Every action of individuals and corporate bodies has an effect on the environment. Government, industry and individuals, therefore, have a collective responsibility to maintain a sensible balance between the developing and legitimate needs of the population and the necessity to protect the natural environment from irreversible damage. The prepared pet food industry is strongly committed to this responsibility.

The pet food industry is responsible, efficient and at the forefront of technology. This means it can minimise the use of resources while maximising safety standards.

Concern for environmental and ethical issues has led to a number of voluntary policies within the industry and has encouraged the efficient use of energy in the production of raw materials and packaging, in pet food manufacture and transportation.

This industry is one of the oldest recycling industries. Its use of by-products of the human food industry prevents the need for final disposal, together with the resultant costs. This disposal reduces the price of meat for human consumption and the demands on the human food chain.

Members are skilled in converting by-products to added value products, which ensure proper nutrition for the pet population and thus play a significant role in the health of pets.

FEDIAF supports:

• The efficient use of all resources for the production of safe, palatable and nutritious pet food.
• The responsible design, operation and maintenance of processes and plants to minimise adverse environmental impact on the local community and, in particular, to
  • minimise emissions into the environment
  • minimise objectionable odours
  • improve the appearance of manufacturing sites and premises.

• The use and development of packaging, without loss of technological efficiency or safety, which will make fewer demands on irreplaceable resources and which can be disposed of in ways which cause minimum impact to the environment.
• Schemes for the reduction, reuse, recycling and incineration of waste in order to reclaim energy.
• Only labelling which is clear, unambiguous and not misleading to consumers about the environmental impact of a particular product.

FEDIAF aims to keep itself and its members informed about relevant European and national environmental requirements. Accordingly, FEDIAF recognises that legislation to protect the environment should be based on sound scientific evidence. Where appropriate, this should be developed at European Community level to ensure compatability with the policies.