The Petstock Group is implementing a range of sustainability programs across Petstock stores, specialty brands, offices and distribution centres, in an effort to work towards a cleaner future.
Leading the change, Petstock Group sustainability manager, Laveen Dhillon believes these projects bring a focus on sustainability moving forward, supporting initiatives that impact each touchpoint of the Petstock Group.
To support the circular economy and avoid adding to landfill waste, the group has partnered with Australia’s only textile resource recovery company, BlockTexx, to divert uniforms from landfill.
“As part of our commitment to the planet, we did not want to see thousands of old uniforms ending up in landfill and sought a recycling partner with a commitment to the principles of a circular economy,” Dhillon said.
Petstock has been collecting old and outdated uniforms that will be processed by BlockTexx via its world leading chemical separation process. The uniforms will be re-manufactured into rPET pellets suitable for use in injection moulding, packaging, building products and textiles, and microcrystalline cellulose for use in industries including agricultural, building and manufacturing.
“By giving old uniforms a second life, we are actively contributing to the reduction of waste and conservation of resources. We are incredibly excited about this purpose driven initiative, and others that are in the pipeline. Not only does it allow us to make a tangible difference for the planet, but it also serves as an inspiration for other businesses to follow suit,” Dhillon added.
The Petstock Group will also be launching a pet food packaging recycling program in partnership with Royal Canin and TerraCycle to reduce its environmental impact. With over 69% of Australian households owning a pet, the need to recycle pet food packaging is evident.
The recycling program will launch in all Petstock, Pet City and My Pet Warehouse stores across Australia and New Zealand in late September, with the program already in operation in Best Friends stores. Partnering with Royal Canin and TerraCycle on the program provides pet parents the opportunity to recycle soft plastic pet food bags and wet food pouches in store.
For every kilo of pet food packaging dropped off in stores for recycling, $1 will be donated to the Petstock Foundation, which gives customers the chance to play their part in the program while also supporting charity partners of the Foundation.
Petstock Group CEO, Shane Young, says that as a business they remain committed to innovation in the sustainability space, through numerous business initiatives. “As we continue to explore new sustainability initiatives, we remain dedicated to improving our carbon footprint, as we aim to foster a culture of sustainability across all levels and brands in the Petstock Group family.
“We are signatories of the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO), which is a not-for-profit organisation leading the development of a circular economy for packaging in Australia, and we have ambitions to be a B Corp business in due course.
The Petstock Group has also recently installed solar power panels on its Ballarat Support Office, leading to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Solar transition and upgrades are in the works for other locations across the country, including at the soon to be operational new Avalon Distribution Centre, as well as taking part in a national LED replacement program.