Sustainability
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Plant-based meat sizzles at NRA Show as brands eye retail
As Impossible Foods and Before the Butcher gear up for their grocery debuts and develop new products, such as Impossible Sausage for Little Caesar's, Beyond Meat's first-mover advantage in supermarkets may be threatened.
By Emma Liem • May 21, 2019 -
Starbucks secures $1B sustainability bond
The coffee chain's third and largest sustainability fund will support its efforts to ethically source coffee as well as build 10,000 green stores globally by 2025.
By Alicia Kelso • May 14, 2019 -
OpinionBurger King plans to treat chickens better, and now they're going plant-based. Where's McDonald's?
Improving its animal welfare standards and introducing more vegetarian options could drive profits and protect against public backlash, says Kenny Torrella, VP of public engagement at Mercy for Animals.
By Kenny Torella • April 15, 2019 -
Starbucks launches $1.3M 'Cup Fund' for UK recycling programs
Launched in partnership with environmental charity Hubbub, the fund will offer individual grants of up to $131,000 to support paper cup recycling initiatives in at least 10 U.K. locations.
By Rina Li • April 15, 2019 -
McDonald's cage-free egg progress signals an industry sea change
The chain claims to be 33% cage-free on its way to reach 100% by 2025, and analysts predict the move will bring these egg costs down.
By Alicia Kelso • April 12, 2019 -
Deliveroo to offer London riders electric scooter rentals
The third-party delivery company partnered with electric scooter rental platform Elmovo to launch the program, which comes just days before the city rolls out new Ultra-Low Emission Zone regulations.
By Kevin Whiteley • April 04, 2019 -
Taco Bell launches vegetarian menu in Dallas market
The pilot will include about 200 stores, or 60% of the area's locations, and will include a Vegetarian Crunchwrap Supreme and Vegetarian Quesarito.
By Kevin Whiteley • April 03, 2019 -
Protesters call for Wendy's to end use of unnecessary antibiotics in beef supply chain
U.S. PIRG said the chain has a chance to differentiate itself, but Wendy's will likely not be alone in efforts to remove medically unnecessary antibiotics.
By Emma Cosgrove • April 02, 2019 -
Burger King will roll out Impossible Whoppers nationwide
Burger King will be the largest chain to offer the product systemwide, a move that could spur rival burger brands to launch plant-based patties of their own.
By Kevin Whiteley • UPDATED: April 29, 2019 at 11 a.m. -
Darden's animal welfare policy focuses on antibiotic reduction, better treatment
Drawing on consumer concerns, major chains like McDonald's and The Cheesecake Factory have started to switch to antibiotic-free meat and institute policies that reduce harm to animals.
By Lauren Manning • April 01, 2019 -
European Parliament approves 2021 single-use plastics ban
The new measure, which includes restrictions on cutlery, straws, cups and foam containers, could increase costs as restaurants switch to plastic alternatives.
By Katie Pyzyk • April 01, 2019 -
Starbucks teases coffee traceability app feature, compostable cup trial
The innovation will allow customers to scan their packaged coffee with their phones to learn about its origin and journey to store, a move that could brighten the chain's brand halo.
By Emma Liem • March 21, 2019 -
Hawaii legislators contemplate strict plastics ban
Hawaii could become the first U.S. state to implement a ban on restaurants and retailers from distributing plastic packaging and bags, but many operators worry that switching to alternatives will increase costs.
By Alicia Kelso • March 21, 2019 -
Maryland legislature advances statewide EPS foam ban bill
The legislation would ban foam containers in restaurants and other food service establishments starting next summer. If signed into law, it will be the first such statewide policy in the U.S.
By Katie Pyzyk • March 21, 2019 -
Yum Brands works on science-based carbon emissions reduction targets
If Yum sets goals in accordance with Science-Based Targets Initiative standards, it would be the second restaurant group do so — but it's a heavy lift for the firm with thousands of franchised restaurants.
By Emma Cosgrove • March 19, 2019 -
Burger brands beef up local, diet-focused offerings
Chains are looking beyond just topping patties with bacon to spice up their menus, and are instead innovating with regional flavors and keto-friendly fare to capture new diners.
By Julie Littman • March 01, 2019 -
Restaurants save $7 for each $1 invested in cutting food waste, report shows
Businesses that scaled back food production, placed smaller orders and upcycled excess food into new meals could reduce waste by 26% after one year, the study found.
By Kevin Whiteley • Feb. 22, 2019 -
Starbucks' newest Bali location showcases coffee farming
The coffee chain's largest location in Southeast Asia highlights its sustainability and ethical farming practices, which have become increasingly important due to coffee's growing environmental and economic impacts.
By Julie Littman • Feb. 20, 2019 -
Mexican chains jump on the plant-based bandwagon
Though burger joints have been behind the majority of vegetarian innovations in the QSR space, Mexican restaurants like Qdoba Mexican Eats and Moe's Southwest Grill are responding to the trend by adding meatless options.
By Alicia Kelso • Feb. 13, 2019 -
Starbucks Canada pledges to donate 100% of leftover food
The company has partnered with food rescue organization Second Harvest to donate perishable items like yogurt and milk alongside pastries and breads, a move that could further boost the coffee giant's brand halo.
By Kevin Whiteley • Feb. 11, 2019 -
Investors pressure QSR giants to reduce supply chain emissions
McDonald's, Chipotle and many more have been urged to set reduction targets for greenhouse gas emissions and water use by their meat and dairy suppliers.
By Alicia Kelso • Jan. 30, 2019 -
More foodservice operators asking for plant-based meats
With the likes of Carl's Jr. and White Castle expanding vegan options, shipments of plant-based proteins to restaurants increased 20% year over year, according to The NPD Group.
By Alicia Kelso • Jan. 25, 2019 -
KFC commits to using more sustainable packaging by 2025
The fast food chain plans to source all consumer-facing products with recoverable and reusable plastics, joining a growing list of brands removing traditional plastics from their stores.
By Kristine Sherred • Jan. 25, 2019 -
Domino's slapped with failing chicken welfare grade
The pizza chain has resisted animal rights groups' outcries before, but the zero score from the World Animal Protection report comes as consumers demand more transparency and humane practices.
By Emma Liem • Jan. 17, 2019 -
Taco Bell testing vegetarian menu as meatless trend grows
The chain also announced seven new commitments, including the removal of all artificial colors and flavors and improving the sustainability of its beef supply.
By Alicia Kelso • Jan. 11, 2019
