Subway Systems Australia Pty. Ltd.
Australian Packaging Covenant (APC)
Action Plan 2012-2015
8th February 2012
Subway Systems Australia Level 1, 42 Amelia St Fortitude Valley QLD 4006 T 1800 630 355 F 07 3852 4081 [email protected] www.subway.com.au 1
Executive Summary
Director’s Note
"Eat Fresh, Live Green" is our way of letting you know we are committed to making a positive impact in all that we do.
The SUBWAY® team is committed to providing a variety of great tasting, healthier food choices while reducing our
environmental footprint and creating a positive influence in the communities we serve around the world.
Where feasible, we plan to:
• Reduce or eliminate unnecessary packaging;
• Reduce the amount of source material;
• Shift to more sustainable substrates;
• Increase recycled content, recyclability, degradability and
compostability;
• Optimize case configurations to improve logistical efficiencies; and
• Reduce landfill waste stream.
This plan outlines our commitment to the APC and the specific actions
we plan to undertake which will address Covenant Goals and KPI’s.
____________________________
Brian Tap
Regional Director, Subway Systems Australia
Subway Systems Australia
Subway Systems Australia (SSA) is the Franchisor of the Subway® System in Australia. Subway Systems Australia does not
currently run any other brands. SSA operates as Brand Owner as defined by the APC supply chain requirements.
Covenant Contact Officer
For any inquiries on the Australian Packaging Covenant Plan for Subway Systems Australia Pty. Ltd. please contact:
Ben Miles, Regional Marketing and Profitability Manager, Subway Systems Australia Pty. Ltd.
Ph. 1800 630 355
[email protected]
PO Box 313 Fortitude Valley QLD 4006
Subway Systems Australia Pty. Ltd. - APC Action Plan
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Our Commitment
Our vision is to make Subway® Restaurants and their operations as environmentally and
socially responsible as possible. We strive to conduct business in a way that has a
positive impact on the environment while improving the lives of our customers,
franchisees, employees, vendors and communities worldwide. We believe that using
good, environmentally sound business practices help increase our franchisees'
profitability, improve our customers dining experience as well as help protect the planet.
We are committed to:
• Continuing to evolve our menu of great tasting, healthier options as well as providing
access to nutrition and healthier lifestyle information;
• Striving to ensure our food meets the highest quality and safety standards;
• Find sustainable and cost effective solutions that serve the business needs of our franchisees;
• Focusing our sustainability initiatives on energy efficiency, water & resource conservation, waste reduction, sustainable
sourcing and supply chain management; and
• Encouraging our franchisees to contribute to their communities, promote diversity and consider “environmentally friendly”
options and business practices such as building Eco-Restaurants.
As a nutritional leader, the SUBWAY® brand is committed to offering a full range of great tasting options for
our customers around the world. Nutrition information is available on-line and in our restaurants so
customers can make better informed meal choices. We are working continually to improve our menus and
the nutritional benefit of our food, such as working closely with industry bodies such as The Australian World
Action on Salt and Health (AWASH) to continually review the amount of sodium in our products and reduce/
remove as much salt as possible.
Working with our franchisee owned Independent Purchasing Companies and Cooperatives (IPCA) around the
world, the SUBWAY® brand is committed to pursuing sustainable initiatives that focus on energy efficiency,
water and resource conservation, waste reduction, sustainable and ethical sourcing and supply chain
management. We fully support principles of responsible farming, fishing and animal husbandry for the long term
sustainability of the earth's natural resources.
Subway Systems Australia Pty. Ltd. - APC Action Plan
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As a global brand, we continue to make strides in sustainable packaging,
cleaning products and waste management as well as to look for more
efficient equipment and operational practices. Thanks to the work of
SUBWAY® franchisees and the IPCA, many eco-friendly solutions have
become part of our standard specifications and every day we work on
more.
All SUBWAY® restaurants are individually owned and operated by
independent franchisees. Many SUBWAY® franchisees pride
themselves on being active, caring members of their communities and
encouraging diversity. Also, many choose “environmentally friendly”
options and business practices such as building Eco-Restaurants that,
among other things, conserve electricity and water and reduce waste
through recycling and/or composting where facilities exist. Currently we
have 14 Eco-Restaurants open and operating worldwide, and more are
being considered both here in Australia and around the globe.
We are proud of what we have accomplished so far, but we know there is more to do.
Together we can make a difference. Subway Systems Australia Pty. Ltd. - APC Action Plan
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The History Of the Subway® Brand
The Seventeen-Year-Old Entrepreneur
Back in 1965, Fred DeLuca set out to fulfill his dream of becoming a medical doctor. Searching for a way to help pay for his
education, a family friend suggested he open a submarine sandwich shop.
With a loan of $1,000, the friend—Dr. Peter Buck—offered to become Fred’s partner, and a business relationship was forged
that would change the landscape of the fast food industry.
The first store was opened in Bridgeport, Connecticut in August, 1965. Then, they set a goal of having 32 stores opened in
10 years. Fred soon learned the basics of running a business, as well as the importance of serving a well-made, high quality
product, providing excellent customer service, keeping operating costs low and finding great locations. These early lessons
continue to serve as the foundation for successful Subway® Restaurants around the world.
The SUBWAY® Franchise
By 1974, the duo owned and operated 16 submarine
sandwich shops throughout Connecticut. Realizing they
would not reach their 32 store goal in time, they began
franchising, launching the SUBWAY® brand into a period
of remarkable growth which continues to this day.
Subway Systems Australia Pty. Ltd. - APC Action Plan
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A Fresh Future
Today, the SUBWAY® brand is the world's largest
submarine sandwich chain with more than 36,000 locations
around the world. We’ve become the leading choice for
people seeking quick, nutritious meals that the whole family
can enjoy. From the beginning, Fred has had a clear vision
for the future of the SUBWAY® brand. As we continue to
grow, we are guided by his passion for delighting
customers by serving freshly prepared, delicious, made-toorder sandwiches.
Subway® Restaurants in Australia
The first Australian Subway® Restaurant opened in
Perth in 1988, today there are over 1,300 Stores
across Australia. All Subway® Restaurants in
Australia are franchisee owned and operated, and
the AUS/NZ Region is the most developed
Subway® Restaurant market outside of North
America.
Subway® Restaurants’ Australian Headquarters are
in Brisbane, Queensland. The Brisbane Regional
Office oversees all operations for Australia and New
Zealand.
Subway® Restaurant loca
ted in
Norwood, South Australia
Our Vision
Be the #1 Quick Service Restaurant chain in the world
Our Mission
Delight every customer so they want to tell their friends, with great value through fresh, delicious, made-to-order
sandwiches, and an exceptional experience.
Subway Systems Australia Pty. Ltd. - APC Action Plan
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SUBWAY® Packaging Items
Category
Paper wrap
Plastic Bags
Paper Bags
Cups and Lids
Hard plastic
container
Utensils
Marketing
Material
Product
Materials
Deli Paper
100% Virgin Paper
Napkin
Paper - 100% recycled content
Prep Tray
Polyethylene lined SBS paper
Sub Wraps
Paper - 30-40% recycled content
Can Liners
Polyethylene Blend
Catering Tray Bag
Polyethylene Blend
Poly Sub Bag
High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) blend
T-Shirt Bag
High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) blend
Paper Sub Bags
Paper - 40% recycled content
Paper T-Shirt Bags
Paper - 40% recycled content
Specialty Bag
Paper - 50% recycled content
Specialty Pouch
Paper - 50% recycled content
Cold Cup - Sm/Lg - Lid
High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS)
Cold Cup - Small
Polyethylene lined SBS paper
Cold Cup - Medium
Polyethylene lined SBS paper
Cold Cup - Large
Polypropylene (PP)
Cold Cup - Large - Lid
High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS)
Hot Cup - Small
Polyethylene lined SBS paper - 12% recycled content
Hot Cup - Large
Polyethylene lined SBS paper - 12% recycled content
Hot Cup - Lid
High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS)
Portion Cup
High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS)
Portion Cup Lid
High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS)
Catering Tray
Polystyrene (PS)
Catering Tray Lid
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
Salad Bowls
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) - 25% Post Consumer Resin
Salad Bowl Lids
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) - 25% Post Consumer Resin
Knife & Fork Kit
Polypropylene (PP)
Spoon
Polypropylene (PP)
Straws
Polypropylene (PP)
Promotional Translite
Polypropylene
Window Cling
PVC + PE coated triplan white cardboard backing
Floor Stand
Paper (Hi bulk artboard) - FSC certified
Instruction Sheet
Paper - FSC certified
Sandwich Unit Cling
Synthetic resin or plastic consisting of polyvinyl chloride or polymer
4-Cup Carrier
SUS Paperboard
Giant Sub Carriers
Corrugated
Initial Review Date*
Q4 2012
Q1 2013
Q2 2013
Q4 2013
Q2 2014
Q3 2014
Q1 2014
Q2 2014
* Please Note: The review date of each product category states when a review is expected to commence. This review period may take up to 6 Months before completion. Decisions
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Baseline Data
Compare SPG guidelines to our
current 2015 Strategic Plan for
Corporate Social Responsibility and
assess differences
Educate all relevant stakeholders on
the importance of the SPG, and how
we can use the guidelines within our
current structure
Target
Incorporate all relevant aspects of SPG
into our current 2015 Strategic Plan
Q4 2012
Q4 2012
Please refer to timeline outlined in
“Subway® Packaging Items Table”,
p7.
Milestones
Q3 2012
Review not yet conducted
To have assessment process in place,
with new packaging to be reviewed
inline with SPG where possible
Global Corporate Social Responsibility Team,
Key Stakeholders
Corporate sustainable packaging
guidelines
Education of all stakeholders on the
SPG to give relevant persons ability to
assess packaging requirements that
meet the SPG standard
Develop an assessment process to
Global Corporate Social Responsibility Team
determine SPG opportunities for future
product development
Review of existing product material as Understand how SPG could be
outlined in “Subway® Packaging Items implemented for these products and
Table”, p7 of this document
look to review for opportunities where
appropriate
Actions
Responsibility
Review the SPG to understand
Global Corporate Social Responsibility Team
requirements for assessment of current
practices
1. Design - Optimise packaging to achieve resource efficiency and reduce environmental impact
Performance Goals and KPI’s
KPI 1: Implement the Sustainable
Packaging Guidelines (SPG) for
design or procurement of
packaging.
Review existing packaging range in line Global Corporate Social Responsibility Team
with dates set out in assessment
schedule (“Subway® Packaging Items
Table, p7”)
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Baseline Data
Various recycling and composting
currently in place in other countries in
which the Subway® Brand operates
Investigation within locations where a
separation of waste and recycling does
not occur, and work with the
Franchisee/Landlord to investigate
opportunities for improvement
Target
Investigation and testing of in-store
recycling program to determine
potential for rolling out to all Australian
locations
Responsibility
Global Corporate Social Responsibility Team
Currently Franchisees in Shopping
Centre & Shopping VIllage locations
have access to industrial garbage and
recycling bins
Actions
Working with the global team, review
existing in-store Subway® recycling
programs from around the world to
determine feasibility and
appropriateness for Australian
implementation
Work with Franchisees to determine
Country Corporate Social Responsibility Team,
large scale industrial bin recycling
Operations, Franchisees
opportunities on-site where they do not
currently exist with landlord
Current global recycling policy and
practices
Review global policy and adjust as
necessary for Australian Region.
Development of communication plan to
Franchisees
2. Recycling - The efficient collection and recycling of packaging
Performance Goals and KPI’s
KPI 3: On-site recovery systems for
recycling used packaging
Global Corporate Social Responsibility Team,
Assist Franchisees in determining
paperwork recycling guidelines for in- Operations Team, Franchisees
store business management where the
Restaurant has office facilities on-site
(i.e. Paper, Print Cartridges, Stationery,
etc.)
Investigation of opportunity for
recycling collection program with our
distribution suppliers
Global Corporate Social Responsibility Team,
Subway® Independent Purchasing Company of
Australia
Review and prioritise feasibility
exploration of potential opportunities to
increase the amount of recycled
content without negatively impacting
functionality or cost
Best Practice examples from global
operations
Explore feasibility of a recyclable
corrugate program with a key
suppliers. The exploration will
investigate opportunities for a supply
chain recycling program as a part of
delivery schedule
Country Corporate Social Responsibility Team
Review existing policy that shows a
commitment to increase the recycled
content, recyclability, degradability and
compostability where feasible, and
KPI 4: Policy to buy products made look to expand/incorporate further
aspects of APC suggestions to meet
from recycled packaging
the policy standard.
Current Global Policy in place. Current
packaging items with recycled content
include:
• Napkins 100% recycled content
• Subwrap 30-40% recycled content
• Specialty bag & pouch 50%
recycled content
• Salad bowls & lids 25% recycled
content
Milestones
Q2 2013
Q1 2014
Q4 2012
Q3 2014
Q4 2012, Ongoing
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3. Product Stewardship - Demonstrated commitment to product stewardship
Performance Goals and KPI’s
Global Corporate Social Responsibility Team,
Subway® Independent Purchasing Company of
Australia
Actions
Responsibility
Identify opportunities with suppliers to Global Corporate Social Responsibility Team,
reduce source material from packaging Subway® Independent Purchasing Company of
products as well as inner packaging
Australia
and master carton packaging for all
food, product, equipment and small
wares
Identify opportunities with suppliers to
optimise pallet case configurations
(inner packaging and master carton
KPI 6: Formal processes for
working with others to improve packaging) to reduce the number of
design and recycling of packaging pallets & cartons used, and to reduce
the environmental impact of the
transport network. This applies to all
Food, product, equipment and small
wares
Global Corporate Social Responsibility Team,
Subway® Independent Purchasing Company of
Australia
Baseline Data
Exploration of opportunities already
underway.
Target
Reduce source material from
packaging products where possible,
keeping goals in line with supplier
capabilities, packaging quality,
functionality and cost structure.
Current pallet case configuration
Current Operations Manual guidelines Integrate relevant training topics into
on suggested recycling tips for in-store Franchisee Training Course and our
operations
ongoing University of Subway™
Resource for store & company staff
Investigation of opportunity to optimise
the master carton & case
configurations for top 5 key products
Assessment of current trials underway
globally and review for Australian
appropriateness, expand/modify as
necessary
No baseline data
Trial of energy efficient globes, efficient
signage, efficient in-store equipment,
etc. in trial in various locations
throughout the world
Initiate a water conservation
communication plan to extend the trial
work already underway. Aim to review
all relevant products for a reduction in
preserving brine/water.
Identifiable opportunities determined
for optimising case pack size and
materials used (including more
sustainable substrates) to improve
sustainability without affecting
functionality or cost
Update training classes, for both new
Franchisees/Franchisee workers and
existing stakeholders, that update
franchisees on the actions taken and
Best Practices for sustainable
Low-flow taps, motion sensing hand
sinks, dual flush toilets in trial across
Australia and further water saving
initiatives being trialled globally. Some
current food products investigated for
a reduction in preserving brine/water
Working with suppliers and the
Subway® Independent Purchasing
Company of Australia, formulate a plan
for how we can combine equipment
orders for our projected store numbers
per year
No baseline data
Work to improve the energy efficiency Global Corporate Social Responsibility Team,
of our restaurants, including
Subway® Independent Purchasing Company of
investigating more efficient lighting,
Australia
electronic signage, product preparation
equipment, refrigeration, etc.
Current equipment ordering process
Learn from Eco-Friendly trial
restaurants in order to capitalise on
chain-wide opportunities for further
implementation of specific projects
Ongoing research and assessment of
future opportunities, with a scheduled
review every 12 months
Further our advances in water
Country Corporate Social Responsibility Team,
conservation through extending lowOperations Team
flow taps, motion sensing hand sinks
and dual flush toilets in all restaurants,
as well as reducing the amount of
water/brine used in product
preservation where possible.
14 Eco-Restaurants currently
operational around the globe
Understand learnings from paper bag
trial, investigate and trial further
options for reducing bag usage with
the end goal being to have a bag
reduction strategy for all stores
Global Corporate Social Responsibility Team
Global Corporate Social Responsibility Team
Monitor cost effective technological
advances to improve degradability and
compostability without impacting
functionality or cost structure
Work with suppliers to identify new
recycling opportunities from their end
of the supply chain, both in-store and
before stock gets to our Distribution
Centres
KPI 7: Demonstration of other
stewardship outcomes
Encourage combined equipment
Global Corporate Social Responsibility Team,
orders for new locations and remodels Operations Team, Subway® Independent
Purchasing Company of Australia
Trial of paper bags in two Australian
States, as per local legislation, where a
reduction in bag usage has occurred.
Trial of alternative operational
procedures that eliminate the need for
a bag for sandwich only purchases in
Subway® Restaurants in other
countries
Encourage, and investigate strategies
for, reduced bag usage by customers
where not needed
Global Corporate Social Responsibility Team,
Operations Team
Global Corporate Social Responsibility Team
Globally, further our work in
investigating ECO-Restaurants which
are designed to conserve resources
during the development process and
set the stage for efficient operations in
the future.
Reusable bags trialled in Subway®
Restaurants in other countries
Elimination opportunities already under Removal of unnecessary packaging
trial to remove packaging from the
where possible and determine plan &
operational process
time frame for future regular reviews
Understand trial data of reusable bags.
Initiate trial of bags for Australia and
gauge customer and Franchisee
feedback for future implementation
opportunity
Extend our global investigation of the
Global Corporate Social Responsibility Team,
KPI 8: Reduction of the number of use and availability of reusable bags for Operations Team
customers
packaging items in litter
Review operational procedures where Global Corporate Social Responsibility Team,
feasible to incorporate recycling
Operations Team
opportunities as a part of sandwich
preparation, that eliminate the need for
packaging prior to it entering the litter
cycle
Milestones
Q4 2013, Ongoing
Q3 2013, Ongoing
Q2 2014, Ongoing
Ongoing, Annual Review
Q1 2014
Q1 2013, Ongoing
Q4 2012
Q2 2013
Annual Review
Q4 2012
Q4 2012
Ongoing throughout 2012-2014
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