Lajos Hanzel, from Nestle Purina Hungary, and his dog Tapi, on the report cover.
Purina has today (May 17) released its second ‘Purina in Society (PinS) Report’, which provides a transparent account of progress against its commitments.
The first Purina in Society Report, published in 2017, shared how Purina’s purpose to create richer lives for pets and the people who love them inspired the company to create 10 commitments to improve the health and well-being of pets, people and the planet. Since then some of the original commitments have been achieved, such as the creation of jobs for young people.
In this second report, which includes the progress made since the first report launch, Purina shares examples from some of the 40 countries in which it operates and their impact in local communities.
“The progress shown in this second report is remarkable; we believe these commitments will help us achieve our vision and long-term ambition to be the most trusted pet-care company,” said Bernard Meunier, CEO at Nestlé Purina PetCare Europe, Middle East and North Africa.
He added: “Every day I witness the positive impact of the pet-human bond not only within our teams but also with our stakeholders and partners whose passion and expertise have helped us forge ahead on our commitments.”
Purina’s commitments and their impact focus on three different areas: individuals, families and their pets; communities; and the planet. In addition, Purina contributes to Nestlé’s ambition and commitments.
INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES AND THEIR PETS
The company aims to enable healthier and happier lives for pets and the people who love them by launching innovative products that improve the health and well-being of pets, by sharing nutritional science and innovation with the vet community and by providing greater transparency for all stakeholders on how Purina develops and manufactures its products.
> Commitment: To innovate to improve pets’ health and well-being
Purina is working to unleash the power of nutrition to help pets live better and longer lives. One example from the seven products launched in 2018 is Purina Pro Plan Neurocare NCTM, resulting from the collaboration with the veterinary neurology specialists at the Royal Veterinary College in London.
At a European level, when launching Neurocare NCTM, the company engaged with over 3,500 vets from 50 nationalities through alliances, at key conferences, seminars and via sponsorships of symposiums.
As part of Purina’s objective to promote global collaboration and knowledge exchange with veterinary and scientific thought leaders, in 2018, the company also launched the Purina Institute.
> Commitment: To promote transparency across our product portfolio
Purina is committed to deliver ‘accessible and transparent information about its product portfolio and pet care advice’.
To support that goal, Purina organises factory open-doors visits for key stakeholders, has extended the reach of its consumer carelines and developed an online platform to provide even more information. ‘Your Questions Matter’, now available in seven countries, has reached 411,465 visitors since launch.
FOR COMMUNITIES
To help develop thriving, resilient communities, Purina set commitments such as promoting pet adoption, pets in the workplace and responsible pet-ownership.
In addition, the company has implemented other activities such as volunteering initiatives and supported animal-assisted therapies to strengthen local community bonds.
> Commitment: To promote pet adoption through collaborations and partnerships
Purina promotes pet adoption through collaborations and partnerships that help create awareness about pet abandonment, inform about the benefits and responsibilities of adopting a pet and influence politicians and decision makers on this topic.
In 2018, 15 countries have established pet adoption partnerships – working with 43 different partners across Europe. In the UK, Purina works with Cats Protection.
> Commitment: To promote pets in the workplace
Bringing pets to work has multiple benefits for pets and their owners, that is why Purina supports more organisations to become pet-friendly through its Pets at Work programme. Purina has used its expertise to develop a framework for other companies to follow.
This approach has been tested at Purina offices, factory offices and local Nestlé offices.
By 2018, 22 countries including the UK have established Pets at Work programmes in Purina’s own offices. The company has also supported 62 partners to implement Pets at Work programmes and join the Pets at Work Alliance.
> Commitment: To promote responsible pet ownership programmes for children
There are approximately 79 million children across Europe, and Purina believes that they should be able to experience the joy of being with and around pets.
Helping children to learn how to care for pets and to understand pet behaviour will help them become more comfortable with and confident around pets. Purina has established responsible pet ownership programmes in nine countries and reached 823,739 children from 2015.
FOR THE PLANET
Purina, as part of Nestlé, is committed to enhancing quality of life, contributing to a healthier future for the planet and working towards a zero environmental impact in its operations by 2030.
That’s why, the company keeps working on minimising its carbon emissions, reducing water and energy consumption, limiting the impact of its products’ packaging, using less materials and reducing waste. The company has reduced GHG emissions per tonne of product by 23%.
> Commitment: To improve the environmental performance of Purina’s packaging
The company has worked to reduce the use of plastics and other materials used for packaging. Purina has achieved its target and avoided the use of 3,542 tonnes of packaging since 2015.
In addition, since 2017, 52% of the avoided packaging material was plastic.
Purina also contributes to Nestlé Global Commitment that by 2025, 100% of its packaging will be reusable or recyclable.
> Commitment: To implement responsible sourcing
Purina works with certification bodies, suppliers and NGOs to implement responsible production and sourcing. The company collaborates with NGOs in the following areas: Compassion in World Farming, for matters relating to meat and poultry; Proforest, for matters related to deforestation and Sustainable Fisheries Partnership, for matters related to seafood.
At the end of 2018, 100% of Purina’s soya is traceable, 79% of Purina’s soya is responsibly sourced (excluding Russia, which will be assessed in 2019), and 43% of Purina’s seafood ingredients were responsibly sourced – which increased from 27% in 2017.
Bernard said: “To work with colleagues and so many partners dedicated to enriching the lives of pets and the people who love them, is an absolute privilege and pleasure. Our Purina in Society Report 2018 shares the significant contribution they have made to our commitments. We do want to increase and speed up our impact. Therefore, we invite you to continue working with us to create a society that truly is better with pets.”
