The results of the “Trends in Sustainability Report 2019” confirmed that pet industry professionals are experiencing increasing expectations for sustainable companies and products. In order to support the industry’s efforts to meet these increased demands, the World Pet Association (WPA) has invested in The Pet Sustainability Coalition (PSC) to support retailers, brands, and manufactures so that they can continue to thrive in our vibrant industry.
Efforts at SuperZoo trade show will include a sustainable business educational session for retailers, the industry’s first ever Positive Impact product kiosk, a back of house tour of Mandalay Bay’s waste sorting and solar energy production facility, and water refill stations to decrease exhibitor and attendee reliance on single-use plastic water bottles.
Further detail into WPA and PSC’s SuperZoo 2019 sustainability initiatives can be found below.
- Sustainable Education Session for Retailers
The Pet Sustainability Coalition will provide a retailer education session, titled “Critical Sustainability Strategies for Retailers,” that will focus on a recent shift in consumer demand and willingness to pay for values-aligned companies and products. To learn more and register for this educational session click here.
- Mandalay Bay Sustainability Tour
A back of house tour will offer attendees a rare opportunity to view the extensive waste sorting processes and an exclusive birds-eye view of the Mandalay Bay solar system, which is the largest in the nation. To register for this limited tour click here – only 50 spots available.
- The Positive Impact Product Kiosk #5000
SuperZoo 2019 will premiere the first show-floor display of its kind showcasing verified products of brands actively measuring and improving their environmental and social impact using PSC’s 3rd party sustainability assessment. This Pet Sustainability Coalition kiosk will educate retailers about the Positive Impact Community and how the participating brands drive positive impact for pets, people and the planet. Retailers that visit the kiosk will receive special discounts at more than 40 SuperZoo exhibiting brands. Retailers can easily find participating brands through a new indicator on the official trade show floor map and trade show app. To learn more about the Positive Impact Program click here.
- Reduction of single-use water bottles and water refill stations
More than 60 million water bottles are thrown away in the US every day.[1] To help keep SuperZoo guests hydrated during the show, while also joining the global movement to reduce plastic waste, WPA will offer water refill stations located at the show floor lounges and will provide more than 2,000 reusable plant based water bottles. Click here to like this initiative.
This is just the beginning of WPA’s leadership when it comes to responsible environmental and social business practices for our industry. To get updates on new events and programs like these, follow WPA & PSC on Facebook & LinkedIn.
[1] Container Recycling Institute. http://www.container-recycling.org/index.php/issues/…/275-down-the-drain
