Israeli climate tech company UBQ Materials has announced expanding its partnership with Arcos Dorados, a company owning a master franchise of fast food restaurant chain McDonald’s.
Under the expanded collaboration, Arcos Dorados has implemented building components ‘Made with UBQ’ at its São Paulo-based restaurant in Brazil.
This restaurant primarily showcases Arcos Dorados’ sustainability efforts and will display UBQ’s new electrical conduits, connection boxes, and modular wood boards.
UBQ teamed up with Brazilian manufacturer Madeplast to integrate UBQ materials into modular wood boards used in the bench structures at the restaurant.
Besides, UBQ created its reduced-emissions electrical conduits and connection boxes in collaboration with Tigre, a pipe manufacturer in Latin America.
Utilising UBQ Materials, the UBQ-Tigre team developed an eco-conscious solution, capable of maintaining all the functional performance needed for the electrical system.
UBQ Materials co-CEO and chairman Albert Douer said: “Collaborations like these are driving meaningful change, showing that sustainability does not have to come at the cost of performance or companies' bottom lines.”
Arcos Dorados’ São Paulo restaurant is already open to the public, starting from 30 August. Visitors can explore various sustainable solutions showcased at the São Paulo branch.
Arcos Dorados has now become the first UBQ partner to incorporate 'Made with UBQ' components.
Arcos Dorados Brazil social impact and sustainability head Marie Tarrisse said: “When Arcos Dorados began the cooperation with UBQ Materials, we challenged the team to find applications to use UBQ throughout McDonald's branches and supply chain.
“Our collaboration has been an important part of our approach to building sustainable operations and is setting a new standard for environmental responsibility in the restaurant sector.”
In 2019, Arcos Dorados decided to make UBQ a “centrepiece” of its sustainable materials strategy.
The companies have since been working to achieve Arcos Dorados’ sustainability goal to minimise greenhouse gas emissions by 31% across its supply chain and 36% in restaurants and offices by 2030.
The companies also introduced sustainable ‘Made with UBQ’ McTrays in January 2021.
Apart from UBQ-based components, Arcos Dorados has also implemented some other integrated initiatives at its other restaurant branches.
These initiatives include condensation-based water recovery and renewable energy sources, and the use of wooden structures and recycling materials on the walls and floors of the restaurants.
Through these efforts, Arcos Dorados aims to encourage its customers to make more eco-conscious choices.
