PetSmart introduces sustainable product line, recycling efforts

PetSmart is adding proprietary eco-friendly products to its assortment and engaging in two new product recycling programs.

The pet supplies and services retailer is launching a new wholly owned subsidiary called Only Natural Pet. The company is a certified B Corp, meaning it meets verified standards in areas such as sustainability, employee benefits, and charitable giving, and offers more than 200 pet food products featuring natural, high-quality, responsibly sourced ingredients.

PetSmart is also piloting two new programs to recycle end-of-life pet items which are not recyclable curbside:

• West Paw Join the Loop takeback program: PetSmart will become the first national retailer to pilot a West Paw dog toy takeback program in more than 75 stores. Collection boxes inside PetSmart stores will facilitate Wet Paw dog toy return to West Paw. Old toys are sanitized, ground up, and fed back into the manufacturing process to make completely new Zogoflex & Seaflex toys, which can be recycled infinitely.  PetSmart will also test takeback of other branded toys that are made from plastic or rubber like materials.
• TerraCycle pet food bag takeback program: PetSmart is partnering with international recycling provider TerraCycle during summer 2024 to take back pet food bags and find end-of-life lsolutions because they are not recyclable through curbside programs. The takeback program will launch in 100 PetSmart stores with expected plans to expand enterprise-wide.

"We hear that our pet parents want to join us in reducing our impacts on the planet and operating ethically and responsibly," said Joanne Dwyer, VP, corporate social responsibility and corporate communications, PetSmart. "We can't solve the challenges we face alone. Collaboration – with peers, business partners, trade associations, animal welfare organizations and pet parents – is a cornerstone of our CSR strategy. That's one of the many reasons we're excited to partner with West Paw, PetPlate and TerraCycle to make purpose-driven brands more accessible and bring new opportunities for engagement to pet parents."

[Read more: PetSmart updates loyalty program]

Based in Phoenix, PetSmart operates more than 1,670 pet stores in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico, as well as more than 200 in-store PetSmart PetsHotel dog and cat boarding facilities, as well as services such as dog training, pet grooming, pet boarding, PetSmart Doggie Day Camp and pet adoption.