GLENDALE, CALIF. — Pet supplement brand Fera Pets Inc. released its Sustainability Impact Report 2023, sharing its progress in environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives, as well as its goals for 2024 and beyond.
“I am excited to present Fera’s second ESG report, highlighting our commitment to sustainability, social responsibility, transparent governance, and acquisition by General Mills, Inc.,” wrote Michelle Dulake, DVM, co-founder and chief executive officer of the brand, in the report. “As the CEO of Fera, I am proud to lead a company that prioritizes pet wellbeing, environmental sustainability and global community engagement.”
Regarding its environmental moves, the brand is currently transitioning all its packaging to 100% recyclable and hopes to accomplish this by 2025 in line with the Pet Sustainability Coalition’s (PSC) Packaging Pledge.
In 2023, the brand assessed its Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which hover around 1,570 kg and 922.25 kg, respectively. Fera will work on calculating its Scope 3 emissions and aims to have this completed by 2028. Following this, the brand then aims to become CarbonNeutral® Certified via Climate Impact Partners by 2030. The brand also offset 250 tonnes of CO2 through a partnership with EcoCart.
“Sustainability is deeply ingrained in our business strategy,” Dulake wrote. “From sourcing ingredients to choosing our manufacturing and packaging partners, we prioritize sustainable practices, which aligns with our customer values and shows our dedication to being a responsible corporate citizen. We proudly bear the National Animal Supplement Council Quality Seal and were announced a 2023 Top Performer as an accredited member of the Pet Sustainability Coalition, emphasizing our commitment to environmental impact initiatives as we strive to lead the industry in sustainability.
“While we continue to assess packaging improvements, we remain committed to reducing our plastic footprint and designing our existing packaging for optimal recyclability,” she added.
Regarding sustainability throughout its supply chain, Fera launched its Supplier Code of Conduct in 2022, enforcing certain environmental and social expectations onto its manufacturing partners and ingredient suppliers. To date the brand’s code of conduct has been adopted by all its co-manufacturers and 22% of its suppliers. The brand aims to ensure 50% adoption amongst its suppliers by the end of this year and 100% by 2025.
In addition to its environmental programs, Fera also continues to support its employees through annual retreats and volunteer opportunities. The brand is also committed to community organizations, having donated more than $68,000 in 2023 to several organizations supporting people and pets.
Looking to 2024, Fera will continue to assess its packaging alternatives with a goal of switching all its 8-oz jars to post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic. The brand will also examine the potential of refillable and reuseable packaging. In addition to this, the brand has also partnered with rePurpose Global to become plastic neutral.
The brand also plans to ramp up its responsible sourcing practices, fostering relationships with suppliers that share Fera’s values.
The brand believes that its acquisition by General Mills will support its ESG efforts. Fera will continue to be led by its co-founders and will receive additional support from General Mills, which is committed to sustainable sourcing, regenerative agriculture, emissions reduction, and diversity, equity and inclusion.
“As we move forward, Fera remains committed to our ESG principles and will focus on regenerative agriculture, becoming plastic neutral, carbon emissions reduction, and expanding our philanthropic efforts in 2024 and beyond,” Dulake shared.
Learn more about Fera Pets’ ESG efforts in 2023.
Read more about sustainability efforts across the pet food and treat industry.
