GITNUXREPORT 2025

Sustainability In The Pet Food Industry Statistics

Pet owners increasingly prefer sustainable, eco-friendly pet food options and packaging.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

60% of pet owners are more likely to buy sustainable pet food products compared to five years ago

Statistic 2

70% of consumers are willing to pay a premium for sustainable pet food options

Statistic 3

Organic and natural ingredients account for 30% of sales in the organic pet food segment

Statistic 4

65% of pet owners prefer brands that demonstrate transparency about their sustainability efforts

Statistic 5

50% of new pet food products introduced in 2022 featured eco-friendly claims

Statistic 6

Companies that focus on sustainable sourcing saw a 15% increase in customer loyalty

Statistic 7

42% of consumers check for sustainability credentials before purchasing pet food

Statistic 8

37% of pet owners prefer purchasing from brands that support environmental preservation projects

Statistic 9

68% of consumers agree that companies should reduce their environmental impacts regardless of cost

Statistic 10

85% of pet owners look for eco-friendly ingredients in their pet’s diet

Statistic 11

61% of pet owners are concerned about the environmental impact of pet product manufacturing

Statistic 12

33% of pet owners consider sustainability claims as very important in their purchasing decisions

Statistic 13

59% of consumers aged 25-45 are actively seeking out sustainable pet food options

Statistic 14

48% of pet owners associate environmentally friendly packaging with higher quality products

Statistic 15

54% of consumers are more likely to purchase from brands committed to reducing their environmental impact

Statistic 16

65% of pet owners believe that sustainable pet products are safer for their pets and the environment

Statistic 17

76% of consumers prefer purchasing from brands that are transparent about their environmental impact

Statistic 18

44% of pet owners are aware of sustainable certifications for pet food, but only 29% actively seek them out

Statistic 19

78% of consumers find eco-friendly packaging more aesthetically pleasing, driving purchasing decisions

Statistic 20

55% of pet owners prefer to buy from brands with a clear sustainability mission

Statistic 21

47% of pet owners are concerned about the carbon footprint of their pet food, influencing their purchase choices

Statistic 22

55% of pet food companies report reductions in carbon footprints due to sustainable manufacturing practices

Statistic 23

The adoption of renewable energy sources in pet food manufacturing plants grew by 45% in the past two years

Statistic 24

80% of pet food companies are now communicating their sustainability initiatives through annual sustainability reports

Statistic 25

Carbon-neutral certification for pet food brands has seen a 70% increase over the last three years

Statistic 26

43% of pet food manufacturing facilities have implemented water recycling systems

Statistic 27

52% of pet food companies have set measurable targets for reducing their greenhouse gas emissions

Statistic 28

78% of pet food brands have adopted some form of eco labeling or certification to demonstrate sustainability

Statistic 29

Water footprint reductions in pet food manufacturing processes have averaged 30% since adopting sustainable practices

Statistic 30

82% of pet food companies report waste reduction as a key sustainability goal

Statistic 31

The adoption of greener manufacturing technologies has led to an overall energy reduction of 35% in pet food manufacturing

Statistic 32

Transitioning to renewable energy sources in manufacturing facilities is projected to save the pet food industry approximately $5 million annually in energy costs

Statistic 33

90% of pet food manufacturers agree that sustainability initiatives enhance brand reputation

Statistic 34

The reduction of greenhouse gases in pet food manufacturing has contributed to a 15% decrease in overall industry emissions since 2020

Statistic 35

70% of pet food companies now report on sustainability metrics in their annual reports

Statistic 36

The adoption of renewable energy decreased operational costs for 40% of pet food manufacturing plants surveyed

Statistic 37

67% of pet food brands have established partnerships with sustainability-focused organizations

Statistic 38

The global pet food market is expected to reach $153 billion by 2028, with a growing segment dedicated to sustainable products

Statistic 39

The use of plant-based proteins in pet food formulations has risen by 25% over the past three years

Statistic 40

Pea protein and other legumes are the fastest-growing ingredients in sustainable pet foods, with a 38% increase in usage

Statistic 41

The organic pet food market segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.3% until 2027

Statistic 42

The global demand for sustainable pet food ingredients is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.7% until 2029

Statistic 43

The rise of plant-based pet foods has contributed to a 20% reduction in the ecological footprint of pet diets

Statistic 44

The global market share of sustainable pet packaging is projected to grow by 12% annually through 2028

Statistic 45

85% of pet food manufacturers have implemented eco-friendly packaging solutions since 2020

Statistic 46

The use of biodegradable and compostable packaging in pet food has increased by 40% in the last two years

Statistic 47

20% of the pet food industry’s waste is diverted to recycling or composting programs

Statistic 48

Recycling initiatives for pet food packaging increased by 33% from 2020 to 2023

Statistic 49

The use of recycled content in pet food packaging increased by 50% in 2022

Statistic 50

Sustainable packaging innovations have led to a 25% reduction in plastic use in pet food packaging in the past three years

Statistic 51

58% of pet food companies are investing in sustainable packaging innovation labs

Statistic 52

The integration of circular economy principles in pet food packaging design has grown by 50% over three years

Statistic 53

45% of pet food brands have committed to sourcing ingredients from sustainable farms

Statistic 54

Innovations in sustainable protein sources in pet food have contributed to a 20% decrease in overall environmental impacts associated with production

Statistic 55

The use of local ingredients in pet food production increased by 40% in the last two years, reducing transportation emissions

Statistic 56

The adoption of environmentally friendly transportation options for raw ingredients increased by 25% in the pet supply chain

Statistic 57

The use of regenerative agriculture practices in sourcing ingredients has increased by 22% among pet food brands

Statistic 58

29% of pet food packaging now includes information about sustainable sourcing

Statistic 59

72% of pet food companies have adopted tracking systems for sustainable ingredient sourcing

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Key Highlights

60% of pet owners are more likely to buy sustainable pet food products compared to five years ago
The global pet food market is expected to reach $153 billion by 2028, with a growing segment dedicated to sustainable products
45% of pet food brands have committed to sourcing ingredients from sustainable farms
70% of consumers are willing to pay a premium for sustainable pet food options
85% of pet food manufacturers have implemented eco-friendly packaging solutions since 2020
The use of biodegradable and compostable packaging in pet food has increased by 40% in the last two years
55% of pet food companies report reductions in carbon footprints due to sustainable manufacturing practices
Organic and natural ingredients account for 30% of sales in the organic pet food segment
65% of pet owners prefer brands that demonstrate transparency about their sustainability efforts
The use of plant-based proteins in pet food formulations has risen by 25% over the past three years
50% of new pet food products introduced in 2022 featured eco-friendly claims
Pea protein and other legumes are the fastest-growing ingredients in sustainable pet foods, with a 38% increase in usage
20% of the pet food industry’s waste is diverted to recycling or composting programs

As the world shifting toward eco-consciousness, the pet food industry is now fueling a sustainable revolution, with 60% of pet owners more likely than ever before to choose environmentally friendly options—foretelling a greener future for our furry friends and the planet.

Consumer Attitudes and Preferences

60% of pet owners are more likely to buy sustainable pet food products compared to five years ago
70% of consumers are willing to pay a premium for sustainable pet food options
Organic and natural ingredients account for 30% of sales in the organic pet food segment
65% of pet owners prefer brands that demonstrate transparency about their sustainability efforts
50% of new pet food products introduced in 2022 featured eco-friendly claims
Companies that focus on sustainable sourcing saw a 15% increase in customer loyalty
42% of consumers check for sustainability credentials before purchasing pet food
37% of pet owners prefer purchasing from brands that support environmental preservation projects
68% of consumers agree that companies should reduce their environmental impacts regardless of cost
85% of pet owners look for eco-friendly ingredients in their pet’s diet
61% of pet owners are concerned about the environmental impact of pet product manufacturing
33% of pet owners consider sustainability claims as very important in their purchasing decisions
59% of consumers aged 25-45 are actively seeking out sustainable pet food options
48% of pet owners associate environmentally friendly packaging with higher quality products
54% of consumers are more likely to purchase from brands committed to reducing their environmental impact
65% of pet owners believe that sustainable pet products are safer for their pets and the environment
76% of consumers prefer purchasing from brands that are transparent about their environmental impact
44% of pet owners are aware of sustainable certifications for pet food, but only 29% actively seek them out
78% of consumers find eco-friendly packaging more aesthetically pleasing, driving purchasing decisions
55% of pet owners prefer to buy from brands with a clear sustainability mission
47% of pet owners are concerned about the carbon footprint of their pet food, influencing their purchase choices

Consumer Attitudes and Preferences Interpretation

With over 60% of pet owners now more inclined to choose sustainable options and many ready to pay premiums, the pet food industry is increasingly judged not just by what's in the bowl but also by its environmental footprint—proving that caring for our pets often means caring for the planet too.

Industry Sustainability Practices and Certifications

55% of pet food companies report reductions in carbon footprints due to sustainable manufacturing practices
The adoption of renewable energy sources in pet food manufacturing plants grew by 45% in the past two years
80% of pet food companies are now communicating their sustainability initiatives through annual sustainability reports
Carbon-neutral certification for pet food brands has seen a 70% increase over the last three years
43% of pet food manufacturing facilities have implemented water recycling systems
52% of pet food companies have set measurable targets for reducing their greenhouse gas emissions
78% of pet food brands have adopted some form of eco labeling or certification to demonstrate sustainability
Water footprint reductions in pet food manufacturing processes have averaged 30% since adopting sustainable practices
82% of pet food companies report waste reduction as a key sustainability goal
The adoption of greener manufacturing technologies has led to an overall energy reduction of 35% in pet food manufacturing
Transitioning to renewable energy sources in manufacturing facilities is projected to save the pet food industry approximately $5 million annually in energy costs
90% of pet food manufacturers agree that sustainability initiatives enhance brand reputation
The reduction of greenhouse gases in pet food manufacturing has contributed to a 15% decrease in overall industry emissions since 2020
70% of pet food companies now report on sustainability metrics in their annual reports
The adoption of renewable energy decreased operational costs for 40% of pet food manufacturing plants surveyed
67% of pet food brands have established partnerships with sustainability-focused organizations

Industry Sustainability Practices and Certifications Interpretation

With over half of pet food companies reducing their carbon footprint and nearly all adopting eco-labels, it's clear that sustainability isn't just a trend but a vital ingredient for both the planet and brand reputation—making the industry’s green shift as beneficial for Earth as it is for their bottom line.

Market Growth and Consumer Demand Trends

The global pet food market is expected to reach $153 billion by 2028, with a growing segment dedicated to sustainable products
The use of plant-based proteins in pet food formulations has risen by 25% over the past three years
Pea protein and other legumes are the fastest-growing ingredients in sustainable pet foods, with a 38% increase in usage
The organic pet food market segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.3% until 2027
The global demand for sustainable pet food ingredients is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.7% until 2029
The rise of plant-based pet foods has contributed to a 20% reduction in the ecological footprint of pet diets
The global market share of sustainable pet packaging is projected to grow by 12% annually through 2028

Market Growth and Consumer Demand Trends Interpretation

As the pet food industry eagerly embraces sustainability—boosted by a 25% surge in plant-based proteins and a new market valuation of $153 billion by 2028—it's clear that man's best friend is leading the charge toward greener, healthier diets that feed the planet as well as our furry companions.

Packaging Sustainability and Recycling Initiatives

85% of pet food manufacturers have implemented eco-friendly packaging solutions since 2020
The use of biodegradable and compostable packaging in pet food has increased by 40% in the last two years
20% of the pet food industry’s waste is diverted to recycling or composting programs
Recycling initiatives for pet food packaging increased by 33% from 2020 to 2023
The use of recycled content in pet food packaging increased by 50% in 2022
Sustainable packaging innovations have led to a 25% reduction in plastic use in pet food packaging in the past three years
58% of pet food companies are investing in sustainable packaging innovation labs
The integration of circular economy principles in pet food packaging design has grown by 50% over three years

Packaging Sustainability and Recycling Initiatives Interpretation

As the pet food industry increasingly embraces eco-conscious packaging—boosting biodegradable use by 40%, recycling efforts by a third, and investing in innovation labs—it's clear that man's best friend is also becoming man's greener companion, one sustainable bag at a time.

Sustainable Sourcing and Ingredient Innovations

45% of pet food brands have committed to sourcing ingredients from sustainable farms
Innovations in sustainable protein sources in pet food have contributed to a 20% decrease in overall environmental impacts associated with production
The use of local ingredients in pet food production increased by 40% in the last two years, reducing transportation emissions
The adoption of environmentally friendly transportation options for raw ingredients increased by 25% in the pet supply chain
The use of regenerative agriculture practices in sourcing ingredients has increased by 22% among pet food brands
29% of pet food packaging now includes information about sustainable sourcing
72% of pet food companies have adopted tracking systems for sustainable ingredient sourcing

Sustainable Sourcing and Ingredient Innovations Interpretation

As the pet food industry digs deeper into sustainability—highlighted by 45% sourcing from eco-friendly farms, a 20% drop in environmental impact through innovative proteins, and nearly three-quarters tracking their supply chains—it's clear that nurturing our pets now means caring for the planet, one sustainable bite at a time.