Project EarthBuddy aims to revolutionize the pet toy industry by introducing the world's first fully circular recycling process. Led by ProjectBlu, a UK-based leader in sustainable pet products, this innovative project tackles the significant environmental impact of millions of pet toys discarded annually. **The Challenge** An estimated **100 million pet toys** are thrown away each year in the UK, adding approximately **54,000 tons** of waste to landfills and incinerators. Production and overseas shipping of these toys contribute around **220,000 tons** of CO₂ emissions, intensifying environmental concerns. **Our Innovative Solution** We propose a groundbreaking recycling process tailored for the mixed materials in pet toys---polyester, nylon, plastic, and rope. By adapting advanced recycling technologies from other industries, we've developed a method that: * **Separates Mixed Materials** using advanced mechanical techniques. * **Uses Eco-Friendly Treatments** with biodegradable, non-toxic solutions. * **Creates Recycled Pellets** through innovative heat treatment and proprietary extrusion. * **Manufactures New Pet Toys** from these recycled materials. This circular approach collects, recycles, and remakes old pet toys into new products, significantly reducing environmental impact. **Environmental Benefits** * **Waste Reduction**: Diverts millions of pet toys from landfills annually. * **CO₂ Emission Reduction**: Saves an estimated **117,379 tons** of CO₂ each year. * **Resource Conservation**: Reduces water and energy consumption by **60%** compared to traditional manufacturing. **Collaborative Impact** By partnering with retailers, recyclers, and manufacturers, Project EarthBuddy creates a sustainable supply chain benefiting all participants, including Eco-conscious pet owners. The project aligns with UK sustainability goals and advances the circular economy. **Proven Expertise** Building on our success in developing the world's first framework for recycling dog beds in the UK---launching in January 2025---we are confident in delivering this transformative project.

**ProjectBlu** is a UK-based SME operating in the pet accessory market, with state-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities and worldwide reach. ProjectBlu offer sustainable high quality and built-to-last dog beds/collars/leads made of recycled textiles/leather, discarded fishing nets and ocean-bound plastic. Drawing on their industry-leading furniture industry expertise, ProjectBlu has made its place on the market with a unique offering. Their award-winning products and their innovative mindset have shaken the sector's standards and highlighted the environmental impact that those products could have. Today, ProjectBlu wants to take their sustainable strategy to the next level by taking a cradle-to-cradle approach to dog beds production. In collaboration with the no.1 British pet supplies retailer **PetsatHome** and recycling subcontracting partner **The Furniture Recycling Group** (TFRG), mattress recycling company, they will test and validate a full life cycle recycling process from manufacturing to end-of-life: the collection of soiled/used beds, the sanitisation of the materials all the way to their remanufacturing into higher quality products. Through the **Novus** project, ProjectBlu will develop a new revolutionary process that will make the industry less reliant on imports, reduce its environmental impact, and strengthen the British furniture manufacturing sector.