At Petwell Club, we believe that both our pet's and our planet’s health is a non-negotiable. We ensure that our products are produced in the most healthful, sustainable and environmentally friendly manner possible. We take care to use sustainable packaging and manufacturing processes, and to source from vendors who are kind to planet earth. We are proud to stand for sustainability, quality and care.
In the spirit of the Petwell ethos, we embrace the harmony of nature by packaging our products in paper tubes and compostable pouches and bags.
Compostable Pouches (Learn How To Compost Our Pouches):
As an environmentally responsible company, we acknowledge our role in the global sustainability movement. We take our obligation towards the environment to heart and adhere strictly to the compostability guidelines established by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) (1).
Our pouches and their raw components are meticulously engineered to be fully compliant with ASTM D6400 standards, the international benchmark for compostable plastics (2). This means that every element of our packaging, from the label adhesives to the pouch films, cello bag films, and zipper closures on our bags, down to the valves on our coffee bags, is designed with a focus on compostability.
We are committed to utilizing eco-friendly and sustainable materials in our packaging. As such, we primarily use bio-resins and wood cellulose as the cornerstone of our packaging components. Bio-resins are derived from renewable resources, which reduces the demand for non-renewable fossil fuels. Wood cellulose, on the other hand, is a natural polymer obtained from the cell walls of plants, making it a sustainable and readily renewable material (3).
These materials have undergone stringent testing to validate their compostability. As required by the FTC, we have entrusted this critical validation process to independent third-party laboratories. These labs employ rigorous testing protocols to ensure that our packaging components break down effectively in a composting environment, thus confirming their compliance with the necessary standards (3).
But our commitment to the environment extends beyond just compostability. We are equally vigilant about ensuring that our packaging is free from potentially harmful substances. Our packaging is void of bisphenol A (BPA), a synthetic compound often used in plastics, which has raised health concerns (4). We also guarantee that our packaging does not contain fluorinated chemicals such as Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS are a group of human-made chemicals used in a range of products because of their resistance to heat, water, and oil. However, they persist in the environment and the human body and have been linked to adverse health effects (5).
Moreover, in line with our principles of promoting natural and non-harmful products, we also exclude genetically modified organisms (GMOs) from our materials. GMOs have been a subject of public concern and scientific debate due to potential risks associated with their use (6). Further, respecting the ethical choices of our consumers, we have committed to not using animal-derived products in our packaging materials.
In summary, our commitment to environmental responsibility is reflected not only in our adherence to compostability standards but also in our cautious selection of safe, non-toxic, and non-harmful materials for our packaging.
References:
- "Composting: Regulatory Considerations". 2023. Federal Trade Commission. Retrieved June 2023.
- "ASTM D6400 - Standard Specification for Compostable Plastics". 2023. ASTM International. Retrieved June 2023.
- "Biodegradable Materials: Advantages, Disadvantages and Applications". 2023. Springer Nature. Retrieved June 2023.
- "BPA and BPA-free: What does it mean?". 2023. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. Retrieved June 2023.
- "Understanding PFAS". 2023. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved June 2023.
- "Non-GMO and GMO Labelling". 2023. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved June 2023.
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Paper Tubes: Our tubes are thoughtfully crafted from renewable resources, actively supporting the movement away from the reliance on non-renewable materials and contributing positively to the reduction of our environmental impact (1). Renewable resources, as defined by scientific consensus, are naturally occurring resources that can rejuvenate over a period of time, ensuring a sustainable supply for the future (2). In addition, our paper tubes are consciously designed with end-of-life in mind, being fully recyclable and compostible. The process of composting allows these materials to break down naturally, returning essential nutrients back to the soil and playing a significant role in the circular economy (3). This contrasts sharply with conventional plastic tubes, which are derived from non-renewable resources like petroleum. Petroleum is a finite resource that is rapidly depleting due to excessive exploitation (4). Furthermore, plastic tubes pose considerable environmental threats. They can persist in the environment for hundreds of years before degrading, frequently ending up in landfills or marine environments, where they inflict detrimental effects on wildlife and ecosystems (5). References:
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Compostable Bags: Our compostable bags are made from materials that can break down in a composting environment. Traditional plastic bags can take hundreds of years to break down in the environment and contribute to pollution. Compostable bags also require less energy to produce compared to traditional plastic bags.We define sustainability as the practice of meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It is a holistic approach that considers the environmental, social, and economic impacts of our actions.
We believe there are numerous benefits to adopting a sustainable lifestyle, both for individuals and for society as a whole. Some of the key benefits include:
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Environmental protection: Sustainability helps to reduce the negative environmental impacts of our actions, such as pollution and resource depletion. By using resources efficiently and conserving natural habitats, we can protect the planet for future generations.
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Social justice: Sustainability promotes social justice by ensuring that the needs of all members of society are met fairly. This includes protecting the rights of marginalized groups and promoting equal access to resources.
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Economic benefits: Sustainability can lead to economic benefits by reducing waste and increasing efficiency. This can lead to cost savings for individuals and businesses, as well as creating new job opportunities in sustainable industries.
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Health benefits: Sustainability can improve public health by reducing pollution and protecting natural habitats, which can in turn lead to better air and water quality.
By embracing sustainability, we can create a better future for ourselves and for the planet.
Home Composting
While there is currently no international or USA standard defining the conditions for home composting of biodegradable plastics, we strongly encourage our customers to compost our packaging at home. Our compostable packaging breaks down safely and efficiently, contributing to healthy soil regeneration.
Composting times can vary due to regional climates and individual compost bin conditions. The rate and effectiveness of composting depend largely on factors like local weather, the season, the carbon-nitrogen balance, and air circulation.
Proper Disposal of Compostable Packaging Similar to regular food waste, compostable packaging does not compost in landfills. Composting necessitates the right blend of materials, oxygen, heat, and moisture, conditions that are absent in landfills.
Compostable Pouch with Compostable Label
While our packaging presents a sustainable alternative to harmful petroleum-based counterparts, we recognize the need for continued progress. We remain dedicated to our mission of eradicating landfills and promoting widespread adoption of composting.
Certification and Compliance for Sustainable Packaging
Our commitment to sustainable packaging is grounded in stringent adherence to international composting standards and accreditations. Different products, materials, or manufacturing processes may require diverse certification types and standards codes.
We ensure that all our raw materials and components in our pouch packaging complies with FTC, ASTM D6400, and EN13432 standards.
Standards Overview Several reputable organizations offer third-party verification:
AS4736 and AS5810 These are the Australian standards that define industrial and home compostability.
ASTM D6400 This US standard dictates the industrial compostability of individual materials or components, such as a disposable fork.
ASTM D6868 This US standard addresses the industrial compostability of products with a laminated or extruded film or coating. It ensures that coated products remain compostable, even when additives are included.
EN13432 and EN14995 These European standards are equivalent to the ASTM standards, providing regulations for compostable plastics.
ISO15985 This international standard applies to products suitable for anaerobic biodegradation.
ISO17088 This International Standard caters to products compostable in industrial facilities.
N FT 51-800 This French standard defines home compostability.
Accreditation Bodies BPI BPI is a US-based organization that officially certifies compostable products adhering to ASTM D6400 and ASTM D6868 compostability standards.
Cedar Grove Cedar Grove Compost, a prominent compost facility based in Seattle, USA, conducts field testing on compostable products.
CMA The Compost Manufacturers Association field tests compostable products in diverse compost facilities to verify their compostability under varying conditions.
