McDonald's makes sustainable packaging breakthrough

Cartons, cups and bags at McDonald's are now made from wood fibre coming from recycled sources or sustainably-managed forests.

Indeed, all centrally-sourced packaging for the burger chain giant - distributed across its 38 European markets - is now chain-of-custody certified.

Keith Kenny, vp sustainability – Worldwide Supply Chain, McDonald’s, commented: “This step represents a key milestone in McDonald’s European sustainable packaging strategy to source 100% wood fibre from recycled or certified virgin sources by 2016, as well as providing credible evidence to our customers that the packaging products we use come from well-managed forests.

"The achievement has involved collaboration across the length and breadth of our supply chain in all 38 European markets, from those that supply our restaurants right back to the family-run businesses that own the forests.”

McDonald’s has achieved significant sourcing milestones in recent years, both globally and in Europe. Since 2008, McDonald’s European markets have sourced 100% of their coffee (excluding decaf) from farms certified by Rainforest Alliance or Fairtrade for their sustainable practices. In addition to this, all of the fish used in McDonald’s Filet-o-Fish sandwiches in Europe is certified by the Marine Stewardship Council.