Chipotle

Policy:Adopted a retailer safer chemicals policy

7 out of 23.5 points

Chipotle has no public written safer chemicals policy related to toxic indirect food additives. However, the company has publicly committed to eliminating PFAS from its compostable bowls by the end of 2020, and states that it prohibits the use of Bisphenol A (BPA) in its packaging, which we will collectively consider a beyond restricted substance list (BRSL) for its packaging with a quantified goal. While the retailer does not have a publicly available beyond restricted material list (BRML) for plastics of environmental health concern (PEHC), it has taken action to switch its cutlery from rigid polystyrene (a PEHC) to polypropylene (a safer alternative), and reported having switched 25% of its restaurants from vinyl gloves to low-density polyethylene ones, with plans to eventually make a full transition away from vinyl gloves. While not documented as strict prohibitions nor as a chemicals policy, we recognize these efforts related to PEHC with additional points. Chipotle does not have a publicly available manufacturing restricted substance list (MRSL).

Glossary of Terms

Accountability: Ensures supply chain accountability

1.25 out of 15 points

While Chipotle notes that it asks its suppliers to “provide certification” that packaging is in compliance with its BRSL and BRML, it is unclear if this is a contractual obligation, the extent training is provided, and to what extent testing is conducted to assess supplier conformance. We have awarded partial credit for this. The company noted to us that it is interested in further exploring third-party certifiers.

Glossary of Terms

Action: Reduced or eliminated chemicals of high concern (CHCs) or plastics of environmental health concern (PEHCs) within the last three years

6 out of 26 points

In March of 2020, Chipotle publicly committed to eliminating PFAS from its packaging by the end of 2020, a significant action on a class of chemicals of high concern (CHCs), and reported that it has been successful in eliminating the chemicals from their bagasse, or plant fiber, packaging such as bowls. It’s unclear if other categories of packaging have had PFAS fully eliminated. The company’s efforts to address other chemicals noted in this review predate November 2017.

Glossary of Terms

Transparency: Demonstrates a commitment to transparency and public disclosure

5 out of 20 points

The company’s beyond restricted substances list (BRSL) is publicly referenced in its annual sustainability reports.

Chipotle does not appear to encourage or require suppliers to publicly disclose all indirect food additives in food contact materials going beyond regulatory compliance.

Glossary of Terms