Franchises are Going Green

Consumers worldwide are drawn to green initiatives and franchisors are responding. Eco-friendly businesses have been all the buzz lately. From sustainable buildings to recyclable merchandise, franchisors are implementing green practices whenever possible to stay ahead of their competition and help preserve the environment.

Thanks to franchises like Floor Coverings International (FCI), a shop-at-home, floor-covering retailer, consumers have a vast range of green flooring options to choose from. FCI’s president and CEO, Tom Wood, says he’s noticed a surge in green flooring inquiries. Cork flooring, for example, has been around for a long time, but sales of cork flooring at FCI have steadily increased over the past four years since consumers’ focus has turned to more environmentally-friendly products. FCI’s green options include bamboo, cork, recycled carpet, glass, stone and metal tiles, cork, linoleum, hardware floor and more.

McDonald’s, which ranked No. 1 on our Top 100 Global Franchises, has also jumped on the eco-friendly bandwagon. In an effort to reduce its carbon footprint, McDonald’s headquarters provides all its franchises with guidance and support to improve energy efficiency and sustainability. The franchise also strives to protect the health and productivity of its suppliers’ fisheries. The company is working with fish suppliers and Conservation International to develop a set of sustainable fisheries’ guidelines.

The green economy proved its strength by growing in the wake of the 2008 recession, and it’s continued through 2010. This is proof to economic experts that consumers will continue to buy environmentally-friendly products despite the harsh new economic reality. While some trends quickly die out, it seems like this one is here to stay. For more information on eco-friendly franchises, check out Franchise Direct’s 2010 Green Report.