Circular Economy

We work to extend the useful life of the waste we generate, pursuing circular solutions in our operations. We encourage the recycling and subsequent reuse of waste, for the benefits of society and the environment.

To this end, we implement initiatives such as innovation in design and the elimination of single-use plastics

Our initiatives

Reuse of Materials

With the objective of minimizing the generation of waste from our restaurants, we develop initiatives that allow us to take certain inputs and reinsert them into the production chain as raw materials.

Recycling vegetable oil

We collect oil from our kitchens, to ensure its proper disposal and conversion to biodiesel as well as soap in some of the markets where we operate.

In 2021, we recovered more than 2 million liters of cooking oil.

Composting

We convert food, fruit, tea, coffee and napkin waste from our offices into compost for our orchard and garden. Employees can also take the compost to use in their homes.

+ 48 tons of compost in 1 year.

Cardboard

Among some of our initiatives, we worked together with our logistics suppliers to recover cardboard from our restaurants for recycling and reuse in the generation of new packaging. The project is gradually being implemented in several markets. In 2021, we recovered more than 93 tons of cardboard in Colombia and 54 tons in Mexico, which were reused in our value chain, providing us with opportunities to maximize the life cycle of the material and reduce waste.

More than 147 tons recovered in the year.

Sustainable trays

In partnership with UBQ Materials, in Brazil we began replacing the trays in our restaurants with a sustainable thermoplastic material. Thanks to this production and manufacturing process developed by the Israeli company, domestic waste is recycled and converted into a material that does not pollute and can be reused an endless number of times.

Each ton of material avoids the emission of 12 tons of CO2.
In collaboration with UBQ Materials, we manufactured more than 100,000 bio-based thermoplastic trays.

Waste

We provide training for the entire company on the generation, handling, control and responsible disposal of waste. Additionally, we implement region-specific procedures for restaurants in different geographies.

Through the PDS program, our restaurant employees are trained on a conscious water use, energy, GHG emission measurement, waste separation and education for sustainable development.

Our work guidelines

In all our offices we replaced disposable cups with reusable porcelain cups, which allows us to considerably reduce waste generation.
In the last 4 years, we removed 48% of single-use plastics in our restaurants.
In Argentina, we replaced traditional paper with an ecological one, made from 100% sugarcane fiber and without chemical bleaches.

Our commitment to the future

2025

GOAL 3

Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages

Access to health and well-being is a human right, and this is why the Sustainable Development Agenda offers a new opportunity to ensure that all people, not just those with the highest purchasing power, can access the highest standards of health and healthcare.

Our contribution: From Arcos Dorados and the McDonald’s system of which we are part, we work to keep families with children receiving medical treatment together and close to specialists. In addition, we are constantly evolving, providing changes in our menu offerings and alternatives to bring children to incorporate new habits into their daily lives.

GOAL 4

Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all

Education contributes to reducing inequalities, empowering people around the world to lead healthier and more sustainable lives.

Our contribution: We remain strongly committed to providing training opportunities for all people, whether they are employees or young people in their final years of secondary school.

GOAL 8

Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth; full and productive employment and decent work for all

Reducing unemployment and developing useful skills, especially for young people, are essential components of sustained and inclusive economic growth. With a presence in 20 countries in the region, we employ more than 100,000 people, 71% of whom are young people between the ages of 19 and 24.

Our contribution: We are one of the main employers of young people in the region. We understand that it is through first job opportunities and ongoing training that we can ensure people’s professional development.

GOAL 13

Take urgent action to combat climate change and its effects

Climate change is the greatest environmental issue of our time and affects our customers, our employees, from our supply chain to the communities in which we operate our restaurants.

Our contribution: With a presence in 20 countries in the region, at Arcos Dorados, we are using our scale, engaging across our supply chain, to help address this defining issue for current and future generations.

GOAL 14

Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development

The ocean drives the global systems that make the Earth habitable for humankind. Our rainwater, drinking water, weather, climate, coastlines, much of our food and even the oxygen in the air we breathe are provided and regulated by the sea.

Our contribution: To ensure their proper management, we work to ensure that we source from sources that are respectful of the seas and the environment.

GOAL 15

Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss

Forests around the world are threatened by deforestation, which is estimated to account for up to 15% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This represents a real risk to our business, our supply chain and our customers.

Our contribution: Committed to caring for them, we were the first company to sign a global agreement to combat climate change, engaging in the supply chain to ensure that our raw materials do not contribute to deforestation.

GOAL 6

Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all

The sustainable management of water resources, in turn, allows us to improve the management of food and energy production and thus contribute to the economic growth of communities. To this end, it is important that we work to reduce the consumption of this natural resource.

Our contribution: We carry out different implementations in our restaurants that allow us to regulate consumption. In addition, through the Natal Program, we reuse water for cleaning and irrigation tasks in the restaurants.

GOAL 7

Ensure access to affordable, safe, sustainable and modern energy for all

Energy is the main contributor to climate change, accounting for around 60% of total global greenhouse gas emissions.

Our contribution: Through changes in habits in our restaurants, we are working to ensure sustainable energy management.

GOAL 12

Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns

Responsible sourcing of our food and packaging is fundamental to our ability to continue to source high-quality raw materials in the future. This includes making the most efficient use of natural resources and minimizing negative impacts on people and the planet.

Our contribution: We have a strong commitment to source only certified and recycled raw materials. In addition, we work to eliminate single-use plastics from our operation and generate circular economy procedures that allow us to reduce our impact on the environment.

GOAL 17

Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development

We are aware that we cannot do this alone. Achieving this goal requires the development of strategic alliances that enable us to carry out initiatives that impact more people. This makes SDG 17 transversal to all our pillars.

Our contribution: We are all in this together, from McDonald’s employees, Franchisees and suppliers to investors, NGOs and academics, and we know that local communities and subject matter experts are critical to lasting impact. Continuing to build meaningful partnerships will help us prioritize the issues of greatest concern to our business and society, and drive innovation.