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ISS Facility Services is a global leader in providing integrated facility management solutions. With a presence in over 30 countries, ISS offers a wide range of services, including cleaning, security, maintenance, catering, and workplace services. Their approach focuses on enhancing the quality of life and improving the efficiency of organizations through tailored solutions that prioritize sustainability, innovation, and customer satisfaction. ISS serves a diverse range of industries, from healthcare to corporate offices, and aims to create safer, healthier, and more productive environments for its clients. In an exclusive interaction, Mr Michael Ebenezer, Head of Food Services, ISS India speak on their food segment in detail. Edited excerpts.
Kitchen Herald : Can you elaborate on the business operations of ISS Facility Services India Private Limited especially in food sector?
Michael Ebenezer: ISS Facility Services India is a subsidiary of the global facility management services and workplace experiences leader ISS Group. Apart from other facility management segments, one of ISS India’s important verticals is a specialized business of food services that creates culinary experiences while setting new standards for health and well-being, productivity, and sustainability – contributing to a happier, more creative workforce. We aim to expand our food services vertical rapidly. Currently, we are the 5th largest global catering company, serving millions of customers annually with a team of over 2000 placemakers.
A key strength of ISS food services in India is maintaining long-term customer relationships. We have retained clients for nearly two decades across various sectors, including IT, banking, and manufacturing, as well as in managing guest houses for corporate clients. We are looking at expanding our food services offerings and solutions to corporates looking to deliver the best food experience to their teams.
ISS has expertise in culinary foundations by co-creating personalized food programs with each client that fit evolving business needs and priorities. Our effort is to reduce food waste, reuse kitchen waste to generate biogas energy, and move to 100% induction-based kitchens which significantly help reduce carbon footprint.
We are dedicated to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions, committing to reach net zero for scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030 and full-scope net zero, including our entire supply chain, by 2040. By aligning with these goals, we are actively contributing to a more sustainable future.
Kitchen Herald : How ISS is integrating sustainable practices into its culinary services, such as the implementation of eco-friendly solutions, the reduction of food waste, and the sourcing of locally sourced ingredients?
Michael Ebenezer: ISS India demonstrates its commitment to sustainability. With a focus on reducing food waste and carbon footprint, ISS is at the forefront of promoting environmentally conscious practices while prioritizing employee well-being.
At ISS, we harness a variety of technology solutions to seamlessly integrate best practices into our daily operations at every site. Our holistic approach to waste reduction involves:
Procurement Traceability
We are dedicated to ensuring complete traceability and accountability throughout our food supply chain, from farm to fork. Our procurement process rigorously adheres to food safety standards, implements comprehensive quality control, and maintains traceability from source to plate. We ensure full compliance with all regulatory requirements and have centralized procurement to streamline food traceability. Additionally, we have effective recall systems in place for rapid response to any food safety issues.
Plant-Powered & Low Carbon Menus
Our commitment extends to introducing low carbon, plant-based menus at our food sites. We focus on minimizing waste and utilizing seasonal, local produce to reduce our reliance on animal proteins. This approach not only supports a greener planet but also ensures that we provide nutritious and satisfying dining experiences.
Decarbonization
We are resolute in our goal to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions for scope 1 and 2 by 2030, and full-scope net zero by 2040. To reach these targets, we are actively working to reduce our energy and water consumption, conducting Waste to Resource Assessments to manage and mitigate waste, and transitioning to smart electric kitchens.
Waste Reduction Initiatives
In our efforts to reduce waste and environmental impact, we are eliminating single-use plastics, moving towards paperless kitchen operations, and targeting a 50% reduction in food waste by 2027. We have AI tools like Winnow, which has the potential to reduce food waste by 40-70% within 6-12 months. Additionally, we are committed to using eco-friendly packaging and implementing composting practices.
Social Sustainability
We are dedicated to advancing social sustainability through various initiatives. This includes promoting social integration and supporting women-focused programs, fostering an inclusive work environment with fair wages, and providing education for all. We also support local communities, employ differently-abled individuals, and advance diversity and inclusion in our workforce.
At ISS, our commitment to sustainability and corporate social responsibility extends throughout our expansive supply chain, which spans the globe. We are dedicated to sourcing food and products that align with our core values.
ISS Sustainable Commitments
We are committed to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions for scope 1 and 2 by 2030 and reaching full-scope net zero emissions by 2040. We also aim to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the food we serve globally by 25% by 2030, based on our 2019 baseline. Our goal is to halve the amount of food waste by 2027 and transition our global fleet of approximately 20,000 vehicles to electric by 2030.
In terms of employee development, we are committed to offering training by FY 2025 to upgrade skills in languages, internet proficiency, and computer skills for all our employees. Additionally, we adhere to the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights and the Women’s Empowerment Principles.
We strive to minimize our environmental footprint and drastically reduce food waste – this year and for many years to come. With technology and care for the planet, our goals are to actively reduce food waste at thousands of locations.
Kitchen Herald : Can you shed some light on ISS’s plans to provide workers with healthy, balanced meals that contribute to their well-being as a whole?
Michael Ebenezer: ISS India Food Services curates dining experiences that fuel bodies and minds. The freshly prepared, healthy food nurtures well-being, promotes productivity, and achieves results, and thereby ISS goes the extra mile to deliver memorable service moments with a human touch. Our approach to catering and hospitality management is designed to meet your needs, whether for functional, innovative, or exceptional dining experiences. From daily kitchen and food services to pop-up concepts and fine dining, we tailor our offerings to suit your taste and deliver the best that the market has to offer.
Menu Innovation
We pride ourselves on offering a diverse range of innovative culinary concepts that highlight our culinary excellence. Our menus feature global flavors, local specialties, and chef-inspired creations, providing authentic and memorable dining experiences. All innovations are aligned with ISO 22000 standards, ensuring full adherence to food safety norms.
In-House Nutrition Team
Our dedicated nutrition team collaborates closely with our on-site culinary staff to develop healthy and nourishing menus that cater to the needs of both white-collar and blue-collar consumers. We focus on supporting overall wellbeing with customized meal plans and wellness counters that prioritize balanced nutrition.
Kitchen Herald: What are the major challenges that you faced while integrating sustainable practices in food business?
Michael Ebenezer:
• Supply Chain & Traceability: Ensuring sustainability throughout a complex supply chain can be challenging, affecting coordination with suppliers and partners. Complex supply chains often make it difficult to verify how sustainably the food was produced. Long and complex supply chains can lead to inefficiencies and increased carbon footprint.
• Eliminating food waste is a challenge. Educating customers and proper inventory management are effective in minimizing food waste.
• Lack of Standardization: The absence of standardized metrics and reporting frameworks complicates the measurement and communication of sustainability efforts.
• Consumer Expectations and Market Demand: Meeting evolving consumer demands for sustainable products can impact market competitiveness and customer loyalty.
• Access to Resources: Limited availability or high costs of sustainable resources, such as renewable energy and eco-friendly materials, pose significant challenges.
• Measurement and Reporting: Effective tracking and reporting of sustainability initiatives require robust data collection systems.
• Resistance to Change: Adapting processes and culture to sustainability goals may encounter resistance from employees, stakeholders, or management.
Overcoming these challenges requires a comprehensive strategy involving strong leadership, stakeholder engagement, capacity building, and long-term planning. ISS is committed to navigating these obstacles to benefit both the planet and the communities we serve.
Kitchen Herald : How might high-quality food services contribute to an inspiring workplace that encourages innovation and productivity?
Michael Ebenezer:
Future-Ready Food Services for Manufacturing
At ISS, we provide advanced food services tailored to meet your budget, food preferences, space design, and sustainability goals. Our offerings include diverse food concepts and architectural design themes, enhanced by technological solutions and compliance with EATRIGHT guidelines by FSSAI. We create engaging dining environments that balance taste, health, and productivity, fostering a workplace that drives innovation and productivity.
Nourishing Minds and Leading the Net Zero Future for Corporate Food Services
We are committed to our role in serving the planet, our people, and our communities. Our global food services not only set new benchmarks for health, well-being, and sustainability but also enhance workforce happiness and creativity. We believe that exceptional culinary experiences inspire creativity, promote innovation, and build a strong sense of belonging, resulting in an inspiring workspace that boosts productivity.
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