Sustainability at Good Chonk
At Good Chonk, designing and manufacturing pet products sustainably will always remain an integral part of our mission. As a business that makes things, we recognise that our greatest impact comes from our supply chain. Reducing our impact will always be a big focus and we currently manage this on two levels — design and material sourcing. As we continue to grow, we strive to commit greater resources towards implementing sustainable practices more holistically throughout our operations.
Design
Designing sustainably means designing them to last. We want every product we make to live a long, productive life, and therefore prioritise quality, ensuring our materials and construction stand the test of time. In addition to durability, we also do our best to create timeless designs that will last to tell the stories of your shared adventures.
Materials
When it comes to materials, we use recycled, renewable or biodegradable ones whenever possible. Equally, we look for materials with the right qualities to create products that are fit for purpose — it could be its strength, texture or versatility.
It is always a balance. On occasion, we choose a material that has 10% greater environmental impact than the most eco-friendly option available out there, but if that additional 10% results in a product that lasts, it could be worth the trade-off.
In other instances, we don’t yet have the demand to meet our suppliers’ minimum order requirements for the most earth-friendly materials that would help us keep costs competitive. Persisting in using these materials might result in overproduction, leading to deadstock and generating more waste compared to opting for the next best green alternative from the outset.
Ultimately, we aim to find sustainable options and minimise our environmental impact while maintaining product quality and affordability. We will always be a work in progress, and we are committed to constantly seeking innovative ways to reduce our environmental footprint.
Kapok
Our dog beds are stuffed with 100% kapok, a natural, renewable and biodegradable fibre derived from kapok trees found in tropical regions. Its cultivation does not rely on pesticides or fertilisers and requires minimal processing, resulting in low energy usage and minimal environmental impact.
Cotton
All of our canvas dog bed covers and insert covers are made from 100% cotton. Compared to synthetic fibres, cotton offers a more environmentally friendly option in terms of biodegradability, renewable sourcing, and reduced carbon footprint throughout its lifecycle. Being a natural fibre, it also does not release microplastics into the environment when washed.
Recycled Polyester
Our iron-on patches and woven labels are made from post-consumer plastic bottles that would otherwise end up in landfills or incinerators. Compared to virgin polyester production, recycled polyester requires less energy and generates fewer greenhouse gases.
Tapioca Mailer Bags
We package our small items in TAVA mailer bags, made primarily from tapioca extracted from the roots of cassava plants and contain no plastic. They are completely biodegradable in 6-12 months, and do not leave behind any harmful microplastics or toxins in a natural environment, i.e., soil, river and landfills.
Recycled Paper
Our hang tags, product label cards and iron-on patch cards are printed on FSC® certified paper, sourced from a mixture of well-managed forests and recycled materials.
Non-Woven Polypropylene (NWPP) Bags
We use NWPP bags to deliver our beds. While they are a form of plastic and we are not thrilled about it, we consider them to be more sustainable than bulky cardboard boxes. Their lightweight quality not only lowers transportation costs and carbon emissions, but they also demand less water and energy during their production compared to cardboard boxes. Moreover, we believe our customers could reuse these bags to transport their dogs’ beds when needed, further enhancing their sustainability unlike cardboard boxes that are often discarded after a single use.
Questions or Feedback?
If you want more info on our current sustainability efforts, or have suggestions on what we should explore in future, drop us an email at hello@goodchonk.com. We want to know what's on your mind!