Noodles & Company

Climate Impact & Sustainability Data (2021)

Eliminated the use of over 1 million pounds of plastic resin since April 2020 by using a plastic blend made with 42% mineral material and 58% polypropylene resin.
Removed over 316,000 pounds of plastic from landfills annually by optimizing to-go packaging design.
Transition to paper straws estimated to remove an additional 20,547 pounds of plastic from landfills annually.
Recycled 75% of all recyclable material in the back-of-house at company-managed locations.
31% decrease in water usage from testing new dipper wells.

Introduced free mental health counseling to all team members.
Enhanced team member benefits that prioritize mental health and families.
Reclassified single-stall restrooms as gender-inclusive.
Noodles & Company Foundation provided nearly $350,000 to over 900 team members in need.
Turkey drive provided more than 2,500 turkeys to teams.
Giving Tree helped nearly 600 families by providing gifts for more than 900 children.
Scholarship Fund provided more than $450,000 in education scholarships to 150 team members and their families.
Donated 4,000 meals to frontline workers during the COVID-19 crisis.
Sponsored seven "Pints for Pasta" blood drives, resulting in 64,000 blood donations.
Hosted more than 2,000 fundraisers, giving back more than $400,000 to local communities.
Raised more than $95,000 for local schools and organizations through Giving Tuesday.
Donated 4,500 meals to kids in Wisconsin, Colorado, and Minnesota.
Donated 8,000 coupons for a free small entrée to schools through the School Tools program.
Supported 17,450 athletes through 19 youth sports leagues.

Established a dedicated I&D function and added the first-ever inclusion and diversity role to the team.
Formed an Inclusion & Diversity Advisory Council.
Implemented mandatory unconscious bias education and training companywide.
Signed CEO Action Pledge.
Six of seven Board members are independent.

Short-term Goals:

Using predictive analytics to ensure the right amount of food is prepped.
Developing a comprehensive I&D program, including attracting a diverse candidate pool and establishing Noodles Resource Groups.
Partnering with responsible vendors (implied)

Supplier accreditation process covering food safety certifications and third-party audits.
Partnership with vendors who align with Noodles' values and prioritize high-quality ingredients and industry-leading food safety practices.
Commitment to sourcing 100% cage-free eggs and bringing chicken supply to Step 2 Global Animal Partnership requirements by 2024.
Commitment to sustainable and responsible seafood sourcing.