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McDonald’s Commits to Adopting 100% Recycled Packaging by 2025

 The fast-food corporation aims to push green solutions to reinforce its eco-friendly vision
Author: Bhadra Renjith
McDonald’s sets its sight on sustainability in the future as they disclose their environmental objectives for the year 2025.

The mega-corporate chain strives to source 100% of its packaging from renewed and recycled materials from certified sources while including recycling arrangements in all of its restaurants.  At present, only 50% of customer packaging is sustainably sourced, with 10% of restaurants actively recycling. 

The company has made moves towards more sustainable efforts mainly due to customer demand. However, creating a positive impact on communities and controlling waste management are additional reasons for their green ambitions. 

Francesca DeBiase, Chief Global Supply Chain Officer and formerly a Sustainability Officer at McDonald’s explains that the feedback from customers highlights packaging waste as “the top environmental issue” to be addressed.

McDonald’s states that they plan on creating new recycling projects, new packaging designs, and education plans for customers and employees in collaboration with environmental groups and local governments. The company states that they are currently testing various products, for example, optimizing a system of reusable cups for hot drinks.

They have received praise on this initiative, which involves a long-term objective of supporting and working towards achieving the UN’s 17 SDGs within their positive impact strategies.

Tom Murray, Senior Vice President of Business at the Environmental Defense Fund, explains in a statement that McDonald’s ambitious green goals and collaboration with partners across the chain “for maximum impact” continues to raise the bar on sustainability.

McDonald’s track record is not one without controversy. The mega fast-food chain has received its fair share of criticism on a plethora of issues ranging from animal cruelty to low wages to child obesity. Despite these issues, America’s iconic corporate fast-food chain can create a massive impact upon the industry with its eco-friendly programs. 

Sheila Bonini, Senior Vice President of Private Sector Engagement at the World Wildlife Fund says that McDonald’s bold commitment to organizing, recycling, and packaging initiatives encourages the industry to adopt more sustainable practices and prolong the existence of our natural resources. 

The new sustainable initiatives are likely to give McDonald’s popularity, but it might not increase profits or sales, says Brian Yarbrough, Senior Analyst of Equity Research at Edward Jones. Yarbrough acknowledges that green projects and recycling are at the front of discussions at present. However, these changes would not increase earnings despite being positive and the moral progress for the company.

Image Credits: Andrew Herashchenko on Unsplash

Reference: USA Today

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