Hilton Hotels Announces Animal Welfare Policy In Its Supply Chain

In a joint statement with the Humane Society of the U.S., hotel chain Hilton Worldwide announced it would eliminate caged egg-laying chickens and gestation crates for breeding pigs from its supply chain within two years. Affected by the announcement are 19 countries and all hotels in the Hilton Hotels and Resorts, Waldorf Astoria Hotels and Resorts, Conrad Hotels and Resorts, Canopy and DoubleTree. They will have to switch all egg usage to cage-free by December 31, 2017. All pork products must be purchased from suppliers that house breeding pigs in groups rather than gestation crates by the end of 2018. A Humane Society spokesman said the Hilton commitment “will substantially improve countless animals’ lives.”

"Hilton Worldwide Commits To Improving Animal Welfare In Supply Chain", News release, Humane Society of the U.S., April 06, 2015

Subway Says No More Fake Caramel Color In Its Roast Beef

Subway promises to remove artificial flavors, colors and preservatives from its sandwiches in North America by 2017. The company says the process of “ingredient improvement” has been ongoing for several years. An example is the removal of caramel color from roast beef and ham. It will remove the preservative proprionic acid and replace it with vinegar by 2016. Last year, the company acknowledged it was removing azodicarbonamide from its bread after an online petition noted the chemical was used to make yoga mats. The company’s chief marketing officer says use of simple ingredients is becoming a "necessary condition" to satisfy customers.

"Eat fresher? Subway also dropping artificial ingredients", The Big Story, June 04, 2015

Dunkin’ Donuts Promises 100% Cage-Free Eggs Within Nine Years

Dunkin’ Donuts has clarified and strengthened its commitment to using only cage-free eggs in its U.S. menu. Earlier this year it said it would source ten percent of the eggs used in its breakfast sandwiches from cage-free sources by the end of 2016. In December, the donut chain and the Humane Society of the U.S. announced that the company would serve only cage-free eggs by 2025. The company also promised to “map” its worldwide egg supply chain to see whether it is feasible to transition to 100 percent cage-free eggs globally.

"Dunkin' Donuts, With The Humane Society Of The United States, Announces Timeline For Sourcing 100 Percent Cage-Free Eggs", News release, The Humane Society of the U.S., December 07, 2015

Nestle Expects To Use Only Cage-Free Eggs By 2020

Nestlé announced it will use only cage-free eggs in its food products within five years. The company uses 20 million pounds of eggs a year to make three brands of ice cream, Toll House cookie dough, Buitoni pasta, lean Cuisine and Stouffer’s breakfast foods. The move to using exclusively cage-free eggs isa response to consumers, the company says, that establishes “a precedent for farm animal welfare." Nestlé is also developing pilot projects with suppliers and the World Animal Protection group to create a roadmap for sourcing cage-free eggs in Europe and elsewhere.

"Nestlé to Use 100% Cage-Free Eggs for All U.S. Food Products by 2020", News release, Nestlé, December 22, 2015

Burt's Bees Secures Lea Michele's Support For Campaign To Bring Back Bees

Burt’s Bees partnered with actress Lea Michele to launch #BringBackTheBees, a campaign aimed at seeding 1 billion wildflowers to help reverse the decline in bee population worldwide. Spearheaded by the Burt’s Bees Greater Good Foundation, the campaign will donate 1,000 wildflower seeds for every purchase of the Pink Grapefruit, Wild Cherry, and Coconut and Pear variants of the brand’s lip balms. According to the company, the scents would not exist without bee pollination.

"Lea Michele’s Skin-care Secrets Include Bees and Balm", Women's Wear Daily, March 08, 2016

Whole Foods Says To Install Rooftop Solar Panels On 100 More Stores

Whole Foods plans to install rooftop solar power farms on 100 its stores and distribution facilities, according to a New York Times report. Covering almost a quarter of the retailer’s total store lineup, the move is expected to benefit both the company’s public image and its bottom line. Power provider NRG Energy will install the solar panels, which will be up to 200 times larger than the energy company’s usual home arrays.

"Whole Foods Will Add Rooftop Solar Farms To Many More Stores", Fast Company, March 09, 2016