Packaging Waste at Critical Mass

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, consumer packaging materials make up more than 30% of landfill waste. The bulk of that is food packaging. The use of plastic packaging in particular contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and negatively affects marine life and ecosystems.

Reduce Single-Use Plastics

In 2018, we made a commitment to significantly reduce single-use disposable plastics, such as plastic straws, stirrers, bags, cutlery and other packaging across global food operations by 2022. This reduction strategy starts with significantly reducing plastic straws and stirrers, and offering eco-friendly alternatives where possible.

And we’re proud to be the first food service provider to join the Ocean Plastics Leadership Network (OPLN), a pre-competitive forum bringing together NGOs, academia, and industry to address the global plastics crisis.

Recycle, Reuse, Compost

We are also working to reduce other single-use plastics, and expanding our offerings of reusable products. We continue to provide reusable products where possible across food service operations. Options include reusable tumblers and sports bottles for hot and cold beverages, cutlery sets in a convenient pouch, reusable straws and cleaners, take-out containers and more. And we're partnering with suppliers and national brands to reduce packaging through design and innovation.

Our goal is to eliminate waste before it is generated and creates problems for the environment. In addition to waste minimization, we work with clients to implement recycling programs to further divert waste from landfills globally.