Sustainability in Franchising: Brands Leading the Green Revolution

Franchise, But Make It Green: How Brands Are Building for a Sustainable Future

Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword—it’s a business necessity.

Modern consumers, especially Millennials and Gen Z, expect the brands they support to take real, measurable steps to protect the planet. According to Business Wire, 85% of consumers say they’ve adopted greener buying habits. (source)

For franchises, sustainability isn’t just about doing the right thing—it’s about staying relevant, competitive, and in sync with customer values.

Why Sustainability Matters in Franchising

Franchises operate at scale, which means:

• Higher resource consumption
• Broader environmental footprint
• Greater visibility to customers and communities

When franchises adopt greener practices, they not only reduce environmental impact—they also improve public perception, attract eco-minded customers, and can lower operating costs over time.

Plus, community expectations are evolving. More than ever, local customers want to support businesses that share their environmental values.

Challenges to Building Sustainability in Franchising

Going green isn’t always easy—especially across multiple locations. Common challenges include:

• Consistency Across Locations: Keeping franchisees aligned on sustainability practices can be tricky at scale.
• Cost Sensitivities: Some eco-friendly changes come with upfront expenses, making franchisee buy-in harder.
• Supply Chain Coordination: Sourcing sustainable materials across a wide network requires thoughtful planning and vendor partnerships.

Despite these hurdles, some brands are making sustainability work—and turning it into a competitive advantage.

Franchise Brands Leading the Green Revolution

1. Dunkin’

In 2020, Dunkin’ eliminated foam cups in the U.S., replacing them with double-walled paper versions—removing 1 billion foam cups annually. They also use 100% responsibly sourced coffee and energy-efficient equipment, supporting franchisees with tools to cut both costs and carbon.

2. The Body Shop

With a goal of 100% recyclable or compostable packaging by 2030 and a fully vegan product lineup, The Body Shop remains a leader in ethical sourcing and sustainability across its global franchise network.

3. Ben & Jerry’s

Ben & Jerry’s builds sustainability into every aspect of its Scoop Shops—Fairtrade ingredients, compostable packaging, and transparent environmental reporting are all part of their DNA.

4. Marriott International

Marriott franchises are pushing sustainability in hospitality by reducing food waste by 50%, slashing carbon emissions, and achieving third-party green certifications for all hotels by 2025.

How Franchises Can Embrace Sustainability

Want to take your franchise green? Start here:

• Set Clear Goals: Define measurable, system-wide sustainability targets.
• Create Actionable Guidelines: Give franchisees simple tools and strategies for sustainable upgrades.
• Celebrate Green Wins: Publicly spotlight eco-friendly locations to build momentum and inspire others.
• Educate Customers: Share your sustainability journey transparently across all marketing channels.
• Use Green Vendors: Partner with suppliers who share your sustainability values.

Final Thoughts

The green revolution is accelerating—and franchises that act now will lead tomorrow.

By investing in sustainability, franchise brands can shrink their footprint, win customer loyalty, and build a business that’s not just profitable, but truly future-ready.