Food and beverage (F&B) operator SSP Group has partnered with Klimato to trial on-menu carbon labelling at its Ritazza and Camden Food Co. brands at Abu Dhabi International Airport’s newly opened Terminal A.

Klimato is a specialist in helping restaurants calculate, communicate and track the climate impact of their food. 

Point of sale materials explaining the labelling will be prominently displayed in both outlets to enable customers to make more informed choices. 

SSP said the process will help the business explore the impact that labelling has on customer behaviour. 

This is the first time that Klimato carbon labelling has been utilised in a travel location.

If the pilot is successful, SSP will roll out the labelling more widely across its menus. 

The labelling is part of SSP’s wider strategy to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.

Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions were reduced by 42% in 2023 from the operator’s 2019 base year.

Sustainability was a key consideration during SSP’s design construction and operation of its units in Abu Dhabi. 

Examples include 90% of the wood used in the build being procured from recycled or reclaimed sources.

In addition, 85% of all floor and wall tiles were sourced locally with a minimum of 20% recycled content. 

The units have been fitted with water-based air conditioning, as well as a system to extract steam from hoods and recycle it into clean air. 

SSP has also partnered with The Waste Lab, a Dubai-based women-owned start up that turns waste coffee grounds into fertiliser for local use. 

On-menu carbon labelling for ‘considered’ food choices

“As part of our net-zero commitment, we are working to reduce carbon emissions associated with food and beverage across our business,” said Mark Angela, CEO of SSP EEME and India.

“This new carbon labelling initiative takes a science-based, data-driven approach to decarbonising our menus. 

“And the associated communications campaign will drive customer awareness to help passengers make more informed and considered food choices.”

Ollie Judge, Chief Marketing Officer, Klimato, added: “We are delighted to partner with SSP in their commitment to addressing climate change and promoting sustainability within the food industry. 

“SSP’s dedication to calculating, communicating and reducing their food’s environmental impact is commendable. 

“By taking this important step, they are not only leading by example but also raising awareness about the crucial issue of food and sustainability. 

“Together, we can create a brighter, more sustainable future for our planet.”

Last month, SSP Group launched a travel-focused café and retail store concept into the UK travel sector.