Michelin retires Green Star

Michelin said on May 19, 2026 that it is ending the Green Star, the sustainability distinction it introduced in 2020 for restaurants with what it called outstanding eco-friendly commitments. The company said the change takes effect immediately and that future Michelin Guides will no longer award the Green Star globally. Michelin announced the move alongside a new editorial initiative called Mindful Voices, which will profile chefs, hoteliers and wine producers across its platforms. The decision follows months of speculation in the restaurant sector that the award could be dropped. ### When does the Green Star end? Michelin said on May 19 that the Green Star “will come to an end” in parallel with the launch of Mindful Voices. Trade publication The Caterer reported the retirement was effective immediately and said Michelin would no longer award the distinction in future Guides worldwide. The Green Star had been limited to gastronomy, Michelin said in its announcement. (thecaterer.com) Michelin introduced the award in 2020 to recognize restaurants for sustainability practices across sourcing, waste, energy use and broader operations, according to industry coverage and Michelin’s own past descriptions. ### What is Michelin putting in its place? Michelin said Mindful Voices is a new editorial concept rather than a formal accolade. (thecaterer.com) The company said it will “highlight and share the stories and pioneering practices” of chefs, hoteliers and wine producers, extending beyond restaurants into hospitality and vineyards. Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guide, said Mindful Voices would give a platform to people “rewriting the rules in their respective fields,” according to trade reports citing Michelin’s statement. (thecaterer.com) Boutique Hotelier reported the new program will not carry an icon or logo, unlike the Green Star. ### Why is Michelin shifting from an award to editorial coverage? (guide.michelin.com) Michelin said the Guide is “reaching beyond gastronomy” as it expands further into hospitality and wine and now covers more than 60 destinations. In its announcement, Michelin said Mindful Voices was designed to capture “the unique character” of gastronomy, hotels and wine on a broader, global basis. (boutiquehotelier.com) The Caterer reported the decision came after months of industry speculation about the future of the Green Star. Michelin did not frame the change as a retreat from sustainability; instead, its statement said the new platform would amplify people and practices across a wider set of sectors than the Green Star covered. ### Where will readers see Mindful Voices? Michelin said Mindful Voices content will appear across its digital platforms, including its website, app and social media, and in print through the Michelin Guide magazine. (guide.michelin.com) The company said the series will focus on people rather than places and will include profiles and longer features. (thecaterer.com) Michelin also said featured personalities will appear at key Guide events. That places the new initiative inside Michelin’s broader editorial and event calendar rather than the annual award structure used for stars and other distinctions. ### What happens next on the Michelin calendar? June 1, 2026 is the first named milestone for the new program. (guide.michelin.com) Michelin said Mindful Voices will be unveiled at the Michelin Guide Nordic Countries Ceremony in Copenhagen on that date, with the rollout continuing across Europe and then worldwide through 2026. Michelin’s ceremony pages still list Guide events and new selections for markets around the world, but the company said future editions will no longer include new Green Star awards. (guide.michelin.com) The next visible test of that change will come as 2026 ceremonies continue, beginning with the Nordic event in Copenhagen on June 1. (guide.michelin.com)