Sustainable Development Goals Implementation In The Fast-food Industry In Australia

Introduction:

The fast-food sector contributes significantly to the Australian economy by giving consumers convenience and jobs. It also has issues with its effects on society and the environment, though. This paper intends to examine how Australia's fast-food business is presently following the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and recommend tactics to significantly advance three key SDGs. The industry may move towards a more sustainable and ethical business strategy by aligning with the SDGs.

Objectives:

In light of the good and negative effects that fast food has on society and the environment, list the three SDGs that are most pertinent to the Australian fast food business.

Develop effective and sustainable plans for the sector to support these three SDGs, and set suitable benchmarks and metrics to measure achievement.

Analysis of Sector:

Analysis of Sector: Fast-Food Industry and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Implementation in Australia

Australia's food service business is dominated by the fast-food industry, which serves the nation's consumers' fast-paced lives. Due of its accessibility and cost, it has experienced substantial expansion over time. Regarding this industry's effects on the social and environmental spheres, there are a number of difficulties as well. The three applicable United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) — will be examined in this section together with the fast food business in Australia (Chowdhury, 2023).

SDG 2 - Zero Hunger:

By incorporating sustainable practises into its supply chain, the fast-food business plays a crucial part in positively advancing SDG 2. The sector can help small-scale food producers, enhance livelihoods, and decrease food waste by collaborating with regional farmers and supporting ethical agriculture. Nutrition results can also be improved by highlighting nutrient-dense menu items and teaching customers about good eating practises. The environmental effect can also be reduced by investing in cutting-edge farming practises and eco-friendly packaging. The fast food sector can aid in eradicating hunger, ensuring food security, and fostering a more sustainable future for all by placing a high priority on sustainable agriculture, ethical sourcing, and nutritional knowledge (Cheo & Tapiwa, 2021).

1. Sustainable Sourcing and Agriculture:
   To align with SDG 2, fast-food chains can collaborate with local farmers and suppliers to source fresh and sustainable ingredients. Supporting local agriculture not only stimulates the local economy but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation. By promoting sustainable agricultural practices, such as reduced pesticide use and water conservation, the industry can contribute to a more responsible food system (Cheo & Tapiwa, 2021).
2. Food Surplus Donation Programs:
   Programmes for donating food surplus in the fast-food sector address the urgent problem of food waste. These programmes enable businesses to contribute extra food to charity or food banks, helping underserved areas and reducing hunger. Fast food restaurants may make a major difference in decreasing food waste and assisting individuals who experience food insecurity by taking part in these programmes. Essential criteria to gauge the success of these projects include measuring the amount of leftover food given and the number of people served. By measuring their social responsibility and influence on the community, businesses may increase accountability and transparency in their fight against food waste and famine. The fast food sector may show its dedication to sustainability and social welfare through these programmes, creating a positive impact (Vlaholias et al., 2019).
3. Waste Reduction Targets:
   Implementing waste reduction targets is crucial for fast-food chains to minimize food waste throughout the supply chain. Tracking and analyzing wastage during food preparation, distribution, and in-store consumption enables them to identify areas for improvement. By setting concrete goals, the industry can play a significant role in reducing food insecurity and promoting resource efficiency. Such measures not only benefit the environment but also contribute to social responsibility. With a concerted effort to meet these targets, fast-food chains can lead the way in sustainable practices, inspiring other sectors to follow suit. Ultimately, this commitment to waste reduction will not only help tackle pressing global issues but also improve the overall profitability and reputation of businesses involved. Together, these actions pave the path towards a more sustainable and responsible food industry (Dellino et al., 2017).

SDG 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth:

SDG 8 focuses on promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. Within the fast-food industry, addressing labor practices and fostering economic growth are essential for creating a positive impact on society (Hales & Birdthistle, 2022).

1. Fair Labor Practices:
   The fast food business has received a lot of flak for its poor labour practises, which include low pay and unfavourable working conditions. Companies operating in this sector must place a high priority on providing all employees with safe working conditions, fair salaries, and comprehensive benefits in order to actively achieve Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG 8). Businesses may significantly help achieve SDG 8 by putting strong measures in place to avoid discrimination and promoting equitable chances for professional growth. In addition to improving their reputation, putting a strong emphasis on the health and development of their staff will have a good effect on society and the global economy. With these coordinated initiatives, the fast-food sector may advance towards higher sustainability and ethical corporate conduct that improves the lives of its employees and benefits the larger community (Swaminathan & Kesavan, 2018).
2. Training and Development:
   Investments in staff training and development programmes for fast-food companies may be quite profitable. These efforts promote employee wellbeing by offering chances for skill development and career advancement, which increases productivity and job satisfaction. Monitoring important metrics like employee satisfaction, attrition rate, and promotion rates becomes essential to evaluating the efficacy of such programmes. Employee satisfaction has increased, which shows that training initiatives are having a beneficial effect on their motivation and engagement. Reduced recruiting expenses are the outcome of increased employee retention, which is implied by a lower turnover rate. Additionally, a greater promotion rate demonstrates the effective use of possibilities for professional growth. In the end, fast-food businesses can nurture a knowledgeable and satisfied workforce, resulting in long-term commercial success, by prioritising training and development (Swaminathan & Kesavan, 2018).
3. Supporting Small Enterprises:
   In order to achieve SDG 8 (Sustainable Development Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth), small businesses in the fast-food sector must be given the support they need. We can have a beneficial influence by encouraging fair trade deals and giving them access to necessary resources. Fair trade agreements guarantee that small suppliers and franchise owners are treated fairly, ensuring that their employees receive fair salaries and decent working conditions. Access to resources like money, technology, and training may also boost a company's productivity and competitiveness. These actions not only improve the fast food industry's supply chain, but they also encourage social inclusion and lessen economic disparity. Supporting small businesses promotes innovation and entrepreneurship, which eventually aids in economic growth, the creation of jobs, and the adoption of sustainable business practises in accordance with SDG 8 (Hales & Birdthistle, 2022).

SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production:

Sustainable consumption and production patterns are the focus of SDG 12. The fast food sector has a duty to implement environmentally friendly practises in order to reduce its negative effects on the environment given its substantial use of packaging and resources (Admin, 2020).

1. Eco-Friendly Packaging:
   The fast food sector has several environmental concerns, including the production of plastic and packaging waste. Fast food chains may drastically minimise their contribution to plastic pollution by switching to eco-friendly packaging materials, such as compostable or biodegradable choices(Admin, 2020).
2. Sustainable Waste Management:
   It is crucial to have efficient waste management procedures in fast-food establishments. Responsible consumption and production can benefit from recycling programmes, waste separation initiatives, and consumer encouragement. It is possible to perform routine waste audits to track development and pinpoint potential problem areas.
3. Reduce Single-Use Plastic:
   It is crucial to establish goals for lowering single-use plastic usage. Fast-food restaurants might offer incentives to patrons who bring their own containers or implement refill programmes for beverages. The use of the decline in single-use plastic products like straws, cutlery, and cups as a gauge for this objective's advancement (Abdullah et al., 2021).

The Australian fast food sector is essential to reaching the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN. The sector may have a good effect on society and the environment by supporting SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). A more sustainable and socially responsible fast-food industry will result from the adoption of tactics like sustainable sourcing, food excess donation programmes, fair labour practises, and responsible trash management. Monitoring the pertinent indicators on a regular basis can assist assess the progress made and pinpoint areas that still need work. The fast food business has the power to influence good change and make a real difference in Australia's ability to maintain its future.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, this research focused on studying the implementation of SDGs in the fast-food industry in Australia. The identified SDGs - Zero Hunger, Decent Work and Economic Growth, and Responsible Consumption and Production - provide crucial areas for the industry to address. By adopting the proposed strategies and tracking relevant indicators, the fast-food industry can contribute meaningfully to these SDGs and enhance its social and environmental impact. The data used in this report aimed to provide an overview of the industry's current practices and highlight opportunities for improvement, thereby contributing to a more sustainable and responsible business landscape.

Introduction:

The fast-food sector contributes significantly to the Australian economy by giving consumers convenience and jobs. It also has issues with its effects on society and the environment, though. This paper intends to examine how Australia's fast-food business is presently following the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and recommend tactics to significantly advance three key SDGs. The industry may move towards a more sustainable and ethical business strategy by aligning with the SDGs.

Objectives:

In light of the good and negative effects that fast food has on society and the environment, list the three SDGs that are most pertinent to the Australian fast food business.

Develop effective and sustainable plans for the sector to support these three SDGs, and set suitable benchmarks and metrics to measure achievement.

Analysis of Sector:

Analysis of Sector: Fast-Food Industry and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Implementation in Australia

Australia's food service business is dominated by the fast-food industry, which serves the nation's consumers' fast-paced lives. Due of its accessibility and cost, it has experienced substantial expansion over time. Regarding this industry's effects on the social and environmental spheres, there are a number of difficulties as well. The three applicable United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) — will be examined in this section together with the fast food business in Australia (Chowdhury, 2023).

SDG 2 - Zero Hunger:

By incorporating sustainable practises into its supply chain, the fast-food business plays a crucial part in positively advancing SDG 2. The sector can help small-scale food producers, enhance livelihoods, and decrease food waste by collaborating with regional farmers and supporting ethical agriculture. Nutrition results can also be improved by highlighting nutrient-dense menu items and teaching customers about good eating practises. The environmental effect can also be reduced by investing in cutting-edge farming practises and eco-friendly packaging. The fast food sector can aid in eradicating hunger, ensuring food security, and fostering a more sustainable future for all by placing a high priority on sustainable agriculture, ethical sourcing, and nutritional knowledge (Cheo & Tapiwa, 2021).

1. Sustainable Sourcing and Agriculture:
   To align with SDG 2, fast-food chains can collaborate with local farmers and suppliers to source fresh and sustainable ingredients. Supporting local agriculture not only stimulates the local economy but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation. By promoting sustainable agricultural practices, such as reduced pesticide use and water conservation, the industry can contribute to a more responsible food system (Cheo & Tapiwa, 2021).
2. Food Surplus Donation Programs:
   Programmes for donating food surplus in the fast-food sector address the urgent problem of food waste. These programmes enable businesses to contribute extra food to charity or food banks, helping underserved areas and reducing hunger. Fast food restaurants may make a major difference in decreasing food waste and assisting individuals who experience food insecurity by taking part in these programmes. Essential criteria to gauge the success of these projects include measuring the amount of leftover food given and the number of people served. By measuring their social responsibility and influence on the community, businesses may increase accountability and transparency in their fight against food waste and famine. The fast food sector may show its dedication to sustainability and social welfare through these programmes, creating a positive impact (Vlaholias et al., 2019).
3. Waste Reduction Targets:
   Implementing waste reduction targets is crucial for fast-food chains to minimize food waste throughout the supply chain. Tracking and analyzing wastage during food preparation, distribution, and in-store consumption enables them to identify areas for improvement. By setting concrete goals, the industry can play a significant role in reducing food insecurity and promoting resource efficiency. Such measures not only benefit the environment but also contribute to social responsibility. With a concerted effort to meet these targets, fast-food chains can lead the way in sustainable practices, inspiring other sectors to follow suit. Ultimately, this commitment to waste reduction will not only help tackle pressing global issues but also improve the overall profitability and reputation of businesses involved. Together, these actions pave the path towards a more sustainable and responsible food industry (Dellino et al., 2017).

SDG 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth:

SDG 8 focuses on promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. Within the fast-food industry, addressing labor practices and fostering economic growth are essential for creating a positive impact on society (Hales & Birdthistle, 2022).

1. Fair Labor Practices:
   The fast food business has received a lot of flak for its poor labour practises, which include low pay and unfavourable working conditions. Companies operating in this sector must place a high priority on providing all employees with safe working conditions, fair salaries, and comprehensive benefits in order to actively achieve Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG 8). Businesses may significantly help achieve SDG 8 by putting strong measures in place to avoid discrimination and promoting equitable chances for professional growth. In addition to improving their reputation, putting a strong emphasis on the health and development of their staff will have a good effect on society and the global economy. With these coordinated initiatives, the fast-food sector may advance towards higher sustainability and ethical corporate conduct that improves the lives of its employees and benefits the larger community (Swaminathan & Kesavan, 2018).
2. Training and Development:
   Investments in staff training and development programmes for fast-food companies may be quite profitable. These efforts promote employee wellbeing by offering chances for skill development and career advancement, which increases productivity and job satisfaction. Monitoring important metrics like employee satisfaction, attrition rate, and promotion rates becomes essential to evaluating the efficacy of such programmes. Employee satisfaction has increased, which shows that training initiatives are having a beneficial effect on their motivation and engagement. Reduced recruiting expenses are the outcome of increased employee retention, which is implied by a lower turnover rate. Additionally, a greater promotion rate demonstrates the effective use of possibilities for professional growth. In the end, fast-food businesses can nurture a knowledgeable and satisfied workforce, resulting in long-term commercial success, by prioritising training and development (Swaminathan & Kesavan, 2018).
3. Supporting Small Enterprises:
   In order to achieve SDG 8 (Sustainable Development Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth), small businesses in the fast-food sector must be given the support they need. We can have a beneficial influence by encouraging fair trade deals and giving them access to necessary resources. Fair trade agreements guarantee that small suppliers and franchise owners are treated fairly, ensuring that their employees receive fair salaries and decent working conditions. Access to resources like money, technology, and training may also boost a company's productivity and competitiveness. These actions not only improve the fast food industry's supply chain, but they also encourage social inclusion and lessen economic disparity. Supporting small businesses promotes innovation and entrepreneurship, which eventually aids in economic growth, the creation of jobs, and the adoption of sustainable business practises in accordance with SDG 8 (Hales & Birdthistle, 2022).

SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production:

Sustainable consumption and production patterns are the focus of SDG 12. The fast food sector has a duty to implement environmentally friendly practises in order to reduce its negative effects on the environment given its substantial use of packaging and resources (Admin, 2020).

1. Eco-Friendly Packaging:
   The fast food sector has several environmental concerns, including the production of plastic and packaging waste. Fast food chains may drastically minimise their contribution to plastic pollution by switching to eco-friendly packaging materials, such as compostable or biodegradable choices(Admin, 2020).
2. Sustainable Waste Management:
   It is crucial to have efficient waste management procedures in fast-food establishments. Responsible consumption and production can benefit from recycling programmes, waste separation initiatives, and consumer encouragement. It is possible to perform routine waste audits to track development and pinpoint potential problem areas.
3. Reduce Single-Use Plastic:
   It is crucial to establish goals for lowering single-use plastic usage. Fast-food restaurants might offer incentives to patrons who bring their own containers or implement refill programmes for beverages. The use of the decline in single-use plastic products like straws, cutlery, and cups as a gauge for this objective's advancement (Abdullah et al., 2021).

The Australian fast food sector is essential to reaching the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN. The sector may have a good effect on society and the environment by supporting SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). A more sustainable and socially responsible fast-food industry will result from the adoption of tactics like sustainable sourcing, food excess donation programmes, fair labour practises, and responsible trash management. Monitoring the pertinent indicators on a regular basis can assist assess the progress made and pinpoint areas that still need work. The fast food business has the power to influence good change and make a real difference in Australia's ability to maintain its future.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, this research focused on studying the implementation of SDGs in the fast-food industry in Australia. The identified SDGs - Zero Hunger, Decent Work and Economic Growth, and Responsible Consumption and Production - provide crucial areas for the industry to address. By adopting the proposed strategies and tracking relevant indicators, the fast-food industry can contribute meaningfully to these SDGs and enhance its social and environmental impact. The data used in this report aimed to provide an overview of the industry's current practices and highlight opportunities for improvement, thereby contributing to a more sustainable and responsible business landscape.