Food services company Sodexo UK & Ireland has partnered with Eaternity to introduce carbon labelling on its menus at 300 locations by the end of this year.
The move is part of the company’s commitment to ensure that 70% of its main dishes will be low-carbon by 2030.
Consumer research commissioned by Sodexo indicated a growing interest in carbon labelling among UK diners. Although 60% of respondents had not noticed carbon labelling before, one in five actively sought it out to manage their carbon footprint.
Younger consumers, particularly those aged 18 to 24, showed a willingness to pay more for low-carbon options.
The research revealed that many consumers expect restaurants and food-to-go outlets to offer low-carbon choices and provide carbon labelling.
Sodexo's chefs are reformulating recipes to meet the target of 70% low-carbon main dishes by 2030, contributing to the company's science-based net zero goals.
By 2030, Sodexo anticipates a carbon saving of 100,800t of carbon dioxide equivalent in its food services, equating to a 38.24% reduction from its 2017 baseline.
This is comparable to circumnavigating the globe 8,579 times by air. The company's Sustainable Food Barometer, published this year, revealed that 73% of consumers now consider adopting sustainable eating habits urgent.
Sodexo's journey to net zero by 2040 began in 2010 with the calculation of its scope 1 and 2 emissions, in collaboration with the World Wildlife Fund.
In January 2024, Sodexo reported a 37% reduction in absolute greenhouse gas emissions across scopes 1, 2, and 3 since 2017, indicating progress ahead of its net zero roadmap.
Sodexo UK & Ireland food director Charles Abraham said: “We are committed to helping our consumers make informed and sustainable meal choices, without compromising on taste or affordability.
“Our chefs relish the opportunity to use the Eaternity data to rework our traditional favourite dishes, as well as adding new, exciting low-carbon options that everyone will enjoy.”
Earlier this month, Sodexo Live! named Claire Morris as the new CEO of its UK and Ireland division.
