OUR GOAL IS NET ZERO
FELFEL's sustainability strategy
The climate crisis is becoming more and more evident. As a family business, parents and responsible entrepreneurs, it is our duty to tackle the CO2 problem.
For the planet
Our journey to net zero
Measure
We measure our emissions in cooperation with our partner Carbotech.
Reduce
We pursue ambitious projects that aim to reduce our largest sources of emissions.
COMPENSATE
We offset unavoidable emissions through projects, in Switzerland preferably.
MEASURE
OUR CO2 EMISSIONS TODAY
Emissions at FELFEL mainly come from food production and its transport. Packaging and the work in our offices also contribute to the total emissions to a small extent. In partnership with environmental consultants Carbotech, we calculated that we emitted 4863 tons of CO2 in 2021. Here are our biggest hotspots:
Food: 63%
Packaging: 7%
Transport: 23%
Energy: 1%
COMMUNITY: 6%
REDUCE
ACTION PLAN 'BIG 5'
We are convinced that, as a team, we can reduce FELFEL's emissions by 30% by 2026. To achieve this, we have developed concrete measures for our five biggest CO2 generators ('Big 5'). Are you curious about how we will accomplish this? Let's go!
FOOD
63% of total emissions
Goal: To reduce emissions by 30%
We calculated the carbon footprint of every meal and product in the FELFEL. This will allow us to develop more sustainable recipes and menus, as well as create transparency to enable our clients to reduce emissions for themselves. In addition to that, we will aim to reduce food waste by a quarter. Our measures:
-
Our food scouts are constantly working on creating new delicious meals. To create new lower CO2 footprint meals, they are looking at different cuisines that put vegetables at the centre. Like this, they create new meals for you in the FELFEL that are lower in CO2 footprint without compromising on deliciousness!
-
GOAL: to reduce food waste by 25%
Our algorithm is improved weekly with data showing what, where and how much is being eaten. We also offer our popular 'Happy Hour' and other promotions to reduce food waste further.
-
GOAL: to triple food donations
Meals that are safe to eat from a microbiological standpoint never end up in the waste. Towards the end of their 'lifetime', they are given to those in need by our partner, 'Schweizer Tafel'.
-
Food that is no longer allowed to be offered for consumption according to the Food Law will be converted by us and our partners into biogas.
PACKAGING
7% of total emissions
We already recycle our PP containers for lunch dishes in Switzerland with a local partner. We will make all packaging recyclable or reusable. Our measures:
-
GOAL: to recycle 50% of all our packaging
In a current project, we are sourcing more recyclable packaging materials to avoid waste incineration from smaller products.
-
In the near future, we will start a test run with reusable packaging, which can significantly reduce our plastic consumption and make a positive contribution to reducing CO2 emissions.
Transport
23% of total emissions
This includes our third-party logistics partners, who are in charge of daily food deliveries across Switzerland, as well as our company vehicles, that our team uses to travel and meet with customers, partners or for off-site events. Our measures:
-
GOAL: to make 20% of deliveries with renewable energy
Various analyses are currently being carried out on the possible use of new types of distribution vehicles, which will be tested in the coming years.
-
GOAL: to switch 95% of our vehicles to electric
When expanding our vehicle fleet, we focus on electric vehicles. A total of 95% of the vehicles are to be electrically powered.
Energy
1% of total emissions
Heating, cooling and general electricity consumption are the main elements to be reduced. Our measures:
-
GOAL: Save 10% of electricity in the FELFEL buildings
Back in autumn 2022, our Operations Team created a savings plan that will enable us to save 10% electricity in all FELFEL buildings. Dimmed lights, stairs instead of lifts and lower room temperatures are just a few examples.
-
We are currently converting different sources of electricity to renewable energy and using efficiency improvements, e.g. we can heat different buildings through efficiencies of our cold storage.
Community
6% of total emissions
Our Office Management Team is part of our Sustainability Group: it encourages over 100 employees and our partners to reduce CO2 emissions through sustainable measures in both our offices. Our measures:
-
Through financial incentives (payment of the Swiss Half Fare Card “Halbtax”) and a lot of valuable information, we encourage employees to use public transport and bicycles instead of cars or planes, both at work and in their private lives. As a company, we will eliminate plane travel for team outings.
-
In collaboration with our Office Management Team, various projects are currently in progress for a more efficient recycling and effective transfer of know-how within the team. Just as we are working on recycling solutions for our packaging, we will do the same in the office.
COMPENSATE
Our partners
Following three years of intensive reductions at FELFEL, we will offset the remaining and unavoidable carbon footprint. To achieve this, we will stay as close as possible to our own supply chain and give preference to projects in Switzerland.
The Gavetti service has been CO2-neutral since its launch, and we work with a project that supports sustainable development in Peru, where 60% of our coffee beans come from.
ORGANIC FOR MORE BIODIVERSITY
Our entire coffee and tea range is certified organic, as are practically all drinks and many other products at FELFEL.
FOR THE PEOPLE
SOCIAL INITIATIVES
We are committed to social initiatives and social justice. Furthermore, we want to contribute to a sustainable, local economy with a dynamic community. Here are our main initiatives:
SUPPORT SMALL FAMILY BUSINESSES
At FELFEL, we work with over 30 small businesses across Switzerland that produce all of our meals and snacks. In this way, we support the local economy and future generations.
ONLY SMALL SWISS BUSINESSES COOK FOR FELFEL
This way we invest in local communities – and it tastes so much better.
PLANNABILITY FOR SUPPLIERS
With the help of our algorithm, our suppliers have planning security and practically no food waste.
REDUCE POVERTY
In places where our products come from poorer regions of the world, we ensure that we pay fair wages and invest in local initiatives.
EXCLUSIVELY FAIRTRADE COFFEE
Our coffee farmers earn about 30% more than the average coffee farmer.
MANGO PROJECT IN GHANA
Our mangoes are dried in Ghana, mainly by women. From each bag purchased from the FELFEL fridges, CHF -.05 goes to the factory's nursery to support the working mothers.
WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT
At FELFEL, over 60% of the employees are women. They are also the majority in the Leadership Team. It is important for us to address women’s issues and implement clear solutions.
FAMILY AND WORK BALANCE
FELFEL supports mothers by offering flexible work, easy re-entry into the office and financial support for day-care centres.
SUPPORT OF WOMEN FARMERS IN PERU
With each bag of coffee from our farmers, we support the Unicafec cooperative with an additional donation for their production facilities.
OUR PARTNERS
Thank you, Grazie and we look forward to hearing from you.
