Sustainability

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
California could ban paper receipts by 2022

The proposed legislation would require restaurants, grocery stores and other businesses to provide digital receipts unless customers request a paper one.
By Kristine Sherred • Jan. 10, 2019
Impossible Burger becomes gluten-free in new reformulation

White Castle will offer the revamped product, which is designed to replace ground beef in any recipe, chainwide in the next few months.
By Cathy Siegner • Jan. 09, 2019
Carl's Jr. gives plant-based Beyond Burger the star treatment

The chain is now selling the meat-free Beyond Famous Star burger for $6.29 at over 1,000 locations, following White Castle's Impossible slider expansion.
By Kristine Sherred • Jan. 03, 2019
Column
The power of sustainable sourcing

While McDonald’s move to rid its beef supply chain of non-medically necessary antibiotics may seem like an edict thrown at the procurement staff within the massive company, it’s more a boon than a burden.
By Emma Cosgrove • Dec. 17, 2018
JUST partners with Toriyama to produce lab-grown wagyu beef

Through the agreement, JUST plans to make the exclusive beef available to more restaurants and at more price points.
By Megan Poinski • Dec. 11, 2018
App connects diners with otherwise unsellable food

Now in seven countries, Too Good To Go lets restaurants sell expiring or excess food at discounted prices to consumers.
By Kristine Sherred • Dec. 06, 2018
Wind to power more than 1,000 Starbucks stores

The coffee giant has invested $325 million in a wind farm as part of its goal to operate all of its locations with renewable energy.
By Julie Littman • Dec. 03, 2018
Food waste reduction is a high priority for U.S. diners, study shows

Seventy-two percent of American consumers care about how businesses handle food waste, and nearly half would pay more for restaurants with food recovery plans.
By Kristine Sherred • Nov. 26, 2018
Beyond Meat's future has ties to a successful tea maker

Seth Goldman founded organic tea maker Honest two decades ago. Today, he has an executive role at the maker of plant-based products and notes the many similarities between the two companies.
By Christopher Doering • Nov. 26, 2018
Free mug-share program wants to replace paper coffee cups

Eco-friendly startup Vessel has partnered with four Colorado cafes, where customers can use an app to grab a reusable stainless steel mug that can be returned at other shops or kiosks near transit stations.
By Kristine Sherred • Nov. 16, 2018
Impossible Burger will be sold in grocery stores next year

The move into retail will add to the approximately 5,000 restaurants in all 50 states where the plant-based burger is now available — a huge jump from about 50 restaurants a year ago.
By Cathy Siegner • Nov. 09, 2018