Dunkin’ has taken significant steps towards sustainability in recent years, recognizing the importance of responsible sourcing and environmental stewardship. The company’s efforts extend beyond its coffee supply chain to encompass various aspects of its breakfast offerings.

Dunkin’ aims to achieve 100% responsibly sourced coffee by 2025 through its Drive-To Sustainability Program. This initiative reflects a broader commitment to making positive impacts on both customers and communities worldwide. By focusing on sustainable practices, Dunkin’ is working to address environmental concerns while supporting coffee farmers and producers in regions where their beans are grown.

1) Plant-Based Sausage Breakfast Sandwich

Dunkin’ has introduced a plant-based sausage option to its breakfast menu, catering to the growing demand for vegetarian and vegan alternatives. The Beyond Sausage Breakfast Sandwich features a 100% plant-based patty made by Beyond Meat.

This innovative sandwich combines the plant-based sausage with egg and American cheese on an English muffin. It offers customers a familiar taste and texture while providing a more sustainable protein choice.

The Beyond Sausage patty contains 10 grams of plant-based protein, making it a nutritious option for health-conscious consumers. Compared to Dunkin’s traditional sausage sandwich, it has fewer calories and less total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium.

Dunkin’ developed this sandwich in response to the increasing trend of Americans incorporating plant-based options into their diets. It demonstrates the company’s commitment to providing diverse menu choices that align with changing consumer preferences.

By offering plant-based alternatives, Dunkin’ is taking steps to reduce its environmental impact. Plant-based proteins generally require fewer resources to produce than animal-based proteins, contributing to sustainability efforts.

2) Reusable Travel Mugs Initiative

Dunkin’ has introduced a reusable mug program to reduce waste and promote sustainability. This initiative allows customers to bring their own travel mugs to participating locations.

Guests who bring reusable cups can receive a discount on their beverage purchases. The program applies to both hot and iced drinks, giving customers flexibility in their choices.

Importantly, the mug doesn’t need to be Dunkin’ branded. Any travel mug is acceptable, making it easy for customers to participate and reduce single-use cup waste.

The discount amount may vary by location, as individual stores set their own policies. Some Dunkin’ outlets offer refills at the price of a small coffee when customers use reusable mugs.

This program aligns with broader sustainability efforts in the food service industry. By encouraging reusable mug use, Dunkin’ aims to decrease its environmental impact and meet growing consumer demand for eco-friendly options.

The reusable mug initiative is part of Dunkin’s larger sustainability strategy. It complements other efforts like the company’s DD Green Achievement program, which focuses on building more sustainable restaurants.

3) Egg White Veggie Wake-Up Wrap

Dunkin’ has introduced the Egg White Veggie Wake-Up Wrap as a healthier breakfast option. This item caters to health-conscious customers seeking nutritious choices.

The wrap contains egg whites, a lean protein source that is lower in calories and cholesterol compared to whole eggs. It also includes vegetables, adding essential nutrients and fiber to the meal.

At 190 calories, the Egg White Veggie Wake-Up Wrap is a lighter alternative to many traditional breakfast sandwiches. It provides a balanced mix of protein and carbohydrates to start the day.

The wrap is made with a flour tortilla, making it easy to eat on-the-go. This convenience factor aligns with Dunkin’s commitment to serving busy customers quickly.

By offering this vegetarian option, Dunkin’ is expanding its menu to accommodate diverse dietary preferences. This move reflects a growing trend towards plant-based and healthier food choices in the fast-food industry.

The Egg White Veggie Wake-Up Wrap demonstrates Dunkin’s efforts to provide more sustainable and health-conscious options without sacrificing taste or convenience.

4) Locally Sourced Ingredients

Dunkin’ has made strides in incorporating locally sourced ingredients into its menu offerings. The company recognizes the importance of supporting local farmers and producers while reducing transportation-related emissions.

In select regions, Dunkin’ partners with nearby farms to source fresh produce for their breakfast sandwiches and wraps. This initiative not only ensures fresher ingredients but also helps stimulate local economies.

The coffee chain has also explored sourcing dairy products from regional suppliers when possible. This approach allows Dunkin’ to offer customers products that align with local tastes and preferences.

By prioritizing local sourcing, Dunkin’ aims to reduce its carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation. This strategy aligns with the company’s broader sustainability goals and commitment to environmental responsibility.

While Dunkin’ continues to expand its local sourcing efforts, the availability of locally sourced ingredients may vary by location due to seasonal changes and regional agricultural differences.

5) Compostable Packaging for Takeout

Dunkin’ has made significant strides in adopting compostable packaging for their takeout offerings. The company recognizes the environmental impact of traditional single-use containers and has invested in eco-friendly alternatives.

Dunkin’ now uses biodegradable cups, lids, and utensils made from plant-based materials. These items break down naturally in composting facilities, reducing landfill waste and greenhouse gas emissions.

The chain has also introduced compostable bagel bags and sandwich wrappers. These packaging solutions maintain food quality while minimizing environmental harm. Dunkin’ encourages customers to dispose of these items in compost bins where available.

To further support sustainability efforts, Dunkin’ has partnered with local composting facilities in select markets. This collaboration ensures proper processing of compostable packaging and promotes circular economy principles.

The shift to compostable takeout packaging aligns with Dunkin’s broader sustainability goals. It demonstrates the company’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint and meeting consumer demand for eco-friendly options.

6) Participation in Zero Waste Initiatives

Dunkin’ has taken steps to reduce waste in its operations and promote sustainability. The company has implemented initiatives to minimize packaging waste and increase recycling efforts across its stores.

Dunkin’ has introduced reusable cup programs in some locations, encouraging customers to bring their own mugs for refills. This helps reduce single-use cup waste and promotes more environmentally friendly habits among patrons.

The coffee chain has also worked on improving the recyclability of its packaging materials. Dunkin’ has redesigned some of its containers to use more eco-friendly materials that can be more easily recycled or composted.

In select stores, Dunkin’ has implemented composting programs for food waste. This diverts organic matter from landfills and allows it to be used as nutrient-rich soil for agriculture.

Dunkin’ continues to explore new ways to reduce waste throughout its supply chain and in-store operations. The company recognizes the importance of minimizing its environmental impact and is committed to finding innovative solutions to achieve zero waste goals.

Dunkin’s Commitment to Sustainable Ingredients

Dunkin’ is taking significant steps to incorporate more sustainable ingredients into their menu offerings. The company has set ambitious goals for sourcing responsibly and supporting local farmers.

Locally Sourced Produce

Dunkin’ is increasing its use of locally sourced produce in select markets. This initiative supports regional farmers and reduces transportation emissions. In New England, Dunkin’ sources apples from local orchards for their apple fritters and muffins.

The company has partnered with nearby farms to supply tomatoes and lettuce for sandwiches in certain locations. This farm-to-table approach ensures fresher ingredients while bolstering local economies.

Dunkin’ aims to expand these local sourcing programs to more regions in the coming years. They’re working with suppliers to identify opportunities for incorporating seasonal, regional produce into limited-time menu offerings.

Certified Organic Options

Dunkin’ has introduced certified organic options to cater to health-conscious consumers. Their organic green tea is sourced from USDA-certified organic tea farms.

The company offers organic milk as an alternative for coffee and espresso drinks in many locations. This provides customers with a choice that aligns with their dietary preferences and values.

Dunkin’ is exploring the feasibility of expanding their organic ingredient offerings. They’re conducting market research to gauge consumer interest in organic coffee beans, sweeteners, and baked goods.

The transition to more organic options faces challenges, including supply chain complexities and cost considerations. Dunkin’ is working to balance these factors while meeting growing consumer demand for certified organic products.

Eco-Friendly Packaging Innovations

Dunkin’ is making significant strides in reducing its environmental impact through innovative packaging solutions. The company is exploring biodegradable materials and offering reusable alternatives to customers, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability.

Biodegradable Packaging Materials

Dunkin’ has introduced cups, lids, and containers made from plant-based materials. These items break down more quickly than traditional plastics, reducing long-term environmental harm. The company’s coffee cups now feature a bio-resin lining, eliminating the need for a plastic inner coating.

Dunkin’ has also replaced foam cups with double-walled paper cups. These new cups maintain drink temperature while being more eco-friendly. The lid redesign uses less plastic and is more recyclable than previous versions.

Napkins and sandwich wraps are now made from recycled materials. This change has significantly decreased the company’s reliance on virgin paper products.

Reusable Alternatives for Customers

Dunkin’ encourages customers to bring their own reusable cups and containers. The company offers discounts to those who use personal mugs for coffee purchases. This incentive program has seen a steady increase in participation since its introduction.

In select locations, Dunkin’ sells branded reusable cups and tumblers. These items are designed for long-term use and help reduce single-use container waste. The company has also introduced a pilot program for returnable cup systems in some stores.

Dunkin’ provides reusable bags for food purchases upon request. These bags are made from durable, washable materials and can be used repeatedly for takeout orders.

Energy Efficient Practices

Dunkin’ has implemented several energy-saving initiatives across its operations. The company launched DD Green Achievement, a program designed to help franchisees build more sustainable and energy-efficient restaurants.

As of May 2019, over 340 DD Green Achievement shops were certified. Dunkin’ aims to open 500 such restaurants, demonstrating its commitment to reducing environmental impact.

The company set ambitious goals for energy reduction in its corporate facilities. Dunkin’ targets a 28% decrease in energy use per square foot by the end of 2020, with plans to reach 30% by 2025.

Dunkin’ has also focused on improving fuel efficiency in its truck fleet. The company achieved a 13% increase in fleet fuel efficiency ahead of schedule in 2017, surpassing its initial 2025 goal.

These efforts extend to individual store operations. Dunkin’ encourages franchisees to adopt energy-saving practices and equipment, such as LED lighting and energy-efficient appliances.

By prioritizing energy efficiency, Dunkin’ reduces its carbon footprint and operational costs. This strategy aligns with the company’s broader sustainability goals and demonstrates its dedication to responsible business practices.