Sustainability Session

How sustainable is the pet supplies industry and what can manufacturers and retailers do to become more sustainable? In the Interzoo Sustainability Session, trends and developments relating to the topic of sustainability in the pet supplies industry will be analysed and illustrated with best practice examples.

Kateryna Podkalenko, Sustainability Transformation Researcher at the Sustainable Transformation Lab of the Antwerp Management School (AMS), will present and explain the results of the latest Interzoo Sustainability Study and will also provide an overview of the current situation in the pet industry.

In her subsequent presentation, Ekaterina Tretyakova, Market Research Consultant at Euromonitor International, will shed light on sustainability from the perspective of pet owners.

A concluding panel discussion will bring together the different perspectives of manufacturers, organisations and pet owners. In addition to the two session speakers, we welcome Jim Lamancusa, PSC (Pet Sustainability Coalition). You can look forward to a lively discussion on this important topic. At the end of the sustainability session, there will be an opportunity to exchange ideas on this topic and expand your own network.  

The session will be moderated by Dr Rowena Arzt, Head of Exhibitions at WZF/ ZZF.  

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Kateryna Podkalenko operates as a Researcher and holds the role of Program and Relationship Manager within the Sustainable Transformation Lab, where she specializes in stakeholder relationship management and the wellbeing economy. Her research interests encompass resilience, leadership, and broader economic wellbeing themes. With two Master of Science degrees in Geography, one from KU Leuven focusing on Development and Environment, and the other from Kyiv National University with a concentration in economics and human geography, Kateryna's academic foundation is robust. Additionally, she has acquired a postgraduate degree in Marketing Management from the EHSAL Management School. 
Bringing over seven years of practical business experience to her current position, Kateryna has a proven track record of contributing valuable perspectives on sustainability. She is instrumental in enhancing stakeholder engagement with the Sustainable Transformation Competence Center, coordinating Corporate Leadership Groups centered on “ESG Impact,” “Circular Strategies,” and “Wellbeing Horizons.” Furthermore, Kateryna plays a pivotal role in guiding master students at Antwerp Management School through their Action Learning Projects, which aim at contributing towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals, underlining her commitment to shaping future leaders in sustainable transformation.

Ekaterina Tretyakova is a Consultant at Euromonitor International, specializing in food and ingredients markets in Europe and Central Asia. Her research expertise positions her as a key contributor to the pet care project. She is actively involved in creating content based on understanding consumer behaviour while collaborating with clients to enhance strategic thinking. She serves as a global megatrends and champion, supporting research and client needs related to understanding and applying Euromonitor's Megatrends framework.

Jim Lamancusa is the Executive Director of the Pet Sustainability Coalition, the pet industry’s leading sustainability partner. He has a proven track record of leadership, entrepreneurial experience, sustainability initiatives, new product development, and brings a business growth-oriented perspective to his roles. With a deep understanding of sales and marketing, Jim has 20 years of expertise as a champion of explosive, sustainability-focused, high-growth businesses. He has held senior leadership positions in several CPG brands and most recently founded Cusa Tea and Coffee in 2015 and led them to a successful exit in April of 2023. Jim is an avid skier, climber, and mountain biker who lives with his wife in Boulder, CO and wants to see our amazing planet and people protected for generations to come.