This Three-Star Michelin Eatery Obtains Certifications as Plastic-Free, Biodynamic, and a B-Corporation
Mirazur, the distinguished Michelin 3-star restaurant perched on the French Riviera, has earned global acclaim not just for its exquisite cuisine but also for its daring environmental stewardship. From 2019 to 2021, it held the prestigious title of the "World's Best Restaurant," and its visionary founder, Mauro Colagreco, has embarked on an inspiring journey to minimize plastic waste and promote biodiversity.
In 2020, Mirazur made headlines as the first restaurant worldwide to secure plastic-free certification. Colagreco's obsession with biodiversity and his shocking discovery of plastic waste on a Mexican beach during a family vacation back in 2017, fueled his determination to transform his culinary empire into a plastic-free realm. This ambitious project required a complete overhaul, replacing countless plastic items and collaborating with suppliers to develop innovative solutions.
Colagreco's accomplishments don't stop there. In 2022, he was appointed as UNESCO's Goodwill Ambassador for Biodiversity – a testament to his influential role in this critical environmental movement. Later in 2023, he served as Vice President Chefs of Relais & Châteaux, the esteemed association of unique hotels and restaurants stretching across 65 countries.
Mirazur's environmental commitments extend beyond its Michelin-starred establishment. Colagreco's philosophy of environmental respect is embraced in more than 25 restaurants around the globe, each manifesting itself in unique ways, from haute cuisine to more accessible concepts like bakeries, burger joints, and pizzerias.
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Transforming Mirazur into a plastic-free sanctuary was an arduous task, requiring creative problem-solving and a concerted effort to change ingrained habits. Cling wrap, disposable gloves, plastic storage bins, and vacuum bags were among the many plastic components that were replaced with sustainable alternatives. For instance, cling wrap was swapped out for basic stainless steel containers and chef muscle memory was reprogrammed to repurpose these containers. Disposable gloves were discarded in favor of reusable options, minimizing plastic waste.
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Mirazur's devotion to the environment is not only demonstrated in its operations but has also trickled down to its staff. The entire team, comprising 40 chefs, was retrained to minimize their sapid reliance on plastic. This transformation process required constant reminders and monitoring to ensure compliance. Yearly World Oceans Day celebrations serve as symbolic reminders of the environmental impact and solidify the importance of the plastic-free mission for the team.
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Colagreco's innovative approach to plastic reduction does not halt with Mirazur. He shares his expertise and mentors other chefs through masterclasses at reputable cooking schools and has been instrumental in inspiring global influencers in hospitality and gastronomy through Relais & Châteaux. Furthermore, hundreds of restaurants worldwide have reached out to Mirazur seeking advice, amplifying its impact beyond its French Riviera locale.
Colagreco takes his environmental accountability one step further by ensuring compliance and recognition for plastic-free establishments. In 2024, Mirazur assisted the Italian environmental packaging cooperative Ekoe in launching the first official plastic-free certification, offering 1-5 star ratings based on establishments' adherence to the guidelines. Mirazur garnered the perfect 5-star rating and has since paved the way for other successful eateries to achieve similar certification.
Colagreco's relentless pursuit of biodiversity and sustainability propelled Mirazur into becoming the first Michelin 3-Star restaurant to gain B Corp certification in September 2024. B-Corps, certified by the global non-profit organization B Lab, are evaluated based on factors including workplace culture, fair wages, and environmental stewardship, among others. This certification not only builds on Mirazur's existing achievements but also enforces its commitment to leaving a positive impact on society, the planet, and its employees.
plastic free certification that certifies companies, events and products with a now globally recognized designation. Entities can receive from 1 to 5-star ratings depending on their level of compliance, which is recertified yearly. Mirazur was the first restaurant to receive a perfect 5-star score.
Embracing the growing consumer focus on plastic-free products, Colagreco has become a leading voice, advocating for positive change. Consumers and businesses alike are increasingly seeking plastic-free alternatives due to environmental and health concerns, and Colagreco's groundbreaking efforts have demonstrated that these goals can be achieved. In fact, by showcasing their successful transition, Mirazur serves as a beacon for larger organizations aspiring to replicate their plastic-free endeavors.
, a global non-profit that measures a variety of factors including:
- Mirazur's ambitious plastic-free initiative has resulted in its achievement of the highest level of plastic-free certification, receiving a perfect 5-star rating. [plastic free certification link]
- In aligning with Mirazur's commitment to biodiversity and sustainability, the esteemed Relais & Châteaux association named Mauro Colagreco as Vice President Chefs in 2023.
- To encourage and recognize plastic-free establishments, Mirazur collaborated with Ekoe, an Italian environmental packaging cooperative, to launch the first official plastic-free certification program in 2024.
