McDonalds Store: Fast food giant reveals results of 10-day plastic-free trial

In a bid to test new packaging solutions and recycling initiatives, McDonald’s opened the “Better McDonald’s Store” in the Mall of Berlin in the German capital from June 17-26, replacing all food and beverage packaging with plastic-free alternatives. This restaurant experiment served both to anticipate compliance requirements for the impending EU-wide ban on single-use plastic as well as to address consumer concerns on plastic waste.

For ten days, the Better McDonald’s Store underwent considerable packaging changes. Edible waffle cups replaced condiment sachets and containers. Paper straws replaced plastic straws. Wooden cutlery replaced plastic cutlery. Sandwiches were wrapped in packaging made from grass, not paper. Also, Chicken McNuggets were served in paper bags rather than cardboard boxes.

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