Upcycled Ingredients in the Pet Food Industry

Upcycling is the latest trend in pet food preparation and preservation. Most pet parents understand the concept of recycling very well, but they get the deer-in-the-headlight face when they see the word "upcycled ingredient." If this is you, then don't fret. You are not alone.

There is a big difference between something that has been upcycled versus recycled. And no, this doesn't mean you are feeding your pet food that's already been used somewhere else!

Let's explore.

What is the difference between Recycled and Upcycled Ingredients?

You know the bare-bones meaning of recycling: take something and find a new use for it. That's it. When you buy previously used clothing, you are, in fact, recycling garments. When your neighbor gifts you something she no longer uses, you both participate in the recycling business.

But do not be confused: although you may think recycling involves some type of "crushing and transforming" something, all it really comes down to is taking steps to find a new purpose or use for something.

On the other hand, upcycling means finding a purpose for something that has not been previously used or consumed and could end up being discarded.

What is an Upcycled Food Ingredient?

Think of an apple that is a little past its prime. A grocery store owner may find it difficult to display it on the produce stand because it is not as colorful as customers may like.

Instead of being thrown away (as it has been done for decades), the grocer can now find a market for it and sell it to a pet treat manufacturer. This company then mashes it up and can now add it as a healthy ingredient to its product.

Or how about a banana that has been slightly bruised in transit from the farmer to the store? You will not buy such a banana as a consumer because, since you will pay for it, you might as well get the bright golden one right next to it. The grocer can avoid losing money on that banana and sell it to a manufacturer of beauty products rather than throwing it in the trash.

Another excellent example of using upcycling ingredients happens at a smoothie store. Most store owners end up with an excessive amount of pulp from all those veggies used for drinks. Instead of dumping, this pulp can be sold to another company that uses it to manufacture its products.

Finally, you know those donuts you see at convenience stores perfectly displayed inside a clean and bright glass case? Do you know what happens to those that do not get sold at the end of the day? They get counted, written off, and thrown in the dumpster.

Donuts are now being upcycled too.

It is all about reducing waste.

According to the Upcycled Food Association, "food that is upcycled is made with ingredients that otherwise would not have gone to human consumption, and are sourced and produced using verifiable supply chains, and have a positive impact on the environment."

That apple and that banana were not recycled because they were never used. But they are now considered to have been upcycled.

Upcycling Helps The Community

This new trend is triggering a significant shift in the marketplace. Jobs are being created thanks to this new initiative. Upcycled ingredients are the raw material powering hundreds of small businesses around the country. These growing businesses are manufacturing products with cleaner and healthier ingredients that are good for us and our beloved pets.

Can you imagine a world where a simple banana ends up being the driving force behind new jobs and opportunities instead of rotting at the landfill? Imagine no more.

Upcycling Saves The Environment

The natural decomposition of organic material from the food we throw away harms our environment. Around 6% of all greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are emitted by food rot.

When you buy products that have been manufactured with upcycled ingredients you are doing your part to fight and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.