ROYAL CANIN SOUTH AFRICA EXTENDS ITS PHILOSOPHY TO THE ENVIRONMENT

Royal Canin’s philosophy of Knowledge and Respect extends beyond its core focus of advanced nutrition for dogs and cats. It extends to all species, both plant and animal, that is affected by the manufacturing process.

Royal Canin South Africa’s gardens are truly unique. Every plant that existed in the immediate vicinity of the factory has been restored to create the indigenous environment specific to the Northriding area. In so doing, a natural habitat for the abundant insect, bird and animal life endemic to the area has again been recreated. 

John Masson, owner of Ecoscapes, responsible for the reinstatement of the indigenous environment says, “Our primary objective was to recreate the biodiversity of the area. We achieved this by rescuing a vast majority of the natural plant life and re-establishing the natural ecosystem that existed centuries before man even set foot in the region. In so doing we have ensured the harmonious co-existence of nature and industry.”

Along with the re-emergence of primary and secondary growth of a variety of plant species, the bird and insect life has returned to reclaim their natural homes. Royal Canin’s gardens now provide a natural habitat for hundreds of different species of birds, insects and small animals, including bullfrogs, grassland pipits, blacksmith plovers, Egyptian geese, wattle plovers, African hoopoes and palm swifts.

The final phase of the natural system development which comprises woody boulder outcrops and rocky slopes, grassland with scattered woodland and a riverine wetland system has just been completed. The installation of a natural wetland sustained by treated water and storm water from the factory into the landscape helps recreate a natural stream that used to run through the area.

“The addition of the natural wetland system reinforces Royal Canin’s commitment to their environment.” continues Masson. “Royal Canin is very aware of the need to preserve the natural environment and its precious resources. The effective reuse of treated water back into the environment provides life for animals and plants. The commitment by Royal Canin to commission the project proves they are not only serious about their core business; they are serious about nature conservation in the broadest sense.”

Disposed water is pumped from the factory, passed through a purification plant before being fed into the created wetland with pebble and reed bed filters, comprising open water pans and rescued indigenous grasses. The water flows naturally through the complex wetland system and stored in permanent water retention pans nestled among recreated ox-bow water bodies. Storm water is temporarily held back in detention pans allowing for adequate time to recharge ground water. Not only does this provide an effective and environmentally friendly form of water disposal; it offers an aesthetically pleasing view of an area that would normally be a series of gigantic water drums storing excess waste.  

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