Eco-Friendly Pet Products: 7 Surprising Facts & Stats You Should Know
As more pet owners become environmentally conscious, eco-friendly pet products are taking center stage. From biodegradable toys to sustainable food packaging, the green pet market isn’t just a passing trend — it’s a growing movement.
Below, we’ve rounded up 7 surprising facts and statistics that show why eco-friendly products are worth your attention (and your shop’s shelves).
1. The Eco Pet Market Is Booming
The global sustainable pet products market was valued at $35.1 billion in 2024, with an expected CAGR of 7.6 % from 2025 to 2034.
👉 SourceThe eco-friendly segment — including biodegradable and recycled materials — is projected to grow from $43.65 billion in 2024 to $85.9 billion by 2035.
👉 Source
This is more than just a niche — it’s a major business opportunity.
2. 99 % of Pet Food Packaging Ends Up in Landfills
Around 99 % of pet food packaging (plastic pouches, laminated bags, etc.) — about 300 million pounds of plastic every year in North America — goes straight to landfill.
👉 SourceHowever, 24 % of U.S. pet owners say they buy pet food with eco-friendly packaging — up from 19 % the previous year.
The challenge is balancing product freshness and safety with environmentally responsible materials.
3. Younger Consumers Prefer Sustainable Options
According to Packaged Facts (2023), 34 % of Millennials and Gen Z like the idea of insect protein in pet food, compared to just 7 % of Baby Boomers.
👉 Source71 % of premium pet food shoppers are “engaged” or “unrealized” when it comes to sustainability — meaning they’re open to eco messages even if they’re not fully applying them yet.
👉 Source
This younger demographic is shaping purchasing trends and rewarding transparent, eco-conscious brands.
4. Eco Products Cost More — But Consumers Care
Median prices for pet foods with sustainable labels rose by 22 % in 2023, following increases of 19.5 % in 2022 and 17 % in 2021.
👉 Source51 % of pet owners say it’s important that food is made by an eco-friendly company, but 65 % are skeptical of sustainability claims.
➡ Transparency is key. Terms like “biodegradable,” “recyclable,” or “organic” should be clearly explained to build trust.
5. Non-Recyclable Pet Products Create Massive Waste
65 % of pet owners buy new toys twice a year. Many toys are made from plastics that are difficult or impossible to recycle.
👉 SourcePets are estimated to account for 20–30 % of the environmental impact of global food production systems.
👉 Source
Efforts to address this issue include using recycled plastics, take-back programs, and circular product designs.
6. Eco Initiatives Drive Sales
Products with recyclable packaging saw sales growth of 40 %, while “plastic-free” packaging products grew by 387 %.
👉 Source“Free-from” pet products (no additives, artificial preservatives) grew 24 % in the last two years, reaching $1.5 billion in sales.
79 % of pet owners check labels to avoid unwanted ingredients.
👉 Source70 % of Millennials prefer natural or organic products for their pets.
Sustainability is not just an ethical value — it’s a sales driver.
7. How Pawrashop Can Leverage These Trends
Here are some practical ways to integrate eco-friendly values into your online store:
| Strategy | Example |
|---|---|
| Transparent communication | Clearly explain eco terms on product pages (biodegradable, recyclable, organic, etc.) |
| Highlight certifications | Display eco labels such as USDA Organic, FSC, or recycling certifications. |
| Take-back & recycling programs | Offer discounts or perks to customers who return used packaging. |
| Eco-focused product range | Add sustainable hygiene products, toys made from natural materials, and compostable packaging. |
| Educational content | Share blog posts like this one, infographics, and tips on how to live more sustainably with pets. |
| Smart pricing & bundles | Create value packs or promos that make eco products more accessible while emphasizing their benefits. |
Conclusion
Eco-friendly pet products are more than a marketing buzzword — they reflect a growing shift in consumer behavior. By embracing sustainability, Pawrashop can attract conscious shoppers, build trust, and stay ahead of the curve.
Sharing data-driven content like this not only informs but also inspires your audience to make choices that benefit their pets and the planet.
Add comment