Whether it’s installing cutting-edge technology in its restaurants or introducing vegan burgers to the menu, McDonald’s certainly isn’t afraid of trying new things. This courage to keep innovating has made Maccy D’s one of the most successful franchises in the world. Fortunately, this eagerness to keep pushing the envelope also extends to protecting the environment: the franchise has just announced plans to make all of its packaging sustainable by 2025.
The new initiative means that the percentage of McDonald’s packaging that comes from renewable, recycled or certified sources will jump from 50% to 100% globally. Similarly, while 64% of McDonald’s fiber-based packing today comes from certified or recycled sources, this number is also set to rise to 100% by 2025.
Given that recycling practises differ around the globe, McD’s recognises that reaching these targets will be a challenge. Nevertheless, the franchise seems bullish about its ability to make it happen by working with industry experts, local governments and environmental associations to improve packaging and recycling practices. Together with these institutions, McDonald’s aims to improve its packaging, implement new recycling programs, establish new measurement programs and educate both restaurant crew and customers.
Commenting on the initiative, Francesca DeBiase, chief supply chain and sustainability officer at McDonald’s, said: “As the world’s largest restaurant company, we have a responsibility to use our scale for good to make changes that will have a meaningful impact across the globe. Our customers have told us that packaging waste is the top environmental issue they would like us to address. Our ambition is to make changes our customers want and to use less packaging, sourced responsibly and designed to be taken care of after use, working at and beyond our restaurants to increase recycling and help create cleaner communities.”
So it seems as if the home of the golden arches has managed to kill two birds with one stone: helping to save the planet while giving the people what they want. 
Eric Johansson
As web editor and resident Viking, Johansson ensures Elite Franchise is filled with engaging and eclectic entrepreneurial stories. While one of our most prolific franchise writers, he has sharpened his editorial teeth by writing about entertainment and fitness. Follow him on Twitter at @EricJohanssonLJ to catch up with his stream of consciousness.
Eric Johansson
As web editor and resident Viking, Johansson ensures Elite Franchise is filled with engaging and eclectic entrepreneurial stories. While one of our most prolific franchise writers, he has sharpened his editorial teeth by writing about entertainment and fitness. Follow him on Twitter at @EricJohanssonLJ to catch up with his stream of consciousness.
