Blog Archives - North American Renderers Association

International Networking Week

Posted on February 5, 2025 (February 5, 2025) by nara-primediany

Close up of two people shaking hands in the office.

Celebrating International Networking Week It’s International Networking Week! Celebrated each year during the first week of February, this international event was created to encourage the exchange of ideas, technology, and experience among professionals around the globe. Wondering how to celebrate? Whether attending professional events, sparking conversation with colleagues, or taking to social media, there are numerous ways to take advantage of valuable networking opportunities not only this week, but all year long.

Celebrating International Reducing CO2 Emissions Day with NARA

Posted on January 27, 2025 (January 27, 2025) by nara-primediany

The sun setting behind line of trees, over a crop field.

Celebrating International Reducing CO2 Emissions Day Each year on January 28th, we celebrate International Reducing CO2 Emissions Day — a day dedicated to raising awareness and inspiring innovation to minimize our role in climate change. What exactly are CO2 emissions, and what impact do they have on the environment? Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are a heat-trapping gas released primarily from the burning of fossil fuels. From the vehicles we drive to various large-scale

New Rendering Video: An Educational Tool for All Ages

Posted on January 20, 2025 by Anna

Imagine an innovative, animated video that captures the complexities of rendering—a vital yet often misunderstood process in agriculture—and makes it accessible and exciting for learners of all ages. The National Animal Rendering Association (NARA) has done just that with their new explainer video, Rendering: Every Part Has a Purpose. This engaging cartoon is more than just entertainment; it’s an educational powerhouse designed to introduce rendering to audiences as young as 4-H participants and as advanced

The Role of Rendering in Water Reclamation

Posted on December 26, 2024 (January 27, 2025) by nara-primediany

Countryside pond, water reclamation by the rendering process

Turning Waste into Water: The Role of Rendering in Water Reclamation When it comes to the idea of food waste, many of us likely picture mountains of physical discard at our landfills. However, 60% of the parts of the animal that we choose not to eat are comprised of water, so food waste within the meat industry often leads to significant water waste as well. Fortunately, with the help of rendering, recycled organics contribute

Thanksgiving and Food Waste

Posted on November 27, 2024 (January 27, 2025) by Anna

From Farm to Feast: Practicing Thanksgiving Food Waste Sustainability Thanksgiving is always a special time of year; it marks the beginning of the holiday season and offers a time filled with gratitude, quality time with friends and family, and the oh-so-exciting Thanksgiving dinner. However, along with our Thanksgiving turkeys and cornbread stuffing, unfortunately come millions of pounds of food waste. From the leftovers we don’t finish to the roughly 50% of the Thanksgiving turkey considered

Celebrating National Cat Day: Sustainability and Nutrition for Our Feline Friends

Posted on October 26, 2024 by Anna

Renderers and those supporting the rendering industry are dedicated to enhancing sustainability while keeping our pets’ diets nutritious. In addition to Halloween, October boasts National Cat Day – the perfect time to spotlight how rendering benefits our feline friends by making their food sustainable and healthy! National Cat Day Observed on October 29 in the U.S. and Canada, National Cat Day was founded in 2005 by lifestyle writer Colleen Paige. The day raises awareness about

Taking a Deep Dive Into the World of Aquaculture

Posted on September 29, 2024 (December 5, 2024) by Anna

In the latest episode of NARA’s rendering podcast, The Invisible Industry, we take a deep dive into the world of aquaculture, a topic often discussed in rendering but explored in-depth on the podcast only now for the first time. Host Marcus Wintzer is joined by Dr. George Chamberlain, President of the Center for Responsible Seafood, who shares his extensive knowledge of the aquaculture industry. The discussion starts with the basics of the industry, offering insights

Explore Careers in the Rendering Industry with NARA’s Podcast, The Invisible Industry

Posted on August 19, 2024 (December 5, 2024) by Anna

Have you discovered NARA’s podcast, The Invisible Industry? Whether you’re involved in the Animal Agriculture or rendering industries, or simply curious about how rendering supports sustainability, reduces food waste, and drives the circular economy, this podcast is your gateway to understanding the vital role of rendering. In our latest episode, we dive deep into the diverse career opportunities within the rendering industry. Episode 8 takes a unique approach by featuring voices from within the industry—those who

Celebrating National Junk Food Day: From French Fries to Biofuel and Beyond

Posted on July 16, 2024 (August 7, 2024) by Anna

July 21st is National Junk Food Day and that is the perfect excuse to indulge in our favorite guilty pleasures, from crispy fries to juicy burgers. But while we’re enjoying these treats, it’s important to explore the journey the by-products of our junk foods take (like what happens to the oil they are cooked in which is aptly called used cooking oil or UCO), and how the journey of those by-products contributes to a more sustainable

NARA’s 2024 Congressional Fly-In: Advocating for the Rendering Industry

Posted on June 20, 2024 (August 7, 2024) by Anna

The North American Renderers Association (NARA) recently hosted its annual Congressional Fly-In in Washington, D.C., from June 10-12. This three-day event brought together NARA members who came to our Nation’s Capital from all over the U.S. to advocate for the rendering industry’s interests. Productive Meetings with Policymakers Throughout the Fly-In, NARA members met with engaged in meaningful discussions with their Representatives, and their staff. Key topics included: Sustainability Regulatory Concerns Trade Environmental Stewardship Food

Category: Blog