Even before the implementation deadline for the EU ban on single-use plastic items, McDonald's in Germany is switching to alternative materials for cutlery, balloon holders and straws. The company is also planning further conversions to more sustainable packaging.
Paper straws instead of plastic straws, wooden spoons instead of plastic spoons and balloon holders made from FSC-certified paper. With these changes, McDonald's Germany is taking an important step towards optimising the materials used. And even before the implementation deadline of the EU ban on certain single-use plastic items. The changeover is part of a Roadmap, which McDonald's Germany developed in 2019 as part of the „Better M Store“ programme. The project included the testing of various sustainable packaging alternatives in the normal restaurant routine. Feedback was also obtained from the guests.
McDonald's optimises packaging
In addition to this change to plastic products that fall under the new EU Plastics Directive, other packaging has also been optimised. Since this year, McFlurry, McSundae and the shakes in paper instead of plastic cups and the 4-piece Chicken McNuggets are served in paper bags instead of cardboard boxes. According to the company, this change in the dessert area alone has enabled it to save around 1,000 tonnes of plastic per year.
As part of its sustainability strategy, McDonald's Germany has set itself the goal of cutting down on packaging - especially plastic - and reducing packaging volumes. The company is sticking to its plans in this area despite the coronavirus crisis, Only packaging made from renewable, recycled or certified material by 2025 to be used.
„Originally, we wanted to be even faster, but corona forced us to reschedule. However, our top priority was to keep our word and introduce the optimised packaging this year.“ Eva Rössler, Company spokeswoman McDonald's Germany
Source: McDonald's Germany
[infotext]From 3 July 2021, the production of single-use plastics will no longer be permitted throughout the EU. The Managing Director of the IK Industrievereinigung Kunststoffverpackungen Dr Martin Engelmann explains in an interview with packaging journal TV, why he believes there is still a lot of catching up to do[/infotext].
