Swedish fast food companies release carbon footprint data for their products
Max Burger, the Swedish fast-food chain that claims to be the world's first, publishes the emissions of its products on its menu. Beef products have relatively high carbon emissions compared to other foods. The carbon footprint of a meat product is calculated by adding up the greenhouse gas emissions from the methane emitted by the cattle, the machinery and equipment used on the farm, and the transportation such as trucks that transport the cattle.
This fast-food chain took a contrarian approach, advocating for "less meat" and launching "less-meat products." The company aimed for transparency with consumers and hoped other fast-food businesses would follow suit. Max Burger unexpectedly gained significant brand exposure by disclosing its carbon footprint, without experiencing any negative impact.
A recent survey in Sweden revealed that 92% of people want to know more about the "green credentials" of products they purchase.
Climate Labelling vs. Carbon Labelling
However, due to the complexity and expense of calculating carbon footprints, two Swedish food factories are currently collaborating to develop a simpler and more easily understood label to replace the abstract meaning of carbon footprints. The label, currently under development, is called the Climate Label. It can be affixed to factories that meet specific standards in farming, manufacturing, packaging, and transportation. This label is designed to serve as a benchmark for the environmental performance of Swedish food manufacturing. If this new label is successful, it is hoped that it can also be provided as a reference for other countries to pilot.
– Reference source: BBC News, 2009-12-09
– Translated by Plastic Industry Technology Development Center
– For reference only, please refer to the original text
