The McDonald’s approach to packaging sustainability
McDonald’s cutting-edge reusable packaging system has captured widespread attention, with a number of commentators highlighting it as a model of responsible consumption and waste reduction.
Packaging Europe spoke with Floor Uitterhoeve, Director for Market Sustainability in Europe at McDonald’s, to learn more about how solutions like this fit into the company’s overall packaging sustainability strategy.
1. To kick things off, I wonder if you could give us a broad overview of McDonald’s’ packaging sustainability goals and objectives in Europe.
McDonald’s demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability by addressing packaging as a critical element in reducing food waste and ensuring efficient food service. The company’s vision is to embrace a circular economy approach, where packaging and materials are recycled and repurposed rather than discarded as waste. McDonald’s aims to source 100% of its primary guest packaging (including fibre and plastic) from renewable, recycled, or certified sources by the end of 2025. Notably, in Europe, McDonald’s has already made significant strides, with over 90% of packaging being made from fibre and designed for recycling, and robust recycling programs in place in over 6,600 restaurants.
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