Sustainability Blog Posts

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

Posted on July 16, 2024 (July 16, 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 (June 20, 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

Senators Advocate for Including Rendering in National Food Waste Strategy

Posted on May 20, 2024 by Anna

In a significant move to address the critical issue of food waste, a bipartisan group of eight Senators has urged the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Agriculture (USDA), and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to incorporate rendering into the Draft National Strategy for Reducing Food Loss and Waste and Recycling Organics. You can read the full letter they sent here. The Senators Behind the Initiative Led by Senators Roger Marshall, Michael Bennet, and

Gearing Up For National Rendering Day -10 Ways to Celebrate

Posted on March 14, 2024 (March 14, 2024) by Anna

The 2nd annual National Rendering Day will be observed on April 21st. Celebrating this important day each year helps in educating on and acknowledging the vital role of rendering in sustainability and environmental protection and shows appreciation for all those in the rendering industry. Initiated by the North American Renderers Association (NARA) in 2022, this National Day highlights agricultural rendering, a process that has been used for centuries to transforms food waste into valuable resources.

2024 International Rendering Symposium

Posted on February 21, 2024 by Anna

a large group of people are sitting at tables in a conference room

The 2024 International Rendering Symposium, hosted by the North American Renderers Association (NARA) in collaboration with the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY), proved to be a pivotal event in exploring the crucial contributions of rendering to sustainability and the global economy. The symposium, which took place in conjunction with the 2024 International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) in Atlanta, kicked off on Thursday, February 1, at 12 p.m. and continued through Friday, February 2,

7 Reasons to Attend the International Rendering Symposium at IPPE

Posted on January 15, 2024 by Anna

a poster for the 2024 international rendering symposium

The annual International Rendering Symposium returns to the 2024 IPPE, and this year it’s better than ever! Join us in person February 1 & 2 at the Georgia Center Congress Center or virtually! Register now to… 1. Hear from global industry thought leaders on subjects like: How to think like a bird or a shrimp…or at least what feed ingredients they crave How to improve the sustainability of aquaculture diets How to increase sustainable pet food production How to utilize global

NARA “Hits the Streets” to Talk About Rendering

Posted on November 20, 2023 (December 11, 2023) by Anna

a man is being interviewed by a woman wearing a nara jacket

In NARA’s newest video, Vice President of Communications, Anna Wilkinson, takes to the “streets” to talk to people about rendering, and ask them what they think the word “rendering” means and you may be surprised by some of the answers! Be sure to share this video so we can continue to educate on the importance of rendering and its many sustainability benefits! Watch the video on YouTube or on the NARA website. For

Organics Recycling: What It Is and Why It Matters

Posted on October 20, 2023 (October 26, 2023) by Anna

an advertisement for organics recycling shows a recycling symbol surrounded by fruits and vegetables

On October 10th NARA issued a press release announcing a broad-reaching information campaign with the goal of educating on Organics Recycling and how including renderable material plays a critical role in sustainability. The campaign includes a colorful and detailed infographic titled Organics Recycling: How Recycling Food Waste with Rendering Creates Value & Ensures Sustainability, which was designed be used as an educational tool for the public, and those in the government sector who may not be

A Message From NARA’s President, Kent Swisher

Posted on July 27, 2023 (October 26, 2023) by Anna

a man in a suit with a nara button on his jacket smiling for the camera

NARA has debuted an informative new video issuing a message from NARA’s President, Kent Swisher, who took the helm as President and CEO of the association in January of 2022. The video informs members and the public of current events and updates, exciting new announcements, details of NARA’s vision and mission, and a three point plan for the future of NARA under Swisher’s leadership. It also serves as informative and helpful communication for current members, the community,

2022 Don Franco Distinguished Service Award Winner

Posted on November 28, 2022 (April 25, 2023) by Anna

Dr. David Meeker Receives the 2022 Don Franco Distinguished Service Award

NARA is pleased to announce the 2022 “Don Franco Distinguished Service Award” has been presented to Dr. David Meeker for his leadership and longtime commitment to the rendering industry, NARA, and to the association’s research and related programs. The Don Franco Distinguished Service Award is NARA’s highest honor. It recognizes truly outstanding work on behalf of the rendering industry in science, policy, marketing, or communications and is presented to a member, staff, or friend of

Tag: Sustainability