GITNUXREPORT 2025

Sustainability In The Qsr Industry Statistics

Most QSRs adopt sustainability efforts, boosting consumer loyalty and environmental impact.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

49% of QSRs are engaging in community-based sustainability initiatives, such as urban greening or local clean-ups

Statistic 2

Approximately 40% of QSR consumers consider environmental practices when choosing a restaurant

Statistic 3

In 2022, 45% of QSR chains increased their sourcing of locally produced ingredients

Statistic 4

65% of consumers are more likely to dine at a QSR that participates in sustainability programs

Statistic 5

The use of plant-based ingredients and menu items increased by 25% among QSR chains in 2023

Statistic 6

30% of consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable food options from QSRs

Statistic 7

38% of consumers prefer eateries that have transparent sustainability reporting

Statistic 8

70% of consumers are aware of plastic reduction campaigns run by QSRs

Statistic 9

45% of QSRs report increased customer loyalty linked to sustainability practices

Statistic 10

27% of QSR executives cite sustainability as a pivotal factor in brand differentiation

Statistic 11

63% of consumers believe that environmentally sustainable practices influence their restaurant loyalty

Statistic 12

29% of QSR executives identify sustainability as a key driver for innovation

Statistic 13

71% of QSRs are actively communicating sustainability achievements to consumers via digital channels

Statistic 14

60% of quick-service restaurants (QSRs) have adopted sustainability initiatives in their operations

Statistic 15

70% of QSR brands have committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2030

Statistic 16

80% of QSRs have implemented waste diversion programs

Statistic 17

35% of QSRs are actively reducing water usage through innovative technologies

Statistic 18

55% of QSRs have adopted renewable energy sources like solar or wind in their operations

Statistic 19

40% of QSR supply chains are now prioritizing carbon footprint reduction

Statistic 20

68% of QSR operators have set targets to reduce single-use plastics by 2025

Statistic 21

78% of QSRs have sustainability as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals

Statistic 22

Only 25% of QSR chains currently use circular economy principles in their packaging and waste management

Statistic 23

48% of consumers look for restaurants that minimize food waste

Statistic 24

20% of QSRs report significant reductions in energy costs after implementing sustainability measures

Statistic 25

58% of QSRs are exploring partnerships with sustainability-focused organizations to enhance their initiatives

Statistic 26

42% of QSR operators are using data analytics to improve supply chain sustainability

Statistic 27

60% of QSRs are planning to implement more sustainable supply chain practices in the next 3 years

Statistic 28

52% of QSRs have introduced reusable or refillable container options

Statistic 29

43% of QSRs have reduced their carbon emissions through energy-efficient building designs

Statistic 30

75% of QSRs in urban areas are investing in green building certifications such as LEED

Statistic 31

66% of QSR brands measure environmental impact as part of their annual reporting

Statistic 32

62% of QSR chains have launched vegan and vegetarian menu options to promote sustainable eating

Statistic 33

54% of QSRs are investing in waste-to-energy technologies

Statistic 34

41% of QSR chains have reduced their overall packaging weight to lower waste

Statistic 35

60% of franchisees are participating in sustainability training programs provided by parent companies

Statistic 36

51% of QSRs are using eco-labels and certification to communicate their sustainability efforts to consumers

Statistic 37

72% of QSR brands have implemented energy-efficient lighting systems across their outlets

Statistic 38

36% of QSR facilities are implementing rainwater harvesting for landscape irrigation

Statistic 39

31% of QSRs are working towards zero waste certification within the next five years

Statistic 40

58% of QSRs are currently assessing their supply chains for carbon footprint

Statistic 41

69% of QSR brands have set measurable sustainability goals for 2025

Statistic 42

59% of QSR companies have initiated training programs to improve employee awareness of sustainability issues

Statistic 43

47% of QSR chains are reducing energy use through smarter kitchen appliances

Statistic 44

65% of QSRs track and report on the sustainability of their supply chain vendors

Statistic 45

72% of QSR brands have made commitments to reduce their overall carbon footprint by 2030

Statistic 46

54% of QSRs are evaluating their operations for water efficiency improvements

Statistic 47

40% of QSRs have adopted digital menus to reduce paper waste

Statistic 48

44% of QSR restaurants have partnered with environmental NGOs to enhance their sustainability efforts

Statistic 49

50% of QSR companies report tracking their sustainability metrics regularly

Statistic 50

48% of QSRs have adopted digital tools to monitor and improve their sustainability metrics

Statistic 51

55% of QSR operators are investing in eco-friendly packaging solutions

Statistic 52

50% of QSR brands have committed to using biodegradable or compostable packaging by 2025

Statistic 53

The global market for sustainable packaging in the QSR industry is projected to reach $12 billion by 2027

Statistic 54

53% of QSRs plan to increase their investment in sustainable packaging innovations within the next 2 years

Statistic 55

34% of QSRs are experimenting with biodegradable menu liners and sleeves

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Sources

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Key Highlights

60% of quick-service restaurants (QSRs) have adopted sustainability initiatives in their operations
Approximately 40% of QSR consumers consider environmental practices when choosing a restaurant
70% of QSR brands have committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2030
55% of QSR operators are investing in eco-friendly packaging solutions
In 2022, 45% of QSR chains increased their sourcing of locally produced ingredients
65% of consumers are more likely to dine at a QSR that participates in sustainability programs
80% of QSRs have implemented waste diversion programs
35% of QSRs are actively reducing water usage through innovative technologies
50% of QSR brands have committed to using biodegradable or compostable packaging by 2025
The global market for sustainable packaging in the QSR industry is projected to reach $12 billion by 2027
55% of QSRs have adopted renewable energy sources like solar or wind in their operations
40% of QSR supply chains are now prioritizing carbon footprint reduction
The use of plant-based ingredients and menu items increased by 25% among QSR chains in 2023

As consumers increasingly prioritize eco-friendly practices, the quick-service restaurant industry is making significant strides—with 60% adopting sustainability initiatives and many brands committing to substantial environmental goals by 2030, transforming waste, energy, and sourcing practices across the sector.

Community Engagement and Certification Programs

49% of QSRs are engaging in community-based sustainability initiatives, such as urban greening or local clean-ups

Community Engagement and Certification Programs Interpretation

Nearly half of quick-service restaurants are trading fast food for green thumbs, demonstrating that sustainability isn't just a trend—it's becoming part of their fast lane.

Consumer Awareness and Preferences

Approximately 40% of QSR consumers consider environmental practices when choosing a restaurant
In 2022, 45% of QSR chains increased their sourcing of locally produced ingredients
65% of consumers are more likely to dine at a QSR that participates in sustainability programs
The use of plant-based ingredients and menu items increased by 25% among QSR chains in 2023
30% of consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable food options from QSRs
38% of consumers prefer eateries that have transparent sustainability reporting
70% of consumers are aware of plastic reduction campaigns run by QSRs
45% of QSRs report increased customer loyalty linked to sustainability practices
27% of QSR executives cite sustainability as a pivotal factor in brand differentiation
63% of consumers believe that environmentally sustainable practices influence their restaurant loyalty
29% of QSR executives identify sustainability as a key driver for innovation
71% of QSRs are actively communicating sustainability achievements to consumers via digital channels

Consumer Awareness and Preferences Interpretation

As consumers increasingly base their dining choices on sustainability, QSR chains are not only sourcing locally and offering plant-based menus but also transparently showcasing their eco-friendly efforts, proving that doing good is becoming a smarter business move—though perhaps not just because Mother Earth demands it, but because your customers will pay a premium for it.

Environmental Sustainability Initiatives and Actions

60% of quick-service restaurants (QSRs) have adopted sustainability initiatives in their operations
70% of QSR brands have committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2030
80% of QSRs have implemented waste diversion programs
35% of QSRs are actively reducing water usage through innovative technologies
55% of QSRs have adopted renewable energy sources like solar or wind in their operations
40% of QSR supply chains are now prioritizing carbon footprint reduction
68% of QSR operators have set targets to reduce single-use plastics by 2025
78% of QSRs have sustainability as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals
Only 25% of QSR chains currently use circular economy principles in their packaging and waste management
48% of consumers look for restaurants that minimize food waste
20% of QSRs report significant reductions in energy costs after implementing sustainability measures
58% of QSRs are exploring partnerships with sustainability-focused organizations to enhance their initiatives
42% of QSR operators are using data analytics to improve supply chain sustainability
60% of QSRs are planning to implement more sustainable supply chain practices in the next 3 years
52% of QSRs have introduced reusable or refillable container options
43% of QSRs have reduced their carbon emissions through energy-efficient building designs
75% of QSRs in urban areas are investing in green building certifications such as LEED
66% of QSR brands measure environmental impact as part of their annual reporting
62% of QSR chains have launched vegan and vegetarian menu options to promote sustainable eating
54% of QSRs are investing in waste-to-energy technologies
41% of QSR chains have reduced their overall packaging weight to lower waste
60% of franchisees are participating in sustainability training programs provided by parent companies
51% of QSRs are using eco-labels and certification to communicate their sustainability efforts to consumers
72% of QSR brands have implemented energy-efficient lighting systems across their outlets
36% of QSR facilities are implementing rainwater harvesting for landscape irrigation
31% of QSRs are working towards zero waste certification within the next five years
58% of QSRs are currently assessing their supply chains for carbon footprint
69% of QSR brands have set measurable sustainability goals for 2025
59% of QSR companies have initiated training programs to improve employee awareness of sustainability issues
47% of QSR chains are reducing energy use through smarter kitchen appliances
65% of QSRs track and report on the sustainability of their supply chain vendors
72% of QSR brands have made commitments to reduce their overall carbon footprint by 2030
54% of QSRs are evaluating their operations for water efficiency improvements
40% of QSRs have adopted digital menus to reduce paper waste
44% of QSR restaurants have partnered with environmental NGOs to enhance their sustainability efforts

Environmental Sustainability Initiatives and Actions Interpretation

With over 60% of QSRs adopting sustainability initiatives and nearly three-quarters committed to slashing their carbon footprint by 2030, it's clear that the industry is racing toward a greener future—though only a quarter are embracing circular economy principles, proving that the road to sustainability is as much about innovation as it is about ambition.

Operational Metrics and Performance Tracking

50% of QSR companies report tracking their sustainability metrics regularly
48% of QSRs have adopted digital tools to monitor and improve their sustainability metrics

Operational Metrics and Performance Tracking Interpretation

With nearly half of QSRs actively tracking and nearly as many leveraging digital tools to boost their sustainability efforts, the fast-food industry is finally getting serious about serving up more than just quick meals—it’s digesting environmental responsibility, one metric at a time.

Sustainable Packaging and Resource Management

55% of QSR operators are investing in eco-friendly packaging solutions
50% of QSR brands have committed to using biodegradable or compostable packaging by 2025
The global market for sustainable packaging in the QSR industry is projected to reach $12 billion by 2027
53% of QSRs plan to increase their investment in sustainable packaging innovations within the next 2 years
34% of QSRs are experimenting with biodegradable menu liners and sleeves

Sustainable Packaging and Resource Management Interpretation

With over half of quick-service restaurants embracing eco-friendly packaging and a third testing biodegradable options, the industry is shifting from fast food to fast-forwarding toward a greener future—proof that sustainability isn't just a trend, but a recipe for growth.