Joy for Tomorrow’: Jollibee Group’s Ongoing Journey in Environmental Stewardship
The Jollibee Group continues to advance its environmental sustainability efforts through a global sustainability agenda framework called Joy for Tomorrow, aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The global framework includes three pillars: food, people, and planet. The planet pillar is dedicated to environmental stewardship that prioritizes impactful actions in energy and water efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainable packaging.
Energy and Water Efficiency
Over 16,800 solar panels have been installed by the Jollibee Group at its four main manufacturing sites in the Philippines, marking a significant milestone in its sustainability journey.
The manufacturing and logistics sites have already achieved a remarkable 28.2% reduction in energy use ratio in 2023, and have increased the total solar energy capacity across the company’s supply chain to 9.1 megawatts.
In its restaurant operations, the Jollibee Group has outfitted 44 stores of Jollibee, Chowking, and Mang Inasal across the Philippines with solar panels, meeting between 5% to 35% of the store’s energy needs and improving cost efficiency.
The Jollibee Group also actively participates in global environmental efforts such as Earth Hour. On March 23, 2024, over 4,700 stores and facilities across the Philippines, China, North America, Europe, Middle East, and Asia switched off their lights for an hour. This effort included brands such as Jollibee, Mang Inasal, Chowking, Greenwich, and Red Ribbon in the Philippines; Tim Ho Wan, Yonghe King, and Hong Zhuang Yuan in China; Highlands Coffee in Vietnam; Jollibee, Smashburger, and Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf in North America; as well as Panda Express, Yoshinoya, Burger King, and Common Man Coffee Roasters.
Waste Reduction
By 2023, the company has diverted 51% of its waste from landfills and are disposed of sustainably—a significant increase from 39.7% in 2021. Notably, the Mang Inasal Marilao Commissary has achieved zero-waste-to-landfill status in 2023, setting a benchmark for sustainable operations.
Since 2022, the Jollibee Group has partnered with Island Rescue Organization (IRO), an NGO dedicated for the welfare and rescue of stray and abused animals. Through this collaboration, meat and other ingredient waste that are no longer ideal for human consumption are repurposed as animal feed, benefiting shelter animals.
By the end 2023, Jollibee Group’s manufacturing sites in the Philippines have achieved a 42.8% reduction in waste-generated ratio compared with their 2020 baseline.
Packaging and Recycling
Many store locations worldwide of the Jollibee Group have adopted “Project Wash,” utilizing reusable wares for dine-in to reduce reliance on single-use items. In the Philippines, bamboo stirrers for coffee have been implemented systemwide across all brands, while Chowking has transitioned from polypropylene lids to cup-sealing films for beverages this year.
In the United States, Jollibee, Chowking, and Red Ribbon offer biodegradable packaging for takeaways. In China, Hong Zhuang Yuan employs recyclable materials for packaging to support customer recycling efforts and uses environmentally friendly inks and printing techniques to reduce chemical impact.
In the Philippines, the Jollibee Group fully complies with the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Law. Through a partnership with Republic Cement, a pioneer in co-processing and a leading local cement manufacturer, the Group actively diverts post-consumer plastic packaging waste from landfills and waterways. These materials are co-processed as alternative fuel in cement production, promoting both waste reduction and resource efficiency.
Employee Volunteerism
Jollibee Group employees actively contribute to the environmental conservation through initiatives led by Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF), the company’s social development arm. Over 500 employee volunteers have participated in mangrove reforestation projects, planting over 11,000 mangrove trees across coastal provinces since 2023.
Employees also support solid waste recovery programs through cleanup drives in collaboration with the Laguna Lake Development Authority, demonstrating their commitment to preserving local waterways and fostering a cleaner environment.
“Our commitment to environmental sustainability reflects our commitment to future generations to protect and enhance the natural resources from which they can benefit,” said Pepot Miñana Jr., Chief Sustainability and Public Affairs Officer of the Jollibee Group.
“As we celebrate meaningful milestones, we recognize that progress in some areas takes time and perseverance. Our focus is to sustain and build on this momentum, year after year, as we continue to embed responsible practices across our operations,” Miñana added.
