Good Morning Friends,
The Dog Days of Summer, I’ve learned, refers to the period between July 3rd and August 11th. According to The Farmer’s Almanac, it dates back to Roman times when the ‘Dog” star Sirius is present in the sky along with the Sun. On July 23rd, specifically, it rises and sets in conjunction with the Sun, and because the star is so bright, the ancient Romans believed it actually gave off heat and added to the Sun’s warmth, accounting for the long stretch of sultry weather. They referred to this time as diēs caniculārēs, or “dog days.” Thus, the term Dog Days of Summer came to mean the 20 days before and 20 days after this alignment of Sirius with the Sun—July 3 to August 11 each year.
Though we’re thankfully through the balmy official “Dog Days”, I can think of no better way to mark my return to writing these Simon Says than with a day to honor our favorite canines. In case you missed it, Thursday, August 26th was National Dog Day, marked by photos and dedications on social media and perhaps the additional treat or two for your favorite pooch. My particular four-legged friend Bellfort, currently sleeping underneath my desk as I write this message, is already incredibly spoiled- he must think that every day is National Dog Day.
I’m sure he’s not alone, as pet adoptions and puppy prices have seen high increases, especially during COVID as people have rushed to find companionship during lockdowns. The pet industry is booming, fueled by this growth and by consumers who are spending ever-increasing amounts on their pets, seeing them more as family members than as just household pets. With $103.6B spent last year in the US on pets of all shapes and sizes, according to American Pet Products Association, the market is poised for further growth in 2021 and for the foreseeable future.
The same expanding focus on safe, sustainable packaging for human food is also present in the pet food industry, with pet parents wanting to purchase and serve their families (including pets) the best possible food in the most responsible packaging. One offering to satisfy this need in the 69 Million US homes with canines of their own is our JONCRYL® HPB 1702, which enables our customers to formulate very effective, water-based grease-resistant barriers that can stand up to oil and grease on paper across a wide temperature range, even after folding or creasing. This is especially useful in paper-based dog food packaging or for brand owners looking to make the move from plastic to paper, another growing market trend. As brand owners work towards these long-term goals, our team will continue to deliver innovative products like the HPB 1702 that enable the industry to meet future market needs.
Best Wishes & Wagging Tails,
-Simon & Bellfort