NARA Blog
The Role of Rendering in Water Reclamation
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
The Risks of Chemically Compensating for Faulty Steam Boiler Systems
This article contains sponsored content. Guest Post By NARA Member, Eric Schnakenberg, Area Manager at Chem Aqua Midwest In animal rendering facilities, steam boilers play a crucial role in processing and sterilizing animal byproducts. However, when these systems malfunction, some might consider chemically compensating for the issue as a quick fix. While this approach might offer temporary relief, it introduces several significant disadvantages. Short-Term Solution with Long-Term Risks: Chemically
Thanksgiving and Food Waste
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
Tallow: A Traditional Fat Making a Sustainable Comeback
The Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement is reviving interest in tallow, a time-honored and nutrient-rich fat derived from beef or sheep. Known for its sustainability and health benefits, tallow offers a natural alternative to industrial seed oils, making it a favorite among health-conscious consumers and environmentally focused advocates. Tallow’s appeal lies in its minimal processing and high nutrient content, including essential fatty acids and vitamins A, D, E, and K. By utilizing by-products from
The Invisible Industry Episode 5
This is a transcript of the fifth episode of The Invisible Industry, a podcast brought to you by the North American Renderer’s Association (NARA) Anna: Hi, everyone, and welcome to the Invisible Industry, a podcast where we discuss and educate on everything you didn’t know, you didn’t know about agricultural rendering, brought to you by the North American Renderers Association, or NARA. I’m your moderator, Anna Wilkinson. I am the Vice president of communications for
Celebrating National Cat Day: Sustainability and Nutrition for Our Feline Friends
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
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
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
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
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
