McDonald’s launches new plastic-free programme

Fast-food giant McDonald’s has launched a new programme to cut plastic waste from its restaurants, which will begin by removing plastic lids from its McFlurry ice creams.

The packaging trials, which will be rolled out across Europe and including the UK, form part of McDonald’s global ‘Better M’ platform, which aims to implement environmentally positive changes across McDonald’s sustainable packaging and recycling supply chain.

Over 1,200 tonnes of plastic will be saved through the McFlurry ‘makeover’ and 1,200 tonnes will also be saved through the introduction of a new fibre and 100% sustainable lid for all cold drinks in France. Trials are underway for plastic-free McFlurry spoons with wooden and paper alternatives being tested.

Customers will also be able to return used Happy Meal toys, as well as other plastic toys, to seven restaurants across the UK so that they can be recycled in a new toy take-back trial.

Other innovations being introduced include an edible ice cream sundae cup made from waffle which is available in Ukraine.

McDonald’s was criticised earlier this year after they admitted that their new paper straw is not recyclable.

Keith Kenny, vice president of Global Sustainability at McDonald’s said: ‘We care about lessening our impact on the environment and know our customers do too. That’s why we’re finding new and innovative ways to reduce our use of packaging, switch to more sustainable materials and help our customers to reuse and recycle, too.

‘The trials we are conducting across Europe are vital in helping us get first-hand feedback from customers on solutions that help them to be conscious consumers, without compromising on quality and the McDonald’s experience they love. Better M is a powerful platform to allow us to work with our customers and choose the right solutions to scale up across Europe.’