Today, we’re excited to share how PawCo is making a positive impact on one of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – specifically, Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.
Understanding the UN Sustainable Development Goals
The United Nations established the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030. These 17 goals address global challenges, including those related to hunger, poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace, and justice. Each goal has specific targets and indicators to measure progress.
Why are the SDGs important? They provide a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. They recognize that ending hunger and other deprivations must go hand-in-hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth—all while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests.
In this article, we are focusing on SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, and how PawCo is striving to achieve and support this critical goal.
What is SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth?
Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG 8) is part of the United Nations’ 17 Global Goals designed to create a better and more sustainable future for everyone. SDG 8 focuses on promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, along with providing decent work for all.
The goal aims to:
- Create quality jobs that offer fair wages, safe working conditions, and opportunities for growth and development.
- Ensure equal opportunities for all, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or background, and eliminate unfair labor practices.
- Support sustainable economic growth that doesn’t harm the environment or exhaust natural resources, ensuring that future generations can also benefit.
- Promote youth employment, education, and training to help younger generations gain meaningful work opportunities.
- Encourage innovation and entrepreneurship, supporting businesses that contribute positively to society and the environment.
In essence, SDG 8 is about building an economy that works for everyone—where economic growth lifts up communities, jobs are fair and fulfilling, and sustainability is a core focus. For companies like PawCo, this means creating jobs, supporting employee well-being, and offering products that contribute to a sustainable and ethical future for both people and our furry companions.
At PawCo Foods, we’re not just revolutionizing dog food—we’re creating a workplace where employees thrive, embracing innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability. In line with UN Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG 8), we aim to foster sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth while providing meaningful, decent work for all. From how we operate to the products we create, we’re proud to contribute to a better future for both people and the planet.
A Commitment to Ethical Employment
PawCo is a woman-founded and women-led company, with about 80% of our workforce made up of talented, skilled women. We believe in a merit-based leadership approach, allowing talent to rise to the top. Our team is proudly diverse, employing individuals from across the globe—including colleagues from Colombia, a country that has faced significant civil challenges over the last few decades. This diversity brings fresh perspectives, strengthens our team, and helps support communities in need. We recognize that creating inclusive, supportive work environments is essential for decent work and lasting economic growth.
Our focus on work-life balance includes offering remote work options for employees outside of production roles, ensuring that our team members can thrive professionally and personally. By respecting human rights and ethical employment practices throughout our supply chain, PawCo is making strides to ensure that everyone has access to fair, fulfilling employment opportunities.
Driving Growth Through Innovation
At the heart of PawCo’s mission is the belief that we can transform the world of companion animal nutrition while promoting sustainable economic growth. With groundbreaking products, we’re offering dog parents a plant-based alternative that’s better for their dogs and the planet. These innovations create demand for eco-conscious products in the companion animal food industry, driving growth in sustainable markets and opening new doors for ethical business practices.
By pioneering our proprietary GreenMeat™ technology, we are not only providing dogs with complete and balanced nutrition but also challenging the status quo in the industry. Every purchase of PawCo’s vegan products helps reduce the environmental impact of traditional meat production, proving that sustainable growth and innovation go hand in hand.
Supporting Employee Growth and Development
We believe that growing our business means growing our people. PawCo regularly invests in our team’s development by providing learning and professional growth opportunities. This past year, we took our employees to SuperZoo, one of the largest companion animal industry trade shows, to connect with other innovators, explore new trends, and develop skills that help them excel in their roles. Our commitment to employee development ensures that our team contributes to our mission and grows with us as we lead the way in plant-based dog food.
Additionally, PawCo creates jobs across the supply chain—from research and development to marketing, logistics, and customer service. We are proud to generate local and global employment opportunities, further contributing to inclusive economic growth.
Raising Awareness and Leading by Example
At PawCo, we know that our actions can inspire others. That’s why we continuously discuss topics like sustainability through our different channels and encourage public awareness, calling on our community, customers, and others in the industry to join us in supporting everything that SDG 8 stands for. By raising awareness of the importance of decent work and sustainable growth, we hope to spark change across the industry and beyond.
Conclusion
Every step we take at PawCo is driven by our passion to improve lives—whether through our nutritious, plant-based dog food or by creating a workplace where people and ideas can flourish. As we continue to grow, we’re committed to ensuring that our journey toward success reflects our dedication to ethical employment, sustainable practices, and contributing to the global goals of decent work and economic growth. Together, we can create a future where people and the planet thrive.
Idea and research: Juan Felipe Rivadeneira