Eco company Project Blu has secured international investment as it continues on a mission to drive sustainable change across the global pet industry.

The funding will come from leading US manufacturer and distributor Central Garden & Pet Company.

Central, which posted fiscal 2020 net sales of $2.7bn, operates multiple distribution centres across America, and intends to offer Project Blu eco-friendly products to its US bricks-and-mortar and online retailers.

Project Blu produces a range of sustainable accessories, including beds, collars and leads. Launching in May 2019 its original mission was to reduce global ocean-bound plastic waste by converting it into sustainable fabric designs. It has since established itself as a global leader in tackling the pet industry’s wider environmental issues, including reducing carbon emissions and water waste.

Geryn Evans, Project Blu founder and CEO, said: “If every pet owner in the UK decided to swap their traditional dog beds to a sustainable alternative, it could save over 175,000 tons of CO2 and the equivalent of over 300 million bathtubs of water every year. It would also save over 30,000 barrels of crude oil. This highlights the significant difference that can be achieved by raising awareness and making small changes to our daily activities.”

Jon Balousek, president of corporate development at Central, commented: “Our company strives to partner with industry-leading companies of tomorrow, and we are thrilled to be working with Project Blu, a company dedicated to designing and manufacturing premium durable pet accessories while also preserving and caring for the environment. At Central, we are committed to creating a sustainable future for all, and we look forward to working closely with Project Blu to make a difference.”

Project Blu has been assisted by the Business Wales Accelerated Growth Programme, which provides targeted support for growing firms. The programme is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government.

Since signing up to the programme in 2019, the company has received mentoring and specialist advice on market analysis, funding and planning for growth.

“As a young, agile company, it has been invaluable to have the support of our relationship manager and other experts,” admitted Geryn Evans. “The advice and expertise have helped me enormously as I’ve grown the business from an ambitious start-up to a global leader in the sustainable pet accessory space.”