In the spotlight: greener pet productsÂ
Sustainable business is becoming increasingly popular. At Flamingo, we also attach great importance to sustainability. Every time we add a new product to our range, we look for alternative materials. Our goal is to continue this trend and look for ways to make our range even more sustainable. This can be achieved through product innovation or by exploring opportunities for sustainability certification.
Sustainability is our goalÂ
At Flamingo we want to make this planet a greener place for us and our pets. That's why we consider the possible alternative materials for every new product we add to our range. Because most pet products are made of plastic and are easy to clean.
In 2021 we launched 'Flamingo Green' featuring 67 products based on natural, recycled or recyclable materials to reduce waste. This range contains only recycled plastics for the products or packaging. Nevertheless, we have decided to include all products in the "Flamingo Green" range in our standard range by the end of 2022, because we don't want to differentiate between sustainable and non-sustainable products, but make sustainability our goal.
Over the past two years, we have transitioned 34 cat and dog articles to recycled plastic, including litter boxes, transport boxes, beds, and feeding bowls. We also have about a dozen cushions and baskets made of recycled polyester fibre in our range and four types of compostable poop bags made of plant-based materials that are 100% home compostable.
Starting from 2023, we will note in our Product Information Management system whether a product consists of recycled materials and what percentage of it is recycled. By doing so, we will be able to better track our progress in the use of recycled products and materials, allowing us to make sustainability our standard in the future.
FSC-certification
Our next goal is FSC-certification for our packaging and products. Currently, we have approximately 500 paper and wooden products in our range, as well as products with paper or wooden components, such as wooden chicken coops and cardboard scratching toys.
By 2024, we aim to offer a range of products that provide the assurance that the materials used are sourced from forests where careful attention has been paid to preserving the forest ecosystem. FSC also guarantees that the trees have been harvested in a responsible and safe manner. And that's important!
Why don't we use the term 'environmentally-friendly' products?
We choose not to label our products as 'environmentally-friendly'. It is a very general term that is unclear and misleading. In today's world, no product can be considered 100% environmentally-friendly. That would imply that it has almost no ecological footprint and can be 100% recycled. That's not possible today.
At Flamingo, however, we do our utmost to look at how we can make each product more sustainable so that we can reduce its environmental impact. Therefore, we refer to them as green products, products with consideration for the environment or products made from sustainable materials. For those products, we like to highlight the sustainable or green features. This makes it very clear to everyone how this product pays attention to the environment and the well-being of our pets.
Why choose environmentally-friendly products?
The first and most obvious reason is that greener products are simply better for the environment compared to standard ones. By protecting the environment, we also protect ourselves and our animals.
Moreover, our products are made from sustainable materials. This means they tend to have a longer lifespan. This allows for longer enjoyment and reduces the need for frequent replacements, which in turn is better for the environment. That's a nice bonus, isn't it!?
Finally, it's an easy way to contribute to a greener world. Much easier than buying an electric car, for example, or completely giving up plastic-packed food. By buying green products from time to time, you can already make a difference.
Greener pet products
When it comes to greener pet products, there are several ways to be environmentally-conscious while taking care of your pet. There are dog toys and cat toys that are made from sustainable and recyclable materials. Some of these toys are made from natural rubber, recycled plastic bottles or natural fibres such as hemp.
Also available are dog leashes and collars made from materials such as organic cotton, hemp or bamboo. These materials are sustainable and are therefore better for the environment than synthetic materials.
Additionally, there are also sustainable cat litters available, made from recycled paper or natural materials such as wood shavings. These cat litters are biodegradable and can be composted at home, which is better for the environment compared to traditional cat litters that may contain chemical substances.
In short, by choosing greener products, you can not only take care of your pet, but also contribute to a more sustainable future for our planet.
Sustainability at Flamingo
Regarding sustainability, we have taken a number of initiatives to reduce our environmental impact. We are working on developing sustainable products made from recycled or renewable materials. Flamingo also strives to make its packaging as sustainable as possible, using recyclable materials and using as little plastic as possible.
In addition, Flamingo is also a member of amfori BSCI (Business Social Compliance Initiative), an organisation that imposes strict ethical and social standards in production processes. This includes ensuring safe and healthy working conditions for employees, respecting human rights and promoting environmentally-friendly practices.
As you can see, we have implemented various initiatives to reduce our environmental impact and are doing our best in terms of social and ethical responsibility.
You can read more about this in our sustainability report.
Our range of greener products:
Flamingo offers a wide range of sustainable products, including:Â
- Home compostable poop bags: These bags are made from plant-based materials and are home compostable. This allows them to be thrown on the home compost heap after use.
- Sustainable dog and cat baskets: We offer recycled cat toilets and transport boxes made from recycled plastic and dog baskets and cushions made from recycled materials such as polyester fibre.
- Recycled feeding bowls: Flamingo offers several types of feeding bowls made from recycled material, such as recycled glass and plastic.
Home compostable poop bags
Biodegradable poop bags are an excellent alternative to traditional plastic bags that do not break down and contribute to plastic pollution. Compostable poop bags are made of natural materials that can be broken down by bacteria and other micro-organisms in the soil. This means they eventually decompose completely.
Our compostable poop bags are made from corn starch and other natural materials. These bags are designed to be strong and durable, ensuring they don't tear or leak during use. Once used, they can be disposed of responsibly and will eventually break down in the soil.
Why should you use them? Well, using compostable poop bags is an important step you, as a pet parent, can take to contribute to a more sustainable future. By choosing compostable poop bags instead of traditional plastic bags, we can reduce our impact on the environment and help create a cleaner and healthier planet.
Toys made of natural rubber
Natural rubber is a more sustainable material extracted from the latex of rubber trees. Unlike synthetic rubber, which is made from petroleum, this is better for nature and makes it a popular choice for green dog and cat toys.
Flamingo offers pet toys made of natural rubber, such as chewing toys and balls. These products are more durable and are also safe for pets to chew on and play with, as they are softer and do not contain any harmful chemicals or substances that can be harmful to your pet's health.
Tips for switching to alternative pet products
Switching to greener animal products is a great way to contribute to a better world. Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Start with small steps: It can be overwhelming to suddenly replace all of your pet's products with more sustainable alternatives. Start with one product, such as a compostable cat litter, and then gradually expand your own small product range.
- Look for certifications: There are several certifications for greener products, such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) for wood products. Look for these certifications when buying products so you can be sure they are sustainable.
- Choose recycled or compostable products: Choosing products made from recycled materials or that are compostable reduce the amount of waste your pet generates and contributes to a smaller ecological footprint.
- Help your four-legged friend get used to new products: Pets can sometimes have trouble switching to new products. For example, if you switch to compostable cat litter, gradually mix the new litter with the old one so your cat can get used to the new smell and texture.
- Be patient: It may take some time to find the right products for your pet. Try different brands and types and be patient during the process.
- Share your experiences: Spread the word about your switch to greener products and share your experiences. This can inspire others to make their own contributions to a greener world!
Frequently asked questions at a glance
What are the benefits of using greener pet products?Â
Using more sustainable pet products can contribute to better pet health and welfare and help protect and preserve the planet for the future. Greener alternatives are often made from sustainable materials that are safe for pets.Â
Are greener pet products more expensive than traditional pet products?
Sometimes greener alternatives can be more expensive than traditional pet products because sustainable materials may have higher production costs. However, the cost of greener pet products can be offset over time by the products' longer lifespan and positive impact on the environment.
Are greener pet products safe for pets?
Greener alternatives are often made from sustainable materials that are safe for pets.
Are there any disadvantages to using more sustainable pet supplies?
One potential disadvantage of using more sustainable pet supplies is that some pets may have a preference for a specific type of toy or food, regardless of whether it's more sustainable or not.
In a nutshell
Many environmentally conscious pet products can contribute to the well-being of your pet and help protect and preserve the planet for the future.
Greener alternatives are often made from sustainable materials that are safe for pets to use.
Products made from sustainable or alternative materials are simply better for the environment. By protecting the environment, we also protect ourselves and our animals.