Our stories

The closer the better

Minimizing waste and enhancing business by repurposing raw material by-products has been a foundational practice of Symrise Pet Food from day one, dating all the way back to 1978. At the core of their business model: meat by-products and eggs to create pet food palatability solutions as well as high quality, nutritional pet food ingredients. This innovative and visionary approach created and continues to shape a more efficient, productive, and sustainable pet food ingredient industry.

Symrise’s circular economy approach, particularly through the valorization of chicken and egg by-products gives the Holzminden-based company an edge in the pet food industry. This innovative strategy addresses the growing demand for sustainable pet food solutions as well as it set a new standard in the industry by maximizing the use of local side-stream raw materials. Symrise Pet Food has built sustainable development into its strategy from the beginning. It is led by their interest in valuing local side-stream raw materials while being close to their customers.

At the heart of Symrise's approach is the commitment to sustainability. It is deeply embedded in their business strategy. By focusing on reducing the environmental footprint of their products throughout their life cycle, Symrise aims to create positive change for people, pets, and the planet. This involves everything from selecting and sourcing raw materials to producing, packaging, and shipping high-value pet food solutions.

Dog eating

Enhancing business

One of the standout features of Symrise's strategy is their use of chicken by-products. Typically, only 53% of a chicken is used in food production, with the rest often going to waste. However, Symrise sources these leftover parts locally. They process them into valuable ingredients using gentle, kitchen-like methods such as cooking, extraction, hydrolysis, and drying. The result is a range of products, including aromatic broths, powders, purified fats, that enrich thousands of food and pet food applications.

This approach not only reduces waste but also provides a sustainable source of high-quality ingredients that enhance the taste and nutritional value of pet food. By focusing on local sourcing, Symrise minimizes the environmental impact of transportation and supports local economies. Their commitment to sustainability is further demonstrated by their efforts to improve energy efficiency, reduce waste, and use renewable energy sources.

The company's innovative use of chicken by-products is just one example of how they are redefining the pet food industry. Symrise addresses the issue of protein scarcity by repurposing waste flows from human food production into premium pet food solutions. This approach also avoids competition with human food. This not only benefits the environment but also provides pet owners with high-quality, sustainable options for their furry companions.

Dedication to sustainability and innovation

With the implementation of a circular economy approach and side stream valorization for their pet food business Symrise made a groundbreaking move. This initiative set a new benchmark for sustainability in the industry. By maximizing the use of local resources and minimizing waste, Symrise is not only meeting the demands of today's pet owners but also paving the way for a more sustainable future.

Over the years, Symrise has expanded the egg (and chicken) valorization model worldwide. It proved so successful that competitors have started activities in that area as well. Today, Symrise is continuing the expansion by commissioning an egg drying plant in China.