Panera Bread

In its 2015-2016 Responsibility Report, the most recent report available online, Panera Bread indicated that it has a Restricted Substance List (RSL) for packaging, potentially going beyond regulatory compliance, but did not provide details about the chemicals on it, stating: “All of Panera’s packaging is in compliance with FDA regulations. We maintain a restricted substances list as well as track emerging issues.” The RSL for packaging is also intended to prevent the introduction of chemicals of concern into food.

The company also noted in this report that it was aware of the emerging issue of short-chain perfluorinated chemicals in packaging and was “working with external stakeholders like the Environmental Working Group to understand their impact and to identify potential alternatives in the future.”

In its 2014 report, Panera noted that it asked its tuna supplier to move to BPA-free packaging, but it appears this was limited to tuna.

Panera has established a “Food Policy” and a “No No List” for chemicals that it does not allow in its food, but the policy and list do not mention fluorinated chemicals, bisphenols, or phthalates.

Panera Bread has assigned a member of senior management, the senior manager of corporate social responsibility, with responsibility for chemicals and packaging. Panera’s 2015-2016 Responsibility Report states: “We have a dedicated corporate responsibility team that is charged with managing our overall responsibility strategy, responsibility reporting and stakeholder engagement. This same team drives cross-functional initiatives on key environmental, animal welfare and philanthropy programs. In addition, subject matter experts across the company share accountability for driving other responsibility initiatives, such as our focus on health and wellness, clean ingredients and sustainable packaging, among others.”

Panera notes that “senior leaders are held accountable for responsibility metrics in the same way they are for general business performance.” However, it is not clear if these metrics are tied to financial incentives.

Panera notes: “There is no specific Board committee to oversee corporate responsibility and sustainability, but the Board is regularly briefed on relevant social and environmental issues as well as any stockholder resolutions that may arise.”

No discernible effort to assess supplier conformance with safer chemicals policy (because Panera has no relevant public safer chemicals policy).

No discernible action on disclosure of ingredients in packaging that goes beyond OSHA Safety Data Sheet requirements or other compliance purposes.

No progress publicly documented in the last three years.

In its 2014 Responsibility Report, Panera mentioned that it asked its supplier of tuna to switch the packaging from individual cans with BPA to large laminated vacuum-packed pouches that were BPA free, but this was in 2014.

Panera noted in its 2015-2016 Responsibility Report that it was aware of the emerging issue of short-chain perfluorinated chemicals in packaging and was “working with external stakeholders like the Environmental Working Group to understand their impact and to identify potential alternatives in the future.” However, the company has not disclosed any specific reductions related to PFAS.

In its 2015-2016 Responsibility Report, Panera notes: “Most recently, we were made aware of concerns regarding short-chain perfluorinated chemicals in packaging and are working with external stakeholders like the Environmental Working Group to understand their impact and to identify potential alternatives for the future.”

Panera indicates that it has an RSL related to packaging, but has not publicly disclosed it. Panera has disclosed its “No No List” of prohibited direct food additives.

Panera does not appear to encourage or require the disclosure of ingredients in packaging or publicly disclose the identity of packaging or manufacturing equipment or processes that are free of chemicals of high concern going beyond regulatory compliance.

No discernible progress on chemical footprint.

No discernible progress on credible third-party safer chemicals standards going beyond regulatory compliance.

No discernible public commitment via joint announcement.

No discernible pattern of significant, consistent, or long-term improvements over time or over the past year.

In its 2015-2016 Responsibility Report, Panera noted that it was aware of the emerging issue of short-chain perfluorinated chemicals in packaging and was “working with external stakeholders like the Environmental Working Group to understand their impact and to identify potential alternatives in the future.” However, this was prior to November 2017 so cannot count toward improvements in chemicals management over the last year.

No discernible program to feature and market safer food packaging in the restaurant.

No indication of active participation in collaborative process to promote safer chemicals.

No indication that company invests significant financial resources into independent research into safer alternatives to chemicals of high concern and/or green chemistry solutions.