Maya Ellison
Panera Bread is a bakery-café chain that offers its customers a range of food and beverage options. The company has faced scrutiny and criticism for its use of single-use plastic items, such as cups and containers, which has prompted petitions calling for a switch to more environmentally friendly alternatives. Panera has also been ranked by some organizations for its use of toxic chemicals and lack of transparency regarding its beyond restricted substances list (BRSL) and policies for reducing chemicals of concern. In response, Panera has made some efforts to reduce waste and promote sustainability, including introducing a Use My Own Cup program and reporting the elimination of certain chemicals and plastics from its operations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for Change | To reduce the use of single-use plastics and protect the environment |
| Current Plastic Usage | Plastic cups and bowls for cold drinks and takeout salads, plastic utensils for rapid pickup and delivery orders |
| Paper Usage | Paper cups for hot drinks, paper containers for pastries, paper baguette bags |
| Customer Initiatives | "Use My Own Cup" program, encouraging recycling |
| Chemical Policies | Beyond Restricted Substances List (BRSL), restricted chemicals in cleaning products, reduced Plastics of Environmental Health Concern (PEHCs) |
| Goals | Reduce global carbon emissions, eliminate PFAS and other toxic indirect food additives from food-contact materials |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic pollution
Petitions have been launched urging Panera Bread to eliminate single-use plastic cups and containers, highlighting the availability of suitable paper alternatives for hot drinks and pastries. The company's use of plastic cups and bowls for cold drinks and takeout salads has been particularly criticized, given the negative impact of plastic pollution on oceans and marine life.
In response, Panera Bread has made some efforts to address plastic pollution. They introduced the "Use My Own Cup" program, encouraging customers to bring their own reusable cups for eligible self-serve beverages. However, this program has limitations and does not apply to all orders or locations. Panera Bread has also been ranked by organizations assessing retailers' use of toxic chemicals and their progress in reducing plastic waste.
While Panera Bread has taken some steps towards sustainability, there are ongoing calls for more comprehensive action. This includes setting clear goals and timelines for phasing out toxic chemicals and plastics from food-contact materials and packaging. The company has been urged to enhance its safer chemicals policy, improve supplier training, and increase transparency by publicly disclosing alternatives used to replace harmful substances.
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Paper waste
The company has made efforts to reduce waste, such as encouraging customers to bring their own reusable cups and offering a "Use My Own Cup" program. However, the company has been urged to eliminate single-use plastic items and improve its packaging sustainability.
The debate between paper bags and plastic plates at Panera Bread highlights the environmental trade-offs. Paper bags, even if sourced from sustainable forests, require significant energy, water, and chemicals for production and recycling. On the other hand, plastic products contribute to our oil addiction and create long-term waste in landfills.
To address paper waste, Panera Bread could transition to using more sustainable materials for its packaging and encourage customers to recycle or reuse paper products. The company has expressed a commitment to protecting the environment and reducing its impact, recognizing the effects of climate change. By phasing out single-use plastics and adopting eco-friendly alternatives, Panera Bread can contribute to a healthier planet and positively impact natural resources and wildlife.
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Plastic alternatives
While Panera Bread has taken steps towards sustainability, such as eliminating PFAS from its to-go food packaging and replacing PVC gloves with polyethylene gloves, it has faced criticism for its continued use of single-use plastic cups and containers. Petitions have been raised to encourage the company to transition to paper containers for cold drinks and takeout salads, similar to its existing paper cups for hot drinks and paper pastry containers.
Now, let's explore some plastic alternatives that could be considered by Panera Bread and other businesses aiming for more sustainable practices:
Biodegradable and Compostable Packaging
Biodegradable alternatives to traditional plastic packaging are gaining traction. For instance, B'zeos, a Norwegian startup, utilizes seaweed to create sustainable and edible products like drinking straws, condiment packets, cutlery, and plastic wrap. These items are designed to biodegrade entirely in less than 47 days. Similarly, Notpla, the 2022 Earthshot winner, specializes in seaweed-based cutlery and compostable takeout containers. Another option is Vegware, which offers compostable packaging alternatives like pint cups.
Plant-Based Bioplastics
Bioplastics derived from plant sources offer a greener alternative to fossil fuel-based plastics. One example is PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoates), produced by bacterial fermentation of various plant sources. It stands out for its ease of composting at home and in industrial settings. Genecis, a company utilizing food and agricultural waste to feed bacterial cultures, and Refork, a Czech company creating eco-friendly cutlery, straws, and toothbrushes from wood fiber mixed with PHA, are pioneers in this field.
Silicone
Silicone, made from silica stone, water, and natural gas-derived methanol, shares physical characteristics with fossil fuel-derived plastics but is considered much safer and more environmentally friendly. It is strong, flexible, and capable of withstanding extreme temperatures. Platinum silicone, in particular, is highly regarded for its safety and is used in kitchen products and medical implants. However, silicone recycling is not widely available at all facilities.
Algae-Based Replacements
Algae-based compounds offer a promising alternative to create materials with similar properties to plastic without the negative environmental impact. Algae are easy and low-cost to farm and use ocean resources instead of land. However, the challenge lies in scaling up production to make it a cost-effective alternative.
Reusable and Refillable Packaging
Emphasizing reusable and refillable packaging can significantly reduce the environmental burden associated with disposable plastic. This approach only requires a shift in consumer habits and behavior, encouraging the use of local markets, farm shops, independent zero-waste shops, and supermarkets offering refillable options.
Natural Fibers and Sustainable Innovations
Natural fibers like coconut fiber, hemp, husk, oat hulls, cotton burs, and jute can be used as alternative packaging and shipping materials. Additionally, scientists from Rutgers University and Harvard University have developed an antimicrobial and biodegradable spray-on protective coating made from plant cellulose for produce and food items. This innovation could potentially eliminate the need for plastic packaging for fruits, vegetables, and meat.
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Environmental impact
Panera Bread has been the subject of several petitions on Change.org regarding its use of plastic. One petition from 2019 calls for the company to eliminate all single-use plastic cups and containers, arguing that the effects of single-use plastic on the world's natural resources and wildlife are significant. The petition notes that Panera already uses paper containers for some items, such as hot drinks and pastries, and encourages the company to transition to paper for cold drinks and takeout salads as well. Another petition on Change.org urges Panera to make plastic utensils optional for rapid pickup and delivery orders, allowing customers to opt out of receiving plastic utensils through the ordering app.
In response to environmental concerns, Panera Bread has implemented several initiatives to reduce its environmental impact. The company has a public safer chemicals policy that includes a Beyond Restricted Substances List (BRSL) for to-go food packaging, which addresses PFAS, phthalates, and bisphenol. In 2020, Panera reported that it had mostly eliminated PFAS from its to-go food packaging and switched to PFAS-free paper bags for baguettes. The company also eliminated one Plastic of Environmental Health Concern (PEHC) in operations by replacing PVC gloves with polyethylene gloves that are free of phthalates.
Additionally, Panera has introduced the "Use My Own Cup" program, which allows customers to use their personal, pre-washed reusable cups for eligible self-serve beverages at participating U.S. bakery-cafes. This program aims to reduce waste by encouraging the use of reusable drinkware. However, it is important to note that Panera associates will not handle customers' reusable cups, and reusable cups are not available for purchase at the cafes.
While Panera has taken some steps towards environmental responsibility, there are still areas for improvement. The company has not set public quantifiable goals and timelines for eliminating other chemicals of concern from its products and packaging. Additionally, Panera's safer chemicals policy only applies to U.S. locations, which account for 88% of all Panera cafes. There is also a lack of clarity on whether the company provides training to suppliers regarding its safer chemicals policy, BRSL, and reporting requirements.
In summary, Panera Bread has faced criticism for its use of single-use plastic and has been encouraged to transition to more sustainable alternatives. The company has implemented environmental initiatives, such as reducing certain chemicals of concern and introducing a reusable cup program. However, there are still opportunities for Panera to enhance its environmental practices and contribute further to the protection of the planet.
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Customer action
Panera Bread has faced criticism from customers over its use of plastic cups and containers for cold drinks and takeout salads, while also using paper cups and containers for hot drinks and pastries. Customers have started petitions calling on Panera Bread to eliminate all single-use plastic cups and containers, expressing concern for the environment and the impact of plastic pollution on wildlife. The company has been urged to transition to paper containers for all items, as it already uses suitable paper alternatives for some products.
In response to these concerns, Panera Bread has taken some steps towards reducing its environmental impact. The company introduced the "Use My Own Cup" program, allowing customers to use their personal, pre-washed reusable cups for eligible self-serve beverages in participating U.S. bakery cafes. However, this program has limitations, and Panera associates will not handle customers' reusable cups. Additionally, Panera Bread has made efforts to reduce chemicals of high concern (CHCs) and plastics of environmental health concern (PEHCs) in its packaging. In 2020, the company reported that it had mostly eliminated PFAS from to-go food packaging and switched to PFAS-free paper bags for baguettes.
Despite these efforts, customers continue to call for more comprehensive action from Panera Bread. One petition specifically requests that the company make plastic utensils optional for rapid pick-up and delivery orders, providing customers with the choice to opt out of receiving plastic utensils through its app or ordering system.
Panera Bread has expressed a commitment to protecting the environment and reducing its carbon footprint. The company acknowledges the impact of climate change on its business and the contribution of food systems to global carbon emissions. While it has taken some initiatives, customers are urging Panera Bread to go further in eliminating single-use plastics and providing more sustainable alternatives. The company's progress in this area is being closely monitored by environmentally conscious consumers who are advocating for more drastic changes to protect the planet.
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Frequently asked questions
Panera Bread has been criticized for its use of single-use plastic cups and containers, which contribute to climate change and pollution. While the company has expressed a commitment to protecting the environment and reducing its impact, it has not completely eliminated plastic items.
Panera Bread uses plastic cups and bowls for cold drinks and takeout salads, as well as plastic utensils for rapid pick-up and delivery orders.
Panera Bread already uses paper containers for some items, such as paper cups for hot drinks and paper bags for pastries. The company also offers a "Use My Own Cup" program, allowing customers to use their personal, pre-washed reusable cups for eligible self-serve beverages.
Panera Bread has stated that it is working towards reducing its environmental impact and has set goals for phasing out toxic chemicals from its food-contact materials. However, the company has not disclosed specific timelines for eliminating plastic items and has not extended its safer chemicals policy beyond the United States.
Customers who wish to see a reduction in plastic use at Panera Bread can sign petitions, such as the one on Change.org, urging the company to eliminate single-use plastic items. Customers can also participate in the "Use My Own Cup" program and bring their own reusable cups to reduce waste.
