Pet Summit’s Impact Unleashed Track Sets the Sustainability Bar
Orlando, FL — March 29, 2025 — The 2025 Pet Summit’s Impact Unleashed sustainability track brought together industry leaders committed to driving measurable environmental and social progress across the pet industry. With over 130 companies and more attendees than any previous Impact Unleashed event hosted by the Pet Sustainability Coalition (PSC), the two-day program featured keynotes, panels, workshops, and networking focused on actionable change across the supply chain.
“We are so happy with the success of this year’s Pet Summit Impact Unleashed in Orlando. Moving the event from Boulder was a big decision, and while we had some initial concerns, the record-breaking attendance and the incredible energy throughout the event proved it was the right move.” says Jim Lamancusa, CEO of PSC. “The quality of content delivered by our speakers was outstanding, the networking and connections ran deep, and we took meaningful steps toward making this event near zero-waste, all while minimizing air travel for attendees by removing the need for them to fly to Boulder, CO. This event wasn’t just about conversations; it was about action, collaboration, and accelerating the impact we can create together.”
Topics included sustainable packaging, regenerative agriculture, responsible sourcing, and ingredient transparency. Keynote speakers Mia Davis (Ollie), Cheryl Baldwin (Pure Strategies), Penny Steinwagner (Morris Packaging), and Joanne Dwyer (PetSmart) led sessions alongside expert panels, lightning presentations, and interactive workshops focused on connecting sustainability to business value.
“We were thrilled to partner with The Pet Sustainability Coalition at this year’s Pet Summit” says Jeremy Baker, Chief Growth Officer at the American Pet Products Association. “The presence and programming from PSC was extremely impressive and elevated the event beyond our expectations. Our goal of making Global Pet Expo more than just a transactional trade show continues to advance through deep educational and networking events like Pet Summit as well as through partnerships with leading organizations like PSC. We look forward to building on this momentum in the future!”
Sustainability guided event operations as well. Printed materials were minimized, with most resources offered digitally. Where print was needed, we partnered with Allied Printing, a facility powered by 75% renewable on-site energy and committed to clean production practices including vegetable-based inks, chemical recycling, and rigorous environmental certifications.
Food waste was also addressed. With support from American Pet Products Association, O-Town Compost, and their local partners Froot Farm and Everoak Farm, 229 pounds of food waste were composted during the cocktail hour, and 996 pounds were diverted overall. Sodexo Live! and the Orange County Convention Center sourced produce from on-site hydro gardens and local farms, reducing transportation emissions and supporting the regional food system.
The evening networking event was made possible by Earth Animal and PetSmart, whose sponsorship helped foster collaboration and connection among sustainability professionals.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
This year’s event was supported by companies helping lead the industry toward a more sustainable future:
Platinum Sponsor: Morris Packaging
Silver Sponsors: Hills, MFiber, Tyler Packaging
Bronze Sponsors: American Packaging Corp, Buhler, Fera Pets, Peel Plastics
About the Pet Sustainability Coalition (PSC)
The Pet Sustainability Coalition (PSC) is a nonprofit organization committed to advancing sustainability within the pet industry. PSC provides businesses with resources, certifications, and tools to help improve their environmental and social impact. Through collaboration, education, and advocacy, PSC empowers brands, retailers, and manufacturers to implement sustainable business practices that drive positive change. By fostering innovation and accountability, PSC is shaping a more responsible, eco-friendly future for pets, people, and the planet. ” Learn more at www.petsustainability.org