Wendy’s is a leader in the development and execution of quality processes and initiatives that are focused intensely on a safe and wholesome food supply – from our suppliers’ farms to the customer's table.
The quality, performance and innovation of our suppliers have a direct impact on Wendy’s success, as they play a key role in the delivery of high quality food. Our goal is to develop long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with our suppliers.
We take a leadership role in influencing positive behaviors from our suppliers. Among the initiatives we have with our suppliers are Quality Assurance visits to their plants to ensure the highest product quality. Suppliers undergo regular audits by both trained Wendy's Quality Assurance representatives and third-party experts.
In addition, we work with multiple trade associations and partners to support industry-wide efforts to advance food quality and safety standards.
Wendy’s Animal Welfare Program
At Wendy’s, we are take our role as a responsible corporate citizen very seriously, which includes the humane treatment of animals.
Wendy’s does not own, raise, transport or process livestock. However, we believe it is our obligation to ensure that all of our suppliers exceed government regulations by meeting Wendy’s more exacting standards pertaining to the humane treatment of animals.
Click here to learn more about Wendy's Animal Welfare Program.
Packaging & Recycling
While we continue to explore innovative opportunities to expand recycling efforts, one of the biggest challenges to recycling is that food packaging is not widely accepted by recyclers. Packaging that's stained with food residue is typically rejected due to contamination risk during the recycling process. In addition, a large part of our sales are through the Pick-Up window, so we're reliant on curbside recycling programs offered by many of the communities in which we operate.
It's a different story behind the counter. Many of our restaurants recycle corrugated cardboard boxes and used cooking oil, two items that can add up to a significant amount of waste for any restaurant. As it relates to our packaging, we are currently developing a framework that will be used across the Company to make packaging decisions that are more environmentally friendly. While we're working to do more, here are some current examples of our sustainable packaging efforts:
- Wendy's napkins are biodegradable, chlorine-free and made of 95% recycled content.
- The cartons for Wendy's natural-cut fries and chicken nuggets contain 50% recycled content (35% post-consumer).
- In 2009, Wendy's converted the salad bowls for our new Garden Sensations to a more easily recyclable plastic (PET).
- Last year, Wendy's reduced the amount of plastic used in our salad carry-out bags by 20%.