McDonald’s is to launch a reusable cup option for hot beverages through TerraCycle’s circular packaging service Loop.
McDonald’s will pilot the campaign at select restaurants in the UK next year and has already invested in several packing initiatives across the world, including the Recup system in Germany and NextGen Cup Challenge in the US.
TerraCycle offers free recycling programmes funded by brands, manufacturers, and retailers around the world to help consumers collect and recycle your hard-to-recycle waste.
As part of the program, customers will get the durable cup for a small deposit, which can be redeemed by returning the cup to participating McDonald’s restaurants. The Loop system, in partnership with Ecolab, will sanitise the cup for the next use.
“The partnership paves the way for reusables to become an accessible option for consumers as they enjoy their meal on the go.” said Tom Szaky, CEO at TerraCycle and Loop.
No images of the cup have been released and it is still unclear what it will be constructed of.
But Jenny McColloch, vice president global sustainability at McDonald’s, said: “We’re on a journey to rethink how we package products to give customers options that reduce waste, maintain the highest safety standards, and enhance the McDonald’s experience they expect and enjoy,”
“This pilot will generate important local insights and lessons to share along the way. We will accelerate circular-packaging solutions with our partners around the globe,” she added.
