All of the centrally sourced packaging distributed across McDonald’s 38 European markets is, as of this month, chain of custody-certified, the fast food chain has announced.
The wood fibre used in the company’s paper and board packaging comes from recycled sources or forests certified to one of two globally recognised standards for responsible forest management: either Forest Stewardship Council or the Programme for Endorsement of Forest Certification standards. McDonald’s uses this fibre in “front of counter” sales packaging such as cartons, cups, cup holders, bags, wraps, napkins, tray liners and paper straw wrappers.
McDonald’s vice-president sustainability – worldwide supply chain Keith Kenny said: “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.”
The move falls in line with McDonald’s global vision to source all of its food and packaging sustainably, with wood fibre having been identified as a priority raw material by conservation charity WWF alongside beef, coffee, fish and palm oil. In over 7,900 restaurants across its 38 European markets, McDonald’s currently uses around 170,000 tonnes of wood fibre in its packaging annually.
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, with the MSC logo displayed on pack.
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