Dunkin’ publishes annual sustainability report

Dunkin' Brands has published its 2017-18 Sustainability Report, which focuses on the key pillars of the company's sustainability strategy – sustainable food, restaurants and communities, Dunkin’ says the report provides a thorough overview of its sustainability progress and the ongoing commitment of its brands and franchisees to create a positive impact for both customers and communities throughout the world. Key goals and accomplishments detailed in the 2017-18 Sustainability Report include: Supporting coffee sustainability
In 2018, Dunkin' announced a five-year agreement with World Coffee Research (WCR), a non-profit collaborative research and development program of the global coffee industry. A percentage of sales from every pound of Original Blend coffee beans sold to Dunkin' franchisees for use in Dunkin' restaurants now go to WCR in support of its coffee sustainability efforts. Additionally, Dunkin' joined the Sustainable Coffee Challenge, a collaborative effort among companies, governments, non-government organisations, research institutions, and others dedicated to making coffee the world's first fully sustainable agricultural product. Transitioning from foam
Dunkin' is on track to meet a watershed sustainability goal – the elimination of polystyrene foam cups in its global supply chain by mid-2020. In its United States restaurants, Dunkin' has begun rolling out a new double-walled paper cup for all hot beverages, offering heat retention properties that are equal to its foam cup and its signature re-closable lid. The elimination of foam is expected to remove approximately one billion foam cups from the waste stream annually. Dunkin' also recently conducted a successful test for a new hot coffee cup lid made of polypropylene five, which can be recycled in cities and towns that offer number five recycling. Dunkin' projects to have the new lid in all of its US system by the middle of 2020. This transition, along with the move to the double-walled paper cup, will remove 19 million pounds of polystyrene from the waste stream annually. Offering vegan and plant-based options
Dunkin' has made a commitment to expand its vegan and plant-based offerings on its menus by 2020. Offering cleaner menu labels
Dunkin' successfully removed artificial dyes from all its donuts, baked goods, breakfast sandwiches, and coffee flavourings, and nearly all frozen beverages. Improving energy efficiency
Dunkin' launched DD Green Achievement five years ago, designed to help its franchisees build more sustainable and energy-efficient restaurants. With more than 340 certified DD Green Achievement shops as of May 2019, Dunkin' is on track to meet its stated goal of opening 500 DD Green Achievement restaurants by the end of 2020. DD Green Achievement is also a key component of Dunkin's next-generation store design. Unveiled at the start of 2018, Dunkin' will bring its store-of-the-future experience to guests in all of its communities over the coming years. Bringing joy to kids who need it most
The Joy in Childhood Foundation, powered by Dunkin' and sister company Baskin-Robbins, has granted US$20 million primarily to bring the simple joys of childhood to kids battling hunger or illness. In just the past two years, guests have also donated US$4.2 million through Community Cups and Community Cones in-store fundraisers. Committing to diversity and inclusion
Dunkin' received a perfect score of 100 on the 2019 Corporate Equality Index, a benchmarking survey and report on corporate policies and practices related to workplace equality. “We are proud of the progress we are making to serve our guests in an even more responsible manner — from eliminating foam cups, introducing plant-based proteins and vegan options, strengthening the sustainability of our coffee supply, giving back to our communities through our Foundation and more,” says Karen Raskopf, Chief Communications and Sustainability Officer of Dunkin' Brands. “Yet, we know there is work still to be done. Our brands are on a journey of transformation, and our franchisees, employees and suppliers are committed to getting there in a way that is not only sustainable, but also strong, smart and kind.” To read the report, click here. Follow Global Coffee Report on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter for up-to-date news and analysis of the global coffee industry.