Canadian coffee and breakfast chain Tim Hortons has set a goal to reduce packaging 5 percent across its supply chain and manufacturing operations by 2012, as well as to reduce energy and water consumption 5 percent at new locations by 2011.
The effort comes as Tim Hortons is also ramping up its push into the U.S. market with 45 locations opened there last year, according to the firm's 2009 Annual Report (PDF), which includes sustainability information as well.
The company, which had 2009 revenues of $2.2 billion, plans to publish a separate sustainability report in the future.
Among other efforts, Tim Hortons is piloting two separate restaurant locations with energy saving features and environmentally friendly construction, with the goal to get LEED certification and provide an example for future locations.
The company also plans to achieve a 5 percent increase in fuel efficiency for its distribution fleet by 2011 by improving vehicle and route selection and pallet optimization, as well as using speed-control and anti-idling policies.
The company is working with municipalities to ensure that its paper cup is accepted by recycling and composting programs. So far, recycling/composting is available to more than 400 of Tim Horton's locations.
Tim Hortons has 3,015 locations in Canada and 563 in the U.S., making it the fourth largest restaurant company in North America.
In its supply chain, Tim Hortons is developing an audit and verification program for its coffee sourceing.
