Yum China Maintains Top Spot in Sustainable Practices for Restaurant Industry for Fifth Year
Yum China Holdings, Inc. has once again affirmed its leadership in sustainable practices by securing the number one position in the Restaurant and Leisure Facilities Industry according to the SP Global 2024 Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA). This ranking highlights the company’s commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards and marks the fifth consecutive year that Yum China has earned a spot on both the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) World Index and the Emerging Markets Index. What sets Yum China apart is its distinction as the sole representative from the Chinese mainland in the DJSI World Index within the consumer services sector.
In a year that saw significant strides in sustainability, Yum China not only maintained its standing but also improved its performance. The company's overall CSA score improved by five points compared to the previous year, a testament to its robust initiatives and dedicated efforts towards enhancing its sustainability practices. Among the 24 criteria evaluated in the CSA, Yum China ranked in the top 1% in 15 of them, showcasing remarkable advancements especially in areas like Supply Chain Management, Human Capital Management, and Customer Relations. These improvements reflect the company's dedicated strides made over the last year to solidify its ESG position further.
Moreover, Yum China achieved a peer-leading ESG score from SP Global and retained its AA rating within the MSCI ESG ratings for the third year running, cementing its status as the only restaurant company globally to hold such a rating. This remarkable performance underscores the company's consistent efforts to align with ESG strategies and its commitment to long-term sustainability.
Yum China continues its journey towards sustainability with several initiatives that were launched or escalated in 2024. These include an increased reliance on renewable energy sources across its restaurants and logistics centers, engaging with suppliers to promote the adoption of renewable energy, and efforts to minimize plastic and paper usage in packaging. One of the notable initiatives is the establishment of a nationwide recycling network for coffee grounds, which has gained recognition, culminating in the company receiving the "Gold Award" for Recycling and Circular Utilization Solutions at the International Packaging Innovation Forum.
Beyond its commitment to sustainability, Yum China's overarching mission is to create a responsible ecosystem that encourages meaningful engagement among all stakeholders involved in its value chains. The commitment extends beyond mere regulatory compliance, focusing on actual impacts and improvements across the board.
As the largest restaurant operator in China, Yum China serves approximately 400,000 employees and manages more than 15,000 establishments under prominent brands such as KFC and Pizza Hut, which dominate the quick-service and casual dining sectors, respectively. Furthermore, the company’s digital transformation initiatives have empowered it with a state-of-the-art supply chain infrastructure, allowing it to respond rapidly to market demands while enhancing customer experience.
Yum China's ethos of making every life taste beautiful extends to its operations and sustainability practices, and these recent recognitions are a testament to its ongoing commitment to environmentally conscious practices. For more in-depth information on Yum China's sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, stakeholders and the general public are invited to visit their dedicated sustainability portal.
In conclusion, with its consistent recognition on global sustainability indices, Yum China exemplifies how integrating sustainable practices can drive both values and profitability in the restaurant industry. As it looks ahead to future challenges and opportunities, Yum China remains steadfast in its mission to innovate and lead the way in sustainable dining experiences.