Earthday.org, the organiser of Earth Day, has released a report to highlight the impact of plastics on pets and pet foods.
The report focuses first on bisphenol A (BPA). This controversial chemical is used to line pet food cans to prevent the can’s metal casing migrating directly into the can’s contents. However, the BPA barrier can seep into the food.
Research from the US University of Missouri tested two canned dog food brands, including one believed to be BPA-free - but found that both contained BPA. After two weeks of feeding either of the two brands to dogs, increased levels of BPA were detected in the animals.
Earthday.org references studies showing that laboratory animals exposed to even low levels of BPA have elevated rates of some cancers, diabetes, obesity, low sperm counts, reproductive and neurological problems and early sexual maturation.
The next chemical highlighted in the report is phthalates, often called plasticisers, used to make plastics more pliable and less prone to breaking or cracking.
In pet food packaging, phthalates create a seal that keeps the food fresh and prevents leakage or contamination. But they can cause similar medical issues in canines to BPA.
PFAs (per and polyfluoroalkyl), also known as "forever chemicals", come next in the report. PFAs are frequently used in plastic packaging because they are grease and water-resistant, but can also seep into pet food.
Earthday.org advises that consumers avoid single-use servings of food from plastic containers, both to reduce plastic waste and the risk of exposing pets to plastic chemicals. The organisation also promotes using stainless steel bowls over plastic options and bio-based packaging materials.
Earthday.org president Kathleen Rogers stated: “We must slash plastic production by 60% by 2040 and make the plastic industry take responsibility for the harm they are causing."
Packaging companies are increasingly innovating sustainable alternatives for pet food. These include the American Packaging Corporation’s Design for Recycle tech packaging and Berry Global’s flexible pet food packaging solution.
