Yum! Brands, the parent company of KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and The Habit Burger Grill, has released its annual Global Citizenship & Sustainability Report, outlining advancements in reducing carbon emissions, improving packaging, and community impact.
The report, published on October 9, 2024, details the company’s progress across its three priority pillars: People, Food, and Planet. These pillars form part of Yum! Brands’ Good Growth strategy, which the company says integrates responsible business practices with its growth objectives.
Environmental initiatives take center stage at Yum! Brands
Yum! Brands reports being on track to achieve its 2030 emission reduction goals across Scopes 1, 2, and 3 (as it relates to energy emissions from franchisee-owned restaurants). The company has also made strides in sustainable sourcing and packaging:
- KFC Europe has committed to sourcing 100% sustainable soy by 2025.
- Pizza Hut has decreased emissions by 10% in the milk used for its cheese by improving cattle feed.
- Taco Bell has expanded its recycling program with TerraCycle beyond sauce packets.
- The Habit Burger Grill has reduced paper usage with new takeout bags.
Food safety and responsible sourcing
In 2023, over 70% of Yum!-approved suppliers achieved Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) Certification. The company also reports sourcing over 90% cage-free eggs for the 25,000 restaurants with a 2026 goal.
Additionally, Yum! Brands has endorsed the Antimicrobial Use Stewardship Principles in Poultry, supporting an initiative that includes over 40% of global poultry meat production.
Diversity and community impact
The report highlights progress in diversity and community initiatives:
- 44% of global corporate leadership roles were held by women in 2023, up from 33% in 2018.
- Over 7,100 restaurant general managers and assistant managers completed the company’s leadership development program.
- Since 2020, Yum! has reached 204,000 people and utilized or committed USD $71 million for community impact programs.
Yum! Brands CEO David Gibbs stated, “In 2023, we experienced a year of remarkable growth and remained focused on greenhouse gas reduction, sustainable packaging and having a positive community impact. Our Good Growth strategy has propelled our sales and restaurant development, which allows us to invest more in areas like renewable energy, supplier pilot programs and technical training for at-risk youth in our communities – the Growth advances the Good.”
The company’s efforts have led to its inclusion in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index North America and recognition on USA Today’s 2023 America’s Climate Leaders list.
For more detailed information, the full Global Citizenship & Sustainability Report is available on the Yum! Brands website at www.yum.com/impact.
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