Promoting sustainability in the animal health business: vHive incubator business community session

A bespoke learning session for companies in the animal health sector, delivered by vHive Incubator. This community session aligned with SDG9, SDG12, SDG15, and SDG17.

On the first week of October, vHive (Veterinary Health Innovation Engine) Incubator delivered a bespoke learning session for companies in the animal health sector. The session covered a whole range of topics regarding sustainability in the animal health sector, especially in terms of regulations and business strategies.

From the Institute for Sustainability, Fellows, Dr Shimaa Elkomy and Professor Bonnie Buchanan, provided academic insights. Dr Elkomy presented on the global sustainability challenges in the animal health sector and suggested opportunities that companies could have to become leaders in embedding sustainability, based on key performance indicators. Professor Buchanan highlighted how transparency and trustworthiness in operations and management are strongly linked to financial sustainability. She also shared the findings from her research on CSR (corporate social responsibility), private investing, and sustainable investing.

It is important to have sustainability at the heart of the organisational culture. Dr Shimaa Elkomy, Institute Fellow and Senior Research Fellow

External speakers also came in to share industry perspectives. Jocelyn Orr from Sainsbury’s, one of the largest chains of supermarkets in the UK, introduced the company’s approach towards sustainability while highlighting how their innovation strategy depends on the nature of the supply chain of each product group.

Sainsbury’s strategy is all focused around delivering value for our customers, shareholders and the planet. Jocelyn Orr, Agricultural Manager, Sainsbury’s

Shari Westerfeld from Zoetis, the world’s largest pharmaceutical company in Animal Health, explained how sustainability is at the root of the company’s governance, operations, and management, and shared a range of examples of recent progress including Scope 1 and 2 emissions reduction, carbon neutrality goal, and innovative packaging design which contributed to significant waste reduction.

Whether we're changing some things in our manufacturing site or within our field force, we're always keeping sustainability in mind and how will that impact our overall aspirations and targets. Shari Westerfeld, VP US Sustainability Customer Engagement, Zoetis

Finally, Alisa Heimann and Lin Makhijani from Butternut Box, the largest manufacturer of fresh dog food in Europe, shared their remarkable sustainability journey over recent years and the upcoming aspirations to mark their position as the leading sustainable business in the market.

We know that we must balance our financial sustainability with the needs of our team, our communities, our customers, and the planet - good old Mother Nature. Otherwise, we're not going to be able to be in the business for the long term, and the society in general would not be sustainable as well. Alisa Heimann , Sustainability Manager, Butternut Box

After the talks, the delegates gathered in groups to discuss challenges and solutions around promoting sustainability in their businesses and the wide Animal Health sector. The attendees shared sustainability plans and strategies that are set to tackle the issues most relevant to their organisations.

This community session aligned with SDG9, SDG12, SDG15, and SDG17. SDG9 (industry, innovation, and infrastructure) aligned with the core purpose of the session as the companies were brought together to discuss innovative solutions towards incorporating sustainability into not only their businesses but also the wider Animal Health sector. SDG12 (responsible consumption and production) was one of the topics that was addressed throughout the session due to the significant environmental impact of the Animal Health sector. By aligning with SDG 12, animal health companies would create a more sustainable industry, improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance the company's reputation in a market that increasingly values ethical and sustainable business operations. SDG15 (life on land) also aligned with the session as the topics discussed involved pets, livestock, and crops. Finally, the session aligned with SDG17 (partnerships for the goals), as it was a collaborative work between vHive and the Institute to bring businesses together to envision an environmentally, socially, and financially sustainable future.

The vHive Incubator is a strategic alliance between Zoetis and the University of Surrey, partnered with SETsquared Surrey. The vHive Incubator provides a range of support for startup companies to foster the development and commercialisation of innovative animal health products and technologies.

Contributors

Sarah Aitchison, Incubation Manager, Veterinary Health Innovation Engine (vHive), School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey
Nathalie Hinds, Director of Operations, Innovation and Partnerships, Institute for Sustainability, University of Surrey
Catherine Cole, Innovation Hub Lead, Institute for Sustainability, University of Surrey
Haeyoung Eun, Innovation Hub Lead, Institute for Sustainability, University of Surrey
Professor Bonnie Buchanan, Institute Fellow, Professor of Finance, and Director of Sustainable and Explainable FinTech (SAEF) Center, University of Surrey
Dr Shimaa Elkomy, Institute Fellow and Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Understanding Sustainable Prosperity, University of Surrey
Hannah Rideout, Projects Co-ordinator, Veterinary Health Innovation Engine (vHive), School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey
Eleanor Telling, vHive Administrator, Veterinary Health Innovation Engine (vHive), School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey
Jocelyn Orr, Agricultural Manager, Sainsbury’s
Shari Westerfeld, VP US Sustainability Customer Engagement, Zoetis
Alisa Heimann – Sustainability Manager, Butternut Box
Lin Makhijani – UK & Ireland Managing Director, Butternut Box