Two Chicago Pet Food Companies Join International Effort That Seeks to Use 100% of Each Fish
Sustainable food companies sign 100% Great Lakes Fish Pledge, reinforcing commitment to prevent waste and promote the sustainable use of fish
(CHICAGO)—Two Chicago area pet food manufacturers, Farm to Pet, a leading maker of all-natural, single-ingredient pet treats, and Archway, a sustainable pet food company, have joined the 100% Great Lakes Fish Pledge—becoming the 40th and 41st businesses in North America to sign on to the initiative. This growing network of fisheries, processors, and innovators is committed to utilizing every fish caught, raised, or processed in the Great Lakes region.
As part of the pledge, Farm to Pet and Archway will collaborate with other members to promote the full utilization of each fish caught, raised, or processed in the Great Lakes. This includes helping to raise awareness of opportunities for innovative applications of fish byproducts, such as compost, fertilizer, protein, marine collagen, leather, or other new, high-value products.
The pledge is part of the 100% Great Lakes Fish initiative created by the Conference of Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors & Premiers (GSGP), an organization representing the Governors of the Great Lakes States and the Canadian Premiers of Ontario and Québec.
The Great Lakes region is home to growing aquaculture operations and sizeable commercial fisheries, but only about 40% of each fish (the fillets) is usually eaten. In contrast, the remaining 60% of the fish are often relegated to inexpensive uses or discarded. The 100% Great Lakes Fish initiative seeks new and innovative ways to fully use each fish to reduce waste, create more value and jobs, and support rural economic development. Iceland pioneered this approach and has seen the value of products made from each cod skyrocket from $12 for just the filet to a remarkable $5,000 for products including cosmetics, medical bandages, nutritional supplements, and a range of other products.
More information on 100% Great Lakes Fish, including a copy of the Pledge, is available at htps://gsgp.org/projects/100-great-lakes-fish/.
Farm to Pet
Known for its transparency and clean-label products, Farm to Pet recently expanded its lineup to include Fish Chips, made from 100% walleye sourced from the Great Lakes. These nutritious, high-protein treats upcycle premium fish that would otherwise be discarded, delivering a healthy option for pets while supporting sustainable aquaculture and fishing practices.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Farm to Pet to the 100% Great Lakes Fish Pledge,” said David Naftzger, Executive Director of the Conference of Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors & Premiers (GSGP). “Their work shows how even a small treat can make a big difference—for sustainability, for regional economies, and our lakes.”
“At Farm to Pet, we believe that every part of the fish can serve a purpose,” said Jackson Jones, Founder of Farm to Pet. “Joining the pledge is a natural extension of what we already do—minimizing waste, supporting regional fisheries, and offering treats that are as good for pets as they are for the planet.”
Archway
Archway crafts single-ingredient treats and limited-ingredient foods using fish from the Great Lakes region. With a mission rooted in transparency, sustainability, and community, the company sources from regional fisheries and upcycles nutritious parts of the fish that would otherwise go to waste—like skins and frames—to create tasty, nutrient-rich pet treats.
“We’re excited to welcome Archway to the 100% Great Lakes Fish Pledge,” said David Naftzger, Executive Director of the Conference of Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors & Premiers (GSGP). “Their products turn waste into value, create local jobs, and deliver sustainability in a way pet owners can see and trust.”
“We believe sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the baseline,” said Gabriel Huertas Del Pino, CEO and Co-Founder of Archway. “Joining the pledge reflects what we’re already about at Archway: making something great for pets and the planet while supporting our region and communities.”
About the Conference of Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors & Premiers
The Conference of Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors & Premiers unites the chief executives from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Québec, and Wisconsin. The Governors and Premiers work as equal partners to grow the region’s $8 trillion economy and protect the world’s largest surface freshwater system.
