Unilever introduces planet-friendly pet care brand

13 / 01 / 2021

By Marwa Nassar - -

Unilever introduced in Brazil a planet-friendly pet care brand Cafuné which leaves as light a carbon footprint as possible.

Currently, all Cafuné 300ml bottles are made from recycled plastic and are recyclable themselves, while its cat litter is made from 100% natural, renewable and compostable ingredients and is packaged in a patented green sugarcane-based plastic, known as I´m greenTM, from Braskem.

Unilever chose to introduce its first-ever pet care brand in Brazil because Pets are big in Brazil. There are currently about 54.2 million dogs and 23.9 million cats in the country – making Brazil home to the second-largest cat and dog population in the world.

“Cafuné is a Brazilian word that expresses a kind gesture of affection, something you would say to your children,” says Teo Figueiredo, New Business Director for Unilever. “The name was chosen to reflect the brand’s focus on care.”

All Cafuné formulations are gentle but effective, while the grooming products are based on natural extracts and free from parabens, dyes, silicones or any other ingredient that could have adverse effects on animals.

“We know that animals’ cleaning instinct is to lick themselves. Which is why it is important for the market to provide products that do not generate risks for the animal’s health in the case of direct contact with the skin. And the skin of pets is very sensitive. Inappropriate hygiene and cleaning products have the potential to cause allergies and itchiness,” explains Brazilian animal dermatologist and lecturer Dr Ronaldo Lucas, highlighting how animal behavior has been central to the development of the pet care products.

Including four types of pet shampoo, two conditioners, wipes, kitty litter and training pads for dogs, as well as home disinfectants and cleaning products, the Cafuné range is recommended by vets and carries the PETA-approved logo, certifying that the brand does not test on animals.

“Our brand is reaching out to all pet parents who prioritize the care and wellbeing of their pets; to those who plan to adopt and wish to offer the best care; and also to professionals who care for dogs and cats every day,” adds Teo.