At Pizzaiolo, we believe that exceptional pizza and environmental responsibility go hand in hand. Our commitment to sustainability shapes everything from our ingredient sourcing to our restaurant operations.
Why Sustainability Matters in Pizza Making
The food service industry has a significant environmental footprint. From agricultural practices to energy use, packaging waste to food miles, every step in bringing a pizza to your table impacts our planet. As a growing brand with multiple locations across Canada, we recognize our responsibility to minimize this impact.
For us, sustainability isn't just about environmental protection—it's about creating a business that can thrive for generations while supporting the health of our communities, our employees, and our planet.
"We don't see sustainability as an add-on or marketing tool. It's integrated into our core business decisions because we believe responsible practices lead to better pizza and a better future." — Claire Thompson, Sustainability Director at Pizzaiolo
Our Sustainable Sourcing Commitment
The journey to a sustainable pizza begins with thoughtful sourcing. Here's how we're making a difference:
Local Partnerships
We've established partnerships with over 20 farms within 150 kilometers of our restaurants. These relationships allow us to source fresh, seasonal ingredients while supporting local economies and reducing transportation emissions.
Our local partners include:
- Greenfields Organic Farm (Southern Ontario) — providing seasonal vegetables
- Heritage Dairy Cooperative (Quebec) — supplying organic cheese
- Golden Harvest Orchards (British Columbia) — providing apples for our dessert pizzas
- Sunrise Mushroom Collective (Ontario) — growing specialty mushrooms
Organic and Regenerative Agriculture
When possible, we prioritize organic ingredients grown using regenerative practices. Regenerative agriculture goes beyond sustainability to actually improve soil health, increase biodiversity, and sequester carbon.
Currently, 65% of our produce comes from certified organic farms, and we're working to increase this percentage every year. We pay premium prices to farmers using regenerative methods because we believe this investment yields better ingredients while healing the land.
Responsible Protein Sourcing
For our meat toppings, we partner with producers committed to humane animal husbandry and sustainable practices. Our pepperoni, sausage, and other meat products come from animals raised without antibiotics or growth hormones, with access to pasture when seasonally appropriate.
We've also expanded our plant-based protein options, developing house-made alternatives that satisfy both vegetarians and meat-eaters looking to reduce their environmental footprint.
Reducing Food Waste
Food waste is a major environmental issue, with roughly one-third of all food produced globally going to waste. Our comprehensive approach addresses this challenge:
Nose-to-Tail, Root-to-Stem Cooking
Our chefs are trained to use the entire ingredient whenever possible. Vegetable trimmings become stock for our sauces. Herb stems flavor our oils. Bread that's a day old transforms into house-made croutons and breadcrumbs for our salads.
Inventory Management
We use sophisticated inventory tracking systems to minimize over-ordering and prevent spoilage. Our made-to-order model means we don't pre-make pizzas that might go unsold, significantly reducing waste compared to counter-service operations.
Composting Program
Any unavoidable food waste is composted through local programs. In 2022, we composted over 45 tonnes of food scraps across our locations, diverting this material from landfills where it would generate methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
Several of our locations have established "closed-loop" relationships with our farm partners, where our compost directly nourishes the soil that grows our ingredients.
Food Donation Program
We partner with local food banks and community organizations to donate surplus ingredients before they spoil. These partnerships ensure that good food feeds people in need rather than going to waste.
Eco-Friendly Packaging
Packaging is one of the most visible environmental impacts of any food business. We've made significant strides in this area:
Pizza Boxes
Our pizza boxes are made from 100% post-consumer recycled cardboard and printed with vegetable-based inks. They're fully compostable and recyclable (once food residue is removed).
Delivery and Takeout
We've eliminated single-use plastic items from our takeout operations. Our cutlery, napkins, and serving containers are made from renewable resources and are either compostable or easily recyclable.
Our dipping sauce containers are made from a plant-based bioplastic that composts in industrial facilities, and we've replaced plastic drink cups with alternatives made from sustainable materials.
Minimal Packaging Initiative
We're constantly looking for ways to reduce packaging altogether. Our "minimal packaging" option allows customers to opt out of receiving items like napkins and utensils they don't need, and we incentivize customers to bring their own reusable containers for side dishes.
Our Packaging Sustainability Checklist
Energy and Water Conservation
Running pizzerias requires significant energy, particularly for our ovens. We're implementing various strategies to reduce our consumption:
Efficient Equipment
When opening new locations or replacing equipment, we invest in energy-efficient models. Our newest pizza ovens use 30% less energy than conventional models while still achieving the high temperatures needed for perfect pizzas.
Renewable Energy
Five of our locations now operate on 100% renewable electricity through utility green power programs or renewable energy certificates. We aim to reach 100% across all locations by 2025.
Water Conservation
We've installed low-flow fixtures in all our restaurants, reducing water usage by approximately 40% compared to conventional equipment. Our cleaning procedures are designed to minimize water waste while maintaining strict hygiene standards.
Sustainable Restaurant Design
As we grow and renovate existing locations, sustainability principles guide our design decisions:
LEED Certification
Our newest location in Vancouver has achieved LEED Silver certification, with features including enhanced insulation, energy-efficient lighting, and sustainably sourced building materials.
Recycled and Upcycled Materials
We incorporate recycled and upcycled materials into our restaurant interiors. Our tables are made from reclaimed wood, and our lighting fixtures in several locations are crafted from repurposed pizza sauce cans—a creative way to showcase our commitment to the circular economy.
Indoor Plants and Biophilic Design
Our newer restaurants incorporate abundant plant life, improving air quality and creating connections to nature. Some locations even feature small herb gardens that provide fresh garnishes for our pizzas and salads.
Community Engagement and Education
Sustainability extends beyond our operations to how we engage with our communities:
Educational Initiatives
We offer tours to local schools and community groups, showcasing our sustainable practices and explaining the environmental impacts of food choices. Our "Pizza Garden" program has helped establish vegetable gardens at five local schools, teaching students about food production and nutrition.
Community Composting
Several of our urban locations serve as community composting hubs, allowing nearby residents to drop off food scraps for processing. This service helps build community connections while diverting organic waste from landfills.
Sustainability Transparency
We publish an annual sustainability report detailing our progress, challenges, and goals. This transparency holds us accountable and hopefully inspires other businesses to adopt similar practices.
Our Future Goals
While we're proud of our progress, we recognize that sustainability is a journey, not a destination. Here are our commitments for the coming years:
Carbon Neutral by 2025
We're conducting a comprehensive carbon footprint analysis and developing a roadmap to achieve carbon neutrality through emissions reductions and carefully selected offsets.
Zero Waste to Landfill by 2024
We aim to divert 100% of our waste from landfills through enhanced recycling, composting, and thoughtful purchasing decisions.
80% Organic Ingredients by 2026
We're working with our farming partners to transition more acreage to certified organic production, supporting them through this process with fair pricing and purchase commitments.
Expanded Plant-Based Menu
We're developing innovative plant-based pizza options that satisfy the growing number of customers looking to reduce their environmental footprint through diet choices.
Join Us on Our Sustainability Journey
We believe that businesses have both the responsibility and the opportunity to lead positive environmental change. But true sustainability requires collaboration across our entire community—from our suppliers to our customers.
You can support our efforts and amplify their impact in several ways:
- Choose our seasonal specials featuring local, organic ingredients
- Opt for plant-based toppings when ordering
- Select our "minimal packaging" option for takeout and delivery
- Properly recycle or compost our packaging materials
- Share your sustainability ideas with us—we're always looking to improve!
Together, we can prove that sustainability and exceptional pizza aren't just compatible—they're complementary. When we respect our ingredients, our communities, and our planet, the result is food that tastes better because it is better—in every sense of the word.
