Pet Care With Purpose® means thinking beyond what goes into a product—and considering where those materials come from, too.
At earthbath®, we believe pets deserve safe, effective care and that the planet deserves thoughtful stewardship. Since 1995, that belief has guided the way we develop our products, choose ingredients, manufacture our formulas, and continually look for ways to reduce our environmental impact.
That commitment recently led us to take a closer look at one of our most frequently used product categories: grooming wipes.
Why Responsible Sourcing Matters
When it comes to sustainability, the materials used to make a product matter just as much as the product itself.
Choosing plant-based fibers for our grooming wipes was an important step. But we wanted to go further by understanding where those materials come from and how they are sourced.
Our grooming wipes are made with FSC®-certified plant-based fibers, meaning the forest-based materials are sourced according to the standards of the Forest Stewardship Council®. FSC certification helps support responsible forest management that considers forests, biodiversity, water resources, workers, and local communities.
For pet parents looking for more sustainable pet care choices, certifications like FSC provide an additional layer of transparency. Rather than simply describing a material as "plant-based," FSC certification helps tell the story behind its source.
What Does FSC® Certification Mean?
The Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) is an international organization dedicated to promoting responsible management of the world's forests.
FSC-certified materials come from sources that meet established standards for responsible forestry. These standards address environmental, social, and economic considerations—including protecting forest ecosystems and biodiversity, respecting workers and local communities, and maintaining the long-term health of forests.
For consumers, an FSC label can make a complicated supply chain easier to understand.
We believe consumers shouldn't need to be environmental scientists or supply-chain experts to make more informed choices. Trusted third-party certifications can help make sustainability information clearer and more accessible.
A More Responsible Approach to Pet Grooming Wipes
Our transition to FSC-certified plant-based fibers is part of a larger effort to rethink the environmental impact of our grooming wipes.
We also redesigned our wipe packaging, moving from rigid plastic tubs to flexible pouches. This packaging change reduced the plastic used in our wipes packaging by 79%.
Why Certifications Matter to Pet Parents
Sustainability has become increasingly important to consumers, and pet parents are no exception.
People are paying closer attention to the products they bring into their homes—and that includes the products they use on their pets.
We believe pet care should be held to the same thoughtful standards as the other products consumers choose for their families.
That's why we see certifications like FSC as more than a logo on a package. They give consumers a way to understand that a product's sustainability claims are backed by established standards.
As earthbath President and CEO Paul Armstrong explains, responsible sourcing is ultimately about giving consumers more information to make choices that align with their values.
"The FSC logo helps us tell a much bigger story. Instead of simply saying a product is plant-based, we can help consumers understand why the source of those materials matters."
Sustainability Is Part of Our Purpose
FSC-certified fibers are one piece of earthbath's broader Pet Care With Purpose® philosophy.
Our mission has always been rooted in two things we care deeply about: pets and the environment. That means continually looking for ways to create effective pet care products while being thoughtful about our impact on the planet.
Our sustainability efforts extend beyond wipes and include:
- FSC®-certified plant-based fibers in our grooming wipes
- 79% less plastic in our grooming wipe packaging after transitioning from rigid tubs to flexible pouches
- USDA 100% Biobased certification for our grooming wipes
- Made in the USA manufacturing
- Concentrated formulas designed to help reduce packaging and transportation impacts
- Recyclable packaging across our product line where infrastructure allows
- Ongoing evaluation of ingredients, materials, packaging, and manufacturing practices
- Membership in the Pet Sustainability Coalition, an organization focused on advancing sustainability across the pet industry
Progress Over Perfection
Sustainability can feel overwhelming. There are countless materials, certifications, packaging formats, manufacturing decisions, and supply-chain considerations that a brand can evaluate.
Our approach is to start somewhere and keep improving.
As Paul Armstrong puts it: "Don't let the desire for perfection stop you from making progress. Pick one product, one component, and focus on making it better. Small changes can lead to meaningful impact."
Moving to FSC-certified fibers didn't happen because we believe one product change can solve every environmental challenge. It happened because we believe responsible brands should continually ask better questions about the products they make.
- Where did this material come from?
- How was it sourced?
- Can we use less packaging?
- Can we make a better choice?
- And, most importantly, what can we improve next?
Looking Ahead
Our work toward more responsible pet care doesn't stop with FSC-certified grooming wipes.
earthbath continues to evaluate opportunities to improve our products, packaging, sourcing, manufacturing, and partnerships. We believe progress comes from continually learning, asking questions, and making thoughtful changes wherever we can.
Learn More About earthbath® Grooming Wipes
earthbath grooming wipes are made with FSC®-certified plant-based fibers and are designed to make between-bath cleanups easier for dogs and cats.
Whether you're wiping muddy paws, freshening up after an outdoor adventure, or giving your pet a quick clean between baths, our wipes are designed with the same purpose that guides everything we do: effective pet care with thoughtful ingredients and more responsible choices.
Original FSC® USA feature: Pet Care With Purpose: How earthbath Uses FSC to Support Responsible Sourcing
