Max climate activities

We are part of the problem and therefor want to be part of the solution. Max has a long history of working to reduce its environmental impacts. Now we want to take the next step.

Facts about Max's environmental work, carbon labelling and carbon compensation

The cornerstone of our work is the declaration of the carbon emissions for our entire product range, which are stated on our menus. Our total carbon footprint is estimated to be approximately 27,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year. Around 70 percent of the total emissions are produced by the production of beef. Meat production will continue to account for the majority of our emissions in the future, although we can reduce our emissions by continuing to use only Swedish meat and raising our supplier standards. We also offset our carbon emissions by planting trees in Africa. Our partners plant approximately 89,000 trees each year, which is equivalent to an area the size of 890 football pitches.

How we did it

We developed a method of calculating the carbon emissions resulting from our operations together with The Natural Step. Through compensating the carbon emissions produced by our products we have a clear process that improves our environmental and climate activities. We also share the carbon emission information with our customers by clear carbon labelling for the different products on our menu. Customers are consequently able to consider carbon emissions in their menu selection.

Environmental achievements:

• All restaurants are powered by 100 percent wind energy
• We serve only eco-certified fish
• All company vehicles are environmentally friendly
• Max only buys Swedish beef and Swedish Chicken
• All employees receive training from the Max Environment School
• An internal environmental prize for the restaurant with the best environmental initiative has been established
• All new restaurants are equipped with low-energy LED lighting instead of neon lighting
• All restaurants recycle cardboard
• Employees use one cup each per day to reduce the consumption of disposable materials
• All electrical equipment is recycled

Environmental objectives in 2009:

• To recycle all metal
• Reduce energy consumption by 5 percent per transaction
• Increase the speed of drive-in services by 5 percent
• Increase the proportion of recycled materials by 30 percent
• All restaurants to have composting facilities

Max carbon-labelled menus

Below you will find detailed information about the climatic impact of all Max's products. Several common Swedish family meals were analysed to provide a base reference for the climatic impact of Max's products. Meals cooked at home produce around the same quantity of carbon emissions as traditional Max hamburger meals. Carbon emissions vary significantly depending on the quantity of beef in the meal. The table below compares the carbon emissions produced from meatballs cooked at home, compared with meatballs bought at a Max restaurant. Eggs, onion, frying fat and breadcrumbs are not included in the calculation.

Carbon labelling of the entire menu

Max has introduced carbon labelling to all menus in order to provide customers with a clear understanding of how different menu options compare. Beef has the largest effect on carbon emissions and is responsible for the greatest proportion of Max's total emissions. One advantage for Max is that we only use Swedish beef and Swedish chicken. During the growing season, we also source the majority of our vegetables from within Sweden.
Read about Max's product climate declaration (Swedish only).

Wind power

All our restaurants are entirely powered by wind energy. The use of energy sourced from wind farms in our restaurants reduces our annual carbon emissions by 640 tons. Furthermore, our switch to wind power ensures that 56 kilograms less nuclear waste is generated each year.
 

The Natural Step

Our products have been analysed together with The Natural Step, which helps organisations that seek to be sustainable development pioneers. The Natural Step is a non-profit organisation that was founded in Sweden in 1989 by cancer doctor Karl-Henrik Robert. Today the organisation has offices in 11 countries and is engaged in consulting, educating and research.
Read more about The Natural Step at thenaturalstep.org.