf award and included the Karma Organics line from Natura Pet Products, The Honest Kitchen and Raw Advantage. Nearly one-third of the brands evaluated got the lowest, zero-leaf rating, including Friskees, Iams and Purina.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Natura goes green with initiatives
Natura Pet Products challenged pet owners to go green this upcoming Earth Day on April 22 by supporting petfood manufacturers that are involved in environmental practices.
Natura’s own green initiatives include the construction of its new eco-friendly office, switching to hybrid cars for the company’s corporate and sales teams, adding a videoconferencing system to minimize air travel between its offices and reducing paper consumption by moving much of its communications online.
Natura’s own green initiatives include the construction of its new eco-friendly office, switching to hybrid cars for the company’s corporate and sales teams, adding a videoconferencing system to minimize air travel between its offices and reducing paper consumption by moving much of its communications online.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Mars opens 'green' plant in Arkansas
Mars Petcare US has opened a new plant in Fort Smith, Arkansas, US, that the company says is the state's first sustainable manufacturing facility and the first sustainable petfood manufacturing plant in the world.
The US$80 million, 305,000-square-foot facility has received Gold certification from Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for its water recycling and energy reduction features, plus efforts to protect against erosion and light pollution. The plant is the first within Mars Petcare US's 20-facility network to receive such certification.
"Our future is being built on the passion we have for pets and our desire to make the world a better place for them," said Luc Mongeau, president of Mars Petcare US. "This facility demonstrates that commitment, as it allows us to make our remarkable products in a more environmentally responsible way."
As part of the plant opening, the company donated US$5,000 each to the Sebastian County, Arkansas, Humane Society and the Arkansas Earth Day Foundation.
The plant will produce the company's Cesar Canine Cuisine line of dog food.
The US$80 million, 305,000-square-foot facility has received Gold certification from Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for its water recycling and energy reduction features, plus efforts to protect against erosion and light pollution. The plant is the first within Mars Petcare US's 20-facility network to receive such certification.
"Our future is being built on the passion we have for pets and our desire to make the world a better place for them," said Luc Mongeau, president of Mars Petcare US. "This facility demonstrates that commitment, as it allows us to make our remarkable products in a more environmentally responsible way."
As part of the plant opening, the company donated US$5,000 each to the Sebastian County, Arkansas, Humane Society and the Arkansas Earth Day Foundation.
The plant will produce the company's Cesar Canine Cuisine line of dog food.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Honest Kitchen switches to free-range chicken
The Honest Kitchen is transitioning all its chicken-based, dehydrated raw petfoods to sustainably farmed, free-range chicken this fall.
The chicken will be sourced exclusively from Petaluma Poultry, a division of Coleman Natural Foods, and is US Department of Agriculture-certified free range, humanely raised, vegetarian fed without the use of animal fat or by-products and free from antibiotics, according to the company.
“Humane farming and respect for the origins of our food are very important to me on a personal level, and it’s been a long-term ambition of our entire staff to be able to offer this level of quality to our consumers,” said Lucy Postins, founder and president of The Honest Kitchen.
Petaluma Poultry’s free-range birds are raised in roomy, naturally lit barns and have open access to outdoor pens, according to the company. The company’s farms have an ISO 14001 certification from the Environmental Resources Management Group of Companies.
The chicken will be sourced exclusively from Petaluma Poultry, a division of Coleman Natural Foods, and is US Department of Agriculture-certified free range, humanely raised, vegetarian fed without the use of animal fat or by-products and free from antibiotics, according to the company.
“Humane farming and respect for the origins of our food are very important to me on a personal level, and it’s been a long-term ambition of our entire staff to be able to offer this level of quality to our consumers,” said Lucy Postins, founder and president of The Honest Kitchen.
Petaluma Poultry’s free-range birds are raised in roomy, naturally lit barns and have open access to outdoor pens, according to the company. The company’s farms have an ISO 14001 certification from the Environmental Resources Management Group of Companies.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Steps to ensure 'green' food for pets
A Dallas, Texas-based company, Green Pet, has launched all-natural petfood, especially for pets that are prone to allergies from processed food, according to a news report.
According to the company, the following are the ways in which owners can ensure their dogs are eating "green":
• Look for dog and cat foods made from whole foods such as chicken, duck, lamb, whole-grain brown rice and flaxseed oil.
• If the first four or five ingredients look like something you would put on your plate for dinner, then you're doing well.
According to the company, the following are the ways in which owners can ensure their dogs are eating "green":
• Look for dog and cat foods made from whole foods such as chicken, duck, lamb, whole-grain brown rice and flaxseed oil.
• If the first four or five ingredients look like something you would put on your plate for dinner, then you're doing well.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Directory rates 30 petfoods on ‘green’ scale
Greenopia, an online directory for everything green, recently released its independent ratings of 30 popular petfood brands sold in the USA.
The only brands receiving the coveted Greenopia Four-Green-Leaf Award were Karma of Natura Pet Products and Raw Advantage.
Greenopia collected data from manufacturers and independent sources about each brand's ingredients, packaging, sustainability reporting, supply chain, animal testing policies and green building design.
Companies were given additional points for their adoption of environmental initiatives. One-third of the brands evaluated earned zero-leaf ratings, revealing them to be below Greenopia's minimum green threshold.
"Sometimes it is hard to know which brands are safest and healthiest for your pet," said Gay Browne, Greenopia's founder and CEO. "We've combined analysis of sustainability issues and health considerations to make it clear to our readers which products are better for the environment and their pets."
The only brands receiving the coveted Greenopia Four-Green-Leaf Award were Karma of Natura Pet Products and Raw Advantage.
Greenopia collected data from manufacturers and independent sources about each brand's ingredients, packaging, sustainability reporting, supply chain, animal testing policies and green building design.
Companies were given additional points for their adoption of environmental initiatives. One-third of the brands evaluated earned zero-leaf ratings, revealing them to be below Greenopia's minimum green threshold.
"Sometimes it is hard to know which brands are safest and healthiest for your pet," said Gay Browne, Greenopia's founder and CEO. "We've combined analysis of sustainability issues and health considerations to make it clear to our readers which products are better for the environment and their pets."
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