Pet Food Express’s Zero PawPrint Promise™ (ZPP) stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to a harmonious coexistence with our planet. We champion sustainable and ethically-sourced ingredients, uphold the highest standards of humane animal practices and prioritize eco-friendly packaging ensuring every ZPP product not only nurtures our beloved pets but also treads lightly on the Earth. The ZPP Glossary is designed to be introduction and shared language for commonly used phrases and concepts which are central to the Zero PawPrint Promise.

Sustainably Sourced Materials/Ingredients

This commitment involves using materials that are harvested, produced, and used in a way that minimizes negative impacts on the environment and supports the long-term well-being of ecosystems. We prioritize selecting suppliers who source materials and ingredients with minimal carbon footprints, considering effects during production and after the product is discarded.

Humane Animal Practices

Animals involved in the production of our ZPP products should be treated with care, respect, and consideration for their well-being. This includes comfortable living conditions, proper nutrition, and access to veterinary care to maintain their health and happiness. We partner with companies that maintain traceability in their supply line and can prove their commitment to animal health and welfare.

Natural & Non-Toxic

We champion safe, health-conscious ingredients and materials that are derived from nature and are free from unnatural colors, synthetic flavors, and artificial preservatives. ZPP products are certified free of lead, phthalates, VOCs (volatile organic compounds), flame retardants, and formaldehyde, as well as artificial preservatives, coloring agents, and flavorings.

Ethical Labor Practices

We are committed to providing fair wages, safe working conditions, and equitable opportunities not only for all PFE employees but also partnering with manufacturers who share our values. This means selecting partners up and down the supply chain who meet or exceed international standards for ethical labor practices, including fair wages, working hours, child labor, discrimination, and other relevant issues.

Transparency & Traceability in Manufacturing Processes

We work with manufacturers who can demonstrate open and accountable production processes, including providing us with documentation about the sourcing of raw materials, manufacturing steps, and the environmental and social impacts of finished products. This practice ensures not only the quality of our products but also provides our customers with valuable information to make informed decisions for their pets.

Certified Organic Ingredients

Certified Organic Ingredients have met the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) strict standards that prohibit the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Organic certification also includes guidelines for animal welfare and responsible farming practices, ensuring ethical sourcing. The use of certified organic ingredients reflects a commitment to quality, sustainability, and ethical practices in product development.

Compostable Packaging

Composting diverts organic waste from landfills, reducing methane emissions and soil erosion, to produce a nutrient-rich soil fertilizer. Compostable packaging is often made from organic materials that can degrade quickly and transform into compost. The degradation process depends on multiple factors including the item’s chemical make-up, and physical qualities like thickness and weight – so, even if a product will eventually break down, if it cannot degrade fast enough in a composting facility, it will not earn a “compostable” label in California.

Recycled versus Recyclable Materials

Recycling is a key component of a sustainable waste management, reducing the need for virgin raw materials and minimizing longer term environmental impact. A recycled product is manufactured using materials that have undergone a recycling process. A recyclable product is an item that can be transformed into new products or materials through the recycling process.