By Anne Klein, Director of Member Services, PSC
One thing is for certain: it is GREAT to be meeting people in person once again! True, the world’s troubles are still impacting trade shows like Interzoo: Covid lockdowns restricted many Asian travelers from coming to Nuremberg. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the ongoing war prevented participants from these countries. Masks are, well, still a fashion statement in tight spaces. That said, it would be hard not to conclude that the human desire to congregate in person was very much on display at Interzoo.
Several events brought PSC members together during Interzoo. We received a warm welcome from long-time EU member Vafo, who hosted a sustainability networking event at their booth. The Czech company’s Head of Product, Karolína Čápová, shared with the attendees details on their 2025 Sustainability Commitments, which include a goal of 95% of their products in recyclable packaging, an increase to 25% of their energy coming from renewable sources, and a 50% increase in the use of sustainable ingredients. Also on display was their brand Planet Pet Society, made from “second chance” ingredients and packed in recyclable packaging.
Vafo Head of Product, Karolína Čápová shared their 2025 Sustainability commitments at the networking event.
Given how busy Interzoo is, I was especially impressed to see how many people had stepped away from the tradeshow floor to attend the two hour Sustainability Session. I was honored to join speakers Ewald Van den Auwelant of the Antwerp Management School and Fabien Leroux of Ocean Heart to share PSC’s insights in sustainability in the pet industry. The packed room was engaged and had many questions about trends, challenges and opportunities to gain a competitive edge through sustainability. Anne speaks at the Sustainability Session (pictured below)
Special thanks goes to Accredited member Takigawa for hosting a member-only happy hour at their booth in Hall 7. The gathering was a spirited group and welcomed the news members of the Coalition, Rogz. The hardgoods manufacturer based in South Africa is the first PSC member from the African continent.
Marc LePechon of Takigawa welcomes PSC members to the member-only networking event
New PSC members Rogz from South Africa. Pictured here: Graham Jackson (Head of Operations) and Co-Founder Irené Raubenheimer.
One especially positive trend at this year’s Interzoo was the number of companies conveying the importance of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through their booths and publications. PSC has been on the forefront of utilizing the SDGs to identify measure change, and the PSC Accreditation program uses the SDG Action Manager as it’s assessment tool.
Wanda Gordts of PSC Member Vadigran shows their incorporation of the SDGs in their sustainability goals.
Newly Accredited member Beaphar incorporates the SDGs into their messaging
PSC members were at Interzoo in full force, especially the growing contingent of European member companies. Companies based in the EU represent nearly 20% of PSC’s member base and they are growing at a fast rate. PSC Board member Chantal Saelen of Moderna graciously hosted me at their beautiful booth and I experienced their immersive video on their new factory.
Finally, we welcomed into the fold four newly Accredited European companies (Beaphar, Veramaris, United Pet Food and Aker Biomarine/Qrill).
