Sustainability

Is the MPL industry a responsible industry?

The mining of minerals used for pet litter used is based on the EU responsible mining principles (link). These follow three different pillars established by the European Commission. These aim to achieve a sustainable European economy in terms of environmental-, social- and economic performance. This approach is a key part of responsible sourcing.

Responsible Sourcing: EU Regulations and Ethical Considerations

The European Union places increasing emphasis on the responsible sourcing of all raw materials, including the minerals used in pet litter. Specific regulations may vary depending on the exact mineral and its origin. However, the overarching principles often involve environmental protection, ethical labour practices, and increasingly, the restoration of mining sites. Generic EU directives in the extractive industries aim to minimise negative environmental impacts through measures like mandatory Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) before project commencement. They also include adherence to strict waste management protocols to prevent soil and water contamination. Additionally, they implement rehabilitation plans during and after the mining operations cease. These plans often include the restoration of biodiversity, the stabilisation of landforms, and the safe management of any residual mining waste. This ensures that the land can be returned to a beneficial use or a state of ecological value. Furthermore, there’s a growing expectation for companies to demonstrate due diligence in their supply chains. They must ensure that the extraction of these minerals does not contribute to human rights abuses or unethical practices. However, specific binding regulations on mineral sourcing vary across sectors and are continuously evolving within the EU framework.

Environment: MPL extraction and processing is done applying environmental management principles in line with the European Green Deal and giving attention the quality of water, air and soil whilst also support climate change mitigation and the conservation of biodiversity.

Economy and governance: Mining and processing are carried out to meet the needs of modern society for minerals; implement circular economy and resource efficiency notably to promote waste recovery.

Social: The mining and processing of MPL is done with respect for human rights, cultures, customs and values of people, affected by extraction and processing activities. Moreover, continuous attention is given to improving worker’s health and safety and skills.

What happens with used MPL?

Used MPL is typically disposed via household waste as described on the packaging. Another disposal option is the specific bin offered in many municipalities and thus the large-scale composting. Where regionally permitted, you can also dispose of litter and unused granules via offered organic bin.

In Europe, 27% of the municipal waste is incinerated. Minerals present in the incinerated municipal waste is recovered in the form of fly ash and reused in different industries, such as the wall board industry. Fly ash is often used in construction materials (cement, concrete, ceramics, glass, and glass-ceramics); geotechnical applications (road pavement, embankments); “agriculture” (soil amendment); and, miscellaneous (sorbent, sludge conditioning). The overall recyclability of MPL applications is increasing due to strict EU regulations.

What is the impact of MPL on climate?

Content to be added – available May 2025

Is the mining of MPL harming nature?

Not in Europe when done properly since it is mandatory to prepare plans to the administration for approval before starting to ensure the preservation of special areas/plants/animals, companies are controlled during the exploitation of the mine and they need to present an in depth plan to restore the entire area.
As a key member in our rural environment, we are committed both with the environment and with our neighbours to return finished mines to previous owners or municipalities, adapting each field conveniently to the specific future use (cereals, fruit trees, pasture, etc.)