IPN, known for its popular brands Wagg, Harringtons, Barking Heads, and Meowing Heads, has been a family-run business since 1923. With a vision "to become the nation’s most sustainable, most loved home of pet nutrition brands," IPN became the first major UK pet food manufacturing business to go carbon-negative in 2020.
The Quest for a Sustainable Partner
Faced with the usual waste management challenges of any food-producing company, IPN sought a waste management partner who shared its passion for sustainability and innovation. Waste Mission clearly emerged as the ideal choice, offering not only to divert waste from landfills but also to provide sustainable solutions that minimise environmental impact, conserve natural resources, and even monetise waste streams.
The collaboration between IPN and Waste Mission addresses the growing consumer demand for ethical and sustainable products. A Deloitte survey revealed that 30% of consumers stopped buying products due to ethical or sustainability-related concerns, while 50% saw the importance of circularity in the product lifecycle.
Understanding Circularity
Circularity refers to a business model in which waste is eliminated, and resources are continuously reused. This approach transforms waste into valuable resources, contributing to environmental sustainability and economic efficiency.
Tackling Complex Waste Management Challenges
IPN faced various waste management hurdles, including:
1. Meat and fish juice on packaging: These materials were hard to handle.
2. Raw Meat Waste: Inefficient and environmentally unfriendly disposal methods require a modern solution.
3. General Waste Management: Disruptions caused by waste accumulation necessitate an intuitive waste management approach.
“These challenges are not unique to IPN, but we wanted to show leadership in how we addressed them,” said James Lawson, Director. “Sustainability and waste reduction are crucial for our people, pets and planet approach to ESG. Partnering with Waste Mission reflects our dedication to creating happiness for our pets, their owners and the supply chain.”
Waste Mission’s Comprehensive Solution
Waste Mission implemented a tailored waste management solution for IPN, including:
1. Recycling meat and fish juice – impacted packaging: Specialised processes were introduced to recycle these materials, diverting them from landfills.
2. Recycling Raw Meat Waste: Innovative recycling methods ensured 100% recycling of raw meat waste.
3. 24-Hour Service Level Agreement (SLA): A 24-hour SLA was established to ensure efficient waste collection and management, prevent operational disruptions, and simplify daily communications.
Remarkable Results
The collaboration yielded outstanding results:
1. 100% Landfill Diversion: All waste, including complex materials, is now diverted from landfills.
2. 100% Recycling Rate: All waste collected from IPN is recycled, aligning with their sustainability goals.
3. Uninterrupted Operations: The 24-hour SLA has ensured zero disruptions in IPN’s operations due to waste management issues.
A Commitment to Sustainability and Future Goals
IPN continues to prioritise sustainability with Waste Mission's support, substantially reducing its environmental footprint. “We urge other pet food manufacturers to join us in prioritising sustainability and waste reduction,” said James. “High-quality pet food can be produced while adopting eco-friendly practices and meeting the growing needs of conscious consumers.”
By achieving a 100% recycling rate, IPN has set a benchmark in sustainable waste management. Waste Mission remains committed to continuous improvement and innovation, ensuring IPN's long-term success in sustainability.
