McDonald’s Plans To Test Reusable Cups For Hot Drinks

McDonald’s is partnering with Loop to test reusable cups for hot drinks in the U.K. Although the trial will begin in 2021, the company has already announced how the initiative will work.  

“This unique new partnership will conveniently allow customers to reduce waste by choosing a durable Loop-created cup, for a small deposit. The deposit can then be redeemed by returning the cup to participating McDonald’s UK restaurants in order to be safely washed through the Loop system and reused again in McDonald’s restaurants,” McDonald’s explained in a press release.

The partnership will allow customers to purchase Loop reusable cups and return them to McDonald’s. Then, Loop will collect the cups and wash them, so the restaurants can use them again. The company pointed out that the cups will be sanitized to meet strict standards.

“Additionally, the Loop partnership meets McDonald’s cleanliness and safety standards, which have only become more important throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Loop’s cleaning systems have been scientifically developed, in partnership with Ecolab, to sanitize each item, which means each cup is hygienically cleaned before each use, making it as safe and hygienic as single-use cups,” McDonald’s shared in a press release.

The latest initiative is part of McDonald’s ongoing plans to reduce packaging waste while introducing more green processes into its restaurants. The company has tested the idea of reusing cups in Germany through the ReCup program, which serves hot drinks in porcelain or glass mugs that can be returned, and allows customers to bring their own cups to be filled at McDonald’s.

One of the main reasons for the trial in the U.K. is the upcoming ban on single-use plastic items in the European Union in 2021. McDonald’s is testing different ways to comply with the new regulations.

In Berlin, McDonald’s previously conducted a plastic-free experiment to replace many single-use products. “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. And Chicken McNuggets were served in paper bags, rather than cardboard boxes,” McDonald’s said.

As bans on single-use plastic items grow, McDonald’s and other restaurants will continue to experiment with different methods to reduce waste.