CA - Making Sustainability Profitable

Making sustainability profitable for business: Entegra’s strategies and tools to help the planet

Making sustainability profitable for business: Entegra’s strategies and tools to help the planet

According to the Sodexo-Harris first international sustainable food barometer , 79% of respondents across four of the world’s largest markets expressed that adopting food behaviors that are friendly to the environment and communities is urgent. Moreover, this has become a fundamental driver of efficiency in today’s business world: Companies that embrace sustainable approaches make costeffective decisions.

At the forefront of this movement is Entegra, a subsidiary of Sodexo, which is committed to empowering businesses to achieve their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) goals through sustainability solutions.

Redefining CSR: Entegra's commitment to sustainability

Entegra's pledge to protect the planet is not merely a reflection of industry trends but a core principle. Through a comprehensive approach that encompasses environmental stewardship, ethical sourcing and community engagement, Entegra is redefining the paradigm of CSR in the procurement sector. Leveraging innovative strategies, strategic partnerships and industry expertise, Entegra enables businesses to drive positive impact while enhancing operational efficiency and profitability.

This guide explores three key sustainability approaches: reducing food waste, embracing sustainable packaging and optimizing energy and water conservation. It also provides actionable strategies for businesses to minimize their environmental impact while cutting costs and boosting competitiveness.

https://wwwsodexocom/en/news/newsroom/2023/first-international-sustainable-food-barometer 1

Reducing Food Waste = Cost Savings

Food waste is a significant issue plaguing the foodservice industry, leading to both environmental harm and substantial financial losses. However, businesses have the opportunity to implement strategies to reduce waste and optimize resource utilization.

How can Entegra help reduce food waste and costs

Prevention is the only strategy that stops waste locally and globally.

Entegra has partnered with the Leanpath program to connect its clients with industry-leading solutions to tackle food waste. Leanpath has been implemented in 40 countries and has helped save over 90 million pounds of food in the last 15 years.

How it works: It helps operators understand what they are wasting and why what’s driving that to help reduce it over time. Your business can address food waste preventatively and deliver measurable benefits.

2.https://www.wfp.org/stories/5-facts-about-food-waste-and-hunger

3.https://www.usda.gov/foodwaste/faqs

4.https://www.fao.org/newsroom/detail/FAO-UNEP-agriculture-environment-food-loss-waste-day-2022/en

5.https://www.foodmanufacturing.com/supply-chain/blog/22865828/food-waste-costs-the-worlds-economy-1t-each-year

How Lean Path works

Target

Set a prevention target. Leanpath clients will often set a goal to halve their food waste within one to two years.

Measure

How Leanpath works

A kitchen first measures its food waste to set a baseline. The daily measurement practice continues, providing ongoing insight into what is unused and why. The simple measurement also raises awareness and changes behaviors that lead to waste.

Act

Equipped with data from measurement, kitchens adjust operations to avoid a surplus from reoccurring.

Entegra Performance Kitchen

Based in Richmond, Virginia, the Entegra Performance Kitchen equips you with the tools and expertise for world-class culinary innovation and menu optimization. With know-how from our in-house culinarians, you can stand out from the competition, whether your business is hospitality, foodservice or senior living care. From selecting sustainable ingredients to helping to test energy-efficient equipment and sourcing locally, our culinarians will work with you to achieve your sustainability and efficiency goals.

The top three benefits of using the Entegra Performance Kitchen:

1. Menu development with an in-house culinarian:

Get first-hand guidance for strategic menu ideation and direction as well as how to optimize your operations. Our culinary director provides new menu training, ingredient insights and reports on the latest food trends, including developing more plant-based dishes to reduce cost.

2. Training videos:

Access a library of instructional videos covering various culinary techniques, best practices and innovative recipes tailored to your specific needs. These videos provide on-demand training for your staff, ensuring consistent quality and efficiency in your kitchen operations.

3. SKU rationalization:

In these times of supply chain issues, streamlining your SKUs reduces costs by increasing fill rates and reducing inventory levels, making your operation easier to manage [DR1] [DR1]Infographic

“The Entegra Performance Kitchen is always thinking about healthy eating, like plant-forward foods, reduction of animal proteins and a mindful way of looking at our diet. The most powerful way we can spur change is by sharing these principles with all our operators and highlighting the use of these ingredients.”

–JohnCsukor,HeadofCulinary,EPK

Sustainable Packaging = Less Waste

Certain packaging allows for minimizing food waste at low costs by providing protection and preservation for perishable items, thus extending their shelf life. This benefit comes at a relatively low cost, as the expense of the packaging is offset by the savings from reduced food waste. The widespread usage of single-use packaging containers also leaves a massive burden on the environment. For instance, most plastic waste ends up in landfills or directly in the environment, according to the Environmental Defense Fund’s Supply Chain Solution Center, and because it’s not biodegradable becomes harmful to all forms of life.

Addressing the environmental consequences of single-use packaging

Once in landfills, food waste produces methane, a powerful greenhouse gas contributing to global warming. Packaging protects food from contamination, helps to reduce spoilage and extends shelf life. Research from the EPA suggests that properly wrapping up food, despite its environmental impact, plays a crucial role in reducing the overall footprint of both food and packaging by preventing food waste.

6.https://supplychain.edf.org/resources/sustainability-101-packaging-waste-the-problem/

7.https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/packaging-and-paper/our-insights/the-drive-toward-sustainability-in-packaging-beyond-the-quick-wins

Driving environmental responsibility through more circular choices

By embracing recyclable packaging while opting for reusable solutions, businesses can reduce their reliance on single-use plastics and contribute to a more sustainable packaging ecosystem.

"Our approach to promoting single-use plastic or foam cups may seem cheaper upfront, but when we consider the entire lifecycle of the product — from production to disposal — we realize that the total cost is expensive. We're working with our category managers to educate them on the concept of total cost of ownership and the importance of considering all dimensions of a product, not just the initial price tag. This is how Entegra embeds responsible sourcing in our day-to-day activity."

–Sévrine Bethy, Sodexo’s NORAM Head of Responsible Sourcing

How it works: Entegra has a variety of suppliers for all your packaging needs, whether your goal is to find more sustainable substitutes for existing systems or a complete revamp of your packaging lineup:

Pactiv Evergreen – Pactiv Evergreen's packaging is vital to safeguarding food during transportation, preserving freshness and prolonging shelf life both in stores and consumers' homes. This not only minimizes food waste but also fosters sustainable business practices by providing cost-effective solutions.

Sabert – Theircommitmenttosustainabilityspansfarbeyondrecyclableorcompostableproduct lines.Itimpactstheirentirebusinessmodel,fromnewproductdevelopmenttoongoing modificationandproductimprovements.

Polapak – Theirvisiontosustainabilitycomestolifeeverydaythroughtheirfocusonproduct development,efficiencyandsafetyinouroperations,andpartnershipswithcustomers,suppliers, communitiesandpolicymakers.

Energy and Water Conservation = Decreased Energy Usage

Big energy solutions

Resource management is an excellent tool for cost savings. Entegra’s Energy Services has an array of savings insights, expert support and cutting-edge tools to help you make smarter energy decisions and meet your sustainability goals. Our recent guide to controlling energy costs is a good place to start.

In addition, Entegra offers energy procurement for clients in deregulated markets, assisting them in purchasing electricity and natural gas. From one-time or ongoing services to self-performing modules and rebates and incentives, Entegra can help in addressing all your energy and management needs.

Energy services for every need :

Utility expense management: Manage all your energy-related bills and see your energy savings in one place.

Energy benchmarking: Entegra offers free benchmarking so you can see how much you could save on energy utilization.

Energy procurement: Let our experts help you secure electric and natural gas supplies in times of uncertain pricing.

If North American businesses commit to annually reducing their greenhouse gas emissions, they could collectively reap as much as$190 billion in annual savings 8 . — World Wildlife Fund and CDP

A multi-faceted approach to energy and sustainability

Entegra's Energy Services goes beyond simple recommendations. We offer a wide range of initiatives aimed at reducing energy consumption and promoting sustainability. Our services encompass:

Energy audits:Our experts will conduct a thorough energy audit to identify areas for improvement and potential cost savings.

Targeted solutions:Based on the audit findings, we will develop a customized plan with cuttingedge technologies and potentially even renewable energy solutions.

Implementation and support:We will work closely with you throughout the implementation process, ensuring a smooth transition and ongoing support.

Entegra's Energy Services provides a data-driven approach to achieving both energy efficiency and sustainability goals. Contact us today to discuss your specific needs and learn how we can help your business create a more sustainable future.

Want to learn more about Entegra's Energy Services and how they can help your business thrive?

“Entegra is a very proud founding member of the Hospitality Alliance for Responsible Sourcing powered by EcoVadis alongside the world’s leading hospitality businesses.We firmly believe that collaboration is key to accelerating impact. Leading the way on sustainability topics has always been a priority for Entegra and we are convinced that we can make a significant, positive impact by improving sustainability all along the hospitality supply chain and sharing our best practices and know-how. Sustainable procurement will be key to elevating the hospitality industry and exceeding guests’ expectations.”

–Damien Calderini, Entegra Global CEO

“This alliance reflects our long-standing commitmentto helping our supplier partners progress and achieve their sustainability ambitions, thus providing more value to our hospitality clients and supporting them in their key business goals.”

–Paul McArdle, Entegra Global COO, the company’s representative on the HARP board

Entegra’s partnership with the Hospitality Alliance for Responsible Procurement (HARP)

During a time when sustainability and ethical sourcing are at the forefront of industry discussions, businesses must take proactive steps toward positive change. Entegra is a leader in responsible procurement, evidenced by its role as a founding member of HARP.

HARP: Redefining hospitality procurement standards

HARP is a groundbreaking initiative designed to elevate the hospitality industry's commitment to sustainability, ethical sourcing practices and social responsibility. Entegra is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of transparency, accountability and integrity throughout its procurement processes.

Driving positive change through collaboration

Research shows that 35% of consumers would buy sustainably packaged products if they were more available or better labeled.

By joining forces with other industry leaders through HARP, Entegra is actively driving meaningful change across the entire hospitality supply chain. This collaborative effort focuses on ensuring fair labor practices, promoting environmentally friendly sourcing methods and ultimately making a positive impact on the communities they serve.

Setting a new standard: Responsible purchasing for a sustainable future

Entegra's participation in HARP is setting a new standard for responsible purchasing within the hospitality industry. By prioritizing sustainability and social responsibility, Entegra is building a better, more ethical future for the industry as a whole.

Want to learn more about Entegra's commitment to sustainability and its role as a founding member of HARP?

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Entegra's Local and Direct Suppliers program

rect Suppliers program acts as a bridge, nesses with a diverse network of regional local vendors offer a wide range of products m fresh produce and artisanal goods to ment.

Entegra's Local and Direct Suppliers program: Connecting you to your community

Our Local and Direct Suppliers program acts as a bridge, connecting businesses with a diverse network of regional suppliers. These local vendors offer a wide range of products and services, from fresh produce and artisanal goods to specialty equipment.

Finding the perfect local fit

Entegra's Local and Direct Suppliers program simplifies the process of finding and connecting with regional suppliers that align with your values and specific needs. Whether you're a restaurant seeking fresh, locally sourced ingredients or a hotel searching for unique amenities to enhance the guest experience, our program has a vast network of vendors to meet your requirements.

Partner with Entegra and support your community

Let Entegra's Local and Direct Suppliers program be your guide to building stronger community connections and a thriving business. Contact us today to learn more about how our program can connect you with the perfect local partners.

Want to explore the diverse range of regional suppliers available through Entegra's Local and Direct Suppliers program?

Partnering for a sustainable future

We are proud to share that Sodexo ranked #2 in social responsibility on Fortune Magazine’s 2024 list and is the only company in its sector to be given an A score in the CDP climate ranking . (CDP is a global non-profit that runs the world’s environmental disclosure system for companies, cities, states and regions.) As part of Sodexo, Entegra is committed to supporting businesses in their sustainability journey through innovative solutions, strategic partnerships and industry leadership. Furthermore, our commitment to sustainability extends beyond our operations, as evidenced by our founding membership in HARP and dedication to driving positive change across the supply chain.

Together, your business and Entegra can build a more sustainable future for the foodservice industry, the planet and our communities. Through collaboration and collective action, we can create a more resilient, equitable and sustainable foodservice industry for generations to come. Partner with us to reach your ESG and CSR goals. Speak to an Entegra Advisor today.

9 https://ussodexocom/news-releases/cdp-climate-rankinghtml