IPPE: Rendering: a Naturally Green Industry

US - The pet food industry in Latin America holds a 17 per cent share of the global market. The current volume is four billion metric tons, and it is expected to increase to six to seven billion tons by 2017, according to Dr Gianni Carniglia of the US National Renderers Association at the 'International Rendering Symposium'.
calendar icon 4 February 2013
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The symposium was sponsored by the National Renderers Association and US Poultry & Egg Association and was held during the 2013 International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE).

Dr Carniglia said that Latin America is the third largest market in the world with the highest rate of growth, and four countries share almost 95 per cent of the market volume: Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and Chile (although 40 per cent is imported). Brazil, Mexico and Argentina account for 93 per cent of volume, with Brazil alone making up 70 per cent.

The Latin American pet food market has been sustained up to now mostly by economy products. But as the socioeconomic situation improves, consumers are requesting better products. That demand is not being met because of a shortage of high quality materials, Dr Carniglia said. "Consistent and healthy growth in the pet food industry requires improvement in the quality of local protein meals and fat, a huge opportunity," he added.

According to the criteria for a 'green industry' set by a noted environmental organization, rendering can claim that distinction. Rendering meets most of the applicable measures for being called green set out by the World Resources Institute, based in Washington, D.C.

For instance, one of the attributes of a green industry is sustainably produced inputs. Rendering is by nature sustainable, although improvements are possible, said Dr Charles Gooding, a professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Clemson University.

Rendering has long used production processes that minimize the use of water, energy, and materials - as required to be 'green' - although more as a cost-savings measure than an environmental one, Dr Gooding added. And the very essence of rendering fulfills another requirement, that the production process be free from harmful toxins. Similarly, rendering reuses and recycles solid water streams. While it might be a stretch to say that rendering's products are built for longevity and durability, it could be argued that one product - pet food - could be considered useful or important.

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