Starbucks scores 7 points higher than McDonald's on SINK's sustainability index.
Starbucks is more sustainable according to SINK's open sustainability index, scoring 34/100 vs McDonald's's 27/100 — a difference of 7 points.
Starbucks scores 34/100 on the SINK sustainability index (Below expectations). Starbucks discloses comprehensive emissions data but is failing to reduce them—total emissions up 3% against a 50% reduction target by 2030. Massive supply chain deforestation, 400,000 tonnes of annual packaging waste, and removal of sustainability from executive pay in 2025 expose a widening gap between reporting and action.
McDonald's scores 27/100 on the SINK sustainability index (Significant gaps). McDonald's reports comprehensive climate data and holds SBTi targets, but total emissions are essentially flat. Scope 3 (99.65% of footprint) declined only 3–4% since 2018 with six years left to meet a 50% target. Beef supply chain deforestation remains unresolved despite commitments, and greenwashing accusations are documented.
Both companies are rated on the same 10-question SINK rubric: Scope 1/2/3 carbon footprint, energy source, nature and biodiversity, resource use, water, emissions trajectory, science-based targets, transparency, and controversies. Scores are 0–100, based on public data, and fully reproducible.
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