Dr. David Meeker is a Senior Vice President at the National Renderers Association and handles their scientific issues. The industry processes 59 billion pounds of unused livestock material. The material is used for cosmetics, explosives, toothpaste, pet food, pharmaceuticals and more. The NRA represents over 50 companies that has over 200 plants across the country. According to Dr. Meeker, rendering fats and proteins removes carbon dioxide and potential greenhouse gases from the environment.