Embracing Green Solutions
By Meline Beach
Sustainability has shifted from a passing trend to a core expectation across all industries, including convenience stores, carwashes, and retail petroleum.
Customers expect more environmentally-friendly practices from businesses, particularly regarding energy use, waste reduction, and packaging. Companies like Rabba Fine Foods, Classic Group of Companies, and Bubbles Car Wash are implementing green initiatives that are catching the attention not only of their customers and vendors but of environmental awards programs as well.
Sustainability in Infrastructure
Infrastructure is critical category for sustainability in the C&G industry. From the buildings themselves to the systems that power them, sustainable infrastructure plays a major role in reducing environmental impacts.
One of the standout examples of sustainability in infrastructure is Rabba Fine Foods, a family-owned business with 37 locations across the Greater Toronto Area. In 2024, Rabba received the Canadian Grocer Impact Award for the fourth consecutive year in recognition of its sustainability efforts, including the installation of solar panels at its distribution centre. This initiative has helped Rabba significantly reduce its carbon footprint by generating renewable energy onsite.
In addition to generating energy to offset power consumption, Rabba enhanced energy efficiency with further improvements, using LED lighting at all locations and upgraded to energy-efficient refrigeration equipment and HVAC systems, significantly reducing electricity consumption.
Sustainability in C-Store Foodservice
Foodservice is an essential part of the c-store sector, with sustainability a key driver of success. Today’s customers are prioritizing sustainability in their decisions, from how their meals are prepared and packaged to how its waste is disposed. To meet expectations, c-stores are turning to energy-efficient technologies, sustainable packaging and waste-reduction strategies.
Classic Group of Companies, a provider of foodservice solutions for the convenience store industry, is making notable strides in adopting sustainable packaging alternatives. The company is committed to sourcing eco-friendly packaging for all of its products using compostable materials to reduce waste and improve the overall environmental footprint of its offerings.
“All of our packaging is compostable and we source more eco-friendly options whenever possible,” says Joseph Belcastro, general manager of the Classic Group of Companies. “It is a growing initiative and we’re constantly explore new innovations to meet the growing demand for sustainable solutions.”
Rabba is also committed to minimizing single-use plastics. “We’re always on the lookout for anything that makes us more efficient and minimizes our environmental impact,” says Rick Rabba, president, Rabba Fine Foods. “Our dedication to sustainability extends to partnering with organizations that help reduce food waste and support community initiatives.”
Rabba’s commitment to the environment is part of the company’s broader sustainability strategy, which also includes food donations to reduce food waste and community outreach initiatives aimed at fostering environmental responsibility.
Sustainability in Carwashes
Carwashes are increasingly being called upon to integrate sustainable practices, particularly in areas like energy consumption, water conservation, and waste management, given the environmental impact of their operations.
Bubbles Car Wash is a prime example of how the carwash industry is embracing sustainability with its innovative water recycling system to minimize water waste. While carwashes use fresh water for washing vehicles, Bubbles has implemented a system that efficiently recycles water for cleaning the tracks. This water-saving technology operates like a sprinkler system, reusing water and reducing overall consumption. Additionally, Bubbles Car Wash is committed to monitoring its water systems rigorously to prevent leaks and ensure that water is used as efficiently as possible. The company has also made strides in reducing paper consumption by adopting digital invoicing and tracking systems, cutting paper use by 80 per cent.
“Sustainability is a growing priority for us, and we’ve implemented several eco-friendly practices over the years,” says Natasha Toffoli, president of Bubbles Car Wash. “By continually investing in technology and sustainability measures, we’re doing our part to reduce our environmental impact while maintaining the highest standards of service.”
Sustainability in Retail Petroleum
Gas stations, due to their high-traffic nature, have a distinct opportunity to lessen their environmental footprint by implementing sustainable maintenance practices. Transitioning to biodegradable cleaning agents and less harmful products can substantially reduce the release of toxic chemicals into the environment. This approach extends to car maintenance, cleaning, and de-icing, helping to minimize contamination of water and soil.
Gas stations also have the opportunity to minimize their environmental impact by adopting bulk windshield washer fluid containers, like EcoTank’s refill stations. Based in Orangeville, Ont., EcoTank provides a sustainable alternative to single-use plastic jugs by offering an innovative, eco-friendly solution for windshield washer fluid refills.
With over 1100 installations across 19 countries, EcoTank has established partnerships with Couche-Tard, Pioneer, Ultramar, Parkland, and 7-Eleven – to name a few. This initiative helps divert hundreds of jugs from landfills each year and prevents thousands of kilograms of virgin plastic from being used in the production of these containers. Not only does it reduce plastic waste, but it also offers drivers a convenient and cost-effective solution for refilling their windshield washer fluid directly at the pump and paying for only what they need.
Sustainability as a Key to Future Success
Companies such as Rabba Fine Foods, Bubbles Car Wash, Classic Group of Companies, that are implementing innovative sustainability initiatives across foodservice, carwash operations, and packaging, are not only helping to reduce their environmental footprint but are also meeting the expectations of the next generation of customers, who demand environmentally responsible products and services.
Companies that focus on sustainable practices will be better equipped to succeed in a marketplace that is becoming more environmentally conscious. By implementing energy-efficient systems, using eco-friendly packaging, and adopting water-saving technologies, businesses can not only help protect the environment but also lower operational costs and enhance their brand image.
Meline Beach is a Toronto-based communications practitioner and frequent contributor to Convenience and Carwash Canada. In addition to freelance writing, Meline provides communications and public relations support to businesses across Canada. She can be reached at www.mlbcomms.ca.
