Sustainability
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Despite plant-based boom, beef burgers still reign supreme
While consumers ordered 228 million plant-based burgers at QSRs, up 10% from last year, 6.4 billion beef burgers were served in the same time period.
By Lauren Manning • July 18, 2019 -
McDonald's to test plastic-free toys in British Happy Meals
Following a petition with nearly 400,000 supporters, the fast food chain says it's exploring ways to reduce plastics in the U.K., but has yet to commit to similar goals in the U.S.
By Julie Littman • July 18, 2019 -
Oregon governor signs laws banning plastic bags, straws
Legislation signed by Gov. Kate Brown last month is the latest in a series of statewide plastic reduction measures to pass this year.
By Cole Rosengren • July 09, 2019 -
OpinionBeyond Meat and Impossible Foods: First mover advantage in a rapidly growing market
Since its IPO in May, the price for shares in the company known for its plant-based burgers have taken off. Jeff Robards of Alantra looks at the two giants in the space and their potential future performance.
By Jeff Robards • July 02, 2019 -
McDonald's testing 'Green Concept' stores in Canada
The locations will serve as incubators for new packaging options and recycling initiatives, such as recyclable lids made from wood fiber, paper straws and wooden cutlery.
By Emma Liem • June 21, 2019 -
Starbucks, Dunkin' further sustainable cup initiatives
Starbucks will test a reusable cup program in London's Gatwick Airport while Dunkin' says it's on track to eliminate foam packaging by the end of the year.
By Lauren Manning • June 11, 2019 -
Before the Butcher CEO: 'We are one of the next big players out there'
As plant-based meat heats up, it doesn't get hotter than this startup founded by a Beyond Meat alumnus, which announced a large-scale retail launch and its acquisition by the owners of Jensen Meat all in one week.
By Megan Poinski • June 10, 2019 -
Starbucks to power 3K stores with renewable energy by 2021
Its partnership with LevelTenEnergy builds on the coffee chain's commitment as the top U.S. retailer to purchase sustainable energy sources.
By Lauren Manning • June 06, 2019 -
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
