From K-9 to kW: Purina Highlights Importance of Renewable Electricity Through New Pet Power Activation

Inspired by the boundless energy of pets, the Pet Power activation transforms pets' footsteps into electricity 

ST. LOUIS, July 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Purina is launching Pet Power, a new activation that helps pets and their owners produce renewable electricity together. Pet Power features a renewable electricity-producing walkway using technology created by Pavegen, a company that develops smart flooring technology, to harness the natural energy of pets to produce and raise awareness around the power of renewable electricity. Each step taken by pets and their owners will produce about three joules of electricity.

"At Purina, we've always looked to pets for inspiration to drive our actions, and now, inspired by their boundless energy, they're helping us demonstrate the power of renewable electricity," said Tiffany Gildehaus, senior manager, environmental sustainability at Purina. "The Pet Power activation is a small symbol of the importance of renewable electricity to Purina's sustainability strategy."

Turning the movement of people and their pets into renewable electricity is a first-of-its-kind use of the Pavegen technology, aligning with Purina's ongoing efforts and commitment to creating a more sustainable planet for pets and the people who love them. This novel use of the technology showcases the role that everyone can play in creating that future. Today, 95 percent of Purina's electricity comes from investments in solar and wind power to help make the food that powers your pet. Purina is on track to achieve 100% renewable electricity by 2025 across its factory network and corporate offices. Additionally, as part of Nestlé's Net Zero roadmap, Purina is contributing toward a global target of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, designing more packaging for recycling and reducing water consumption in factories.

The Pet Power walkway will be showcased at major pet-friendly venues in St. Louis through the end of September, with the first stop being at Bar K St. Louis from July 13-31. Other stops include Purina Farms and events such as the Great Forest Park Balloon Race and the APA Canine Carnival. The walkway will capture the energy of thousands of pets and people, which will be collected in batteries that Purina will donate to the APA Adoption Center. 

"At Pavegen, our goal is to use technology to inspire," said Laurence Kemball-Cook, CEO and Founder of Pavegen. "We are thrilled that Purina is using our kinetic technology to bring pets and people together to create renewable electricity in such an innovative way."

For more information about Purina's renewable electricity initiatives, visit Purina.com/About/Sustainability/Renewable-Electricity.

About Purina
Nestlé Purina PetCare creates richer lives for pets and the people who love them. Founded in 1894, Purina has helped dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives by offering scientifically based nutritional innovations. Purina manufactures some of the world's most trusted and popular pet care products, including Purina ONE, Pro Plan, Fancy Feast and Tidy Cats. Our more than 11,000 U.S. associates take pride in our trusted pet food, treat and litter brands that feed 46 million dogs and 68 million cats every year. More than 500 Purina scientists, veterinarians, and pet care experts ensure our commitment to unsurpassed quality and nutrition.

Purina promotes responsible pet care through our scientific research, our products, and our support for pet-related organizations. Over the past five years, Purina has contributed more than $150 million towards organizations that bring, and keep, people and pets together, as well as those that help our communities and environment thrive.

Purina is part of Nestlé, a global leader in Nutrition, Health, and Wellness. For more information, visit purina.com or subscribe here to get the latest Purina news.  

SOURCE Nestle Purina PetCare