McDonald’s Finland introduces fiber lids to cut plastic waste

FINLAND – McDonald’s Finland has taken a step toward sustainability by replacing plastic beverage lids with fibre-based alternatives.

This move aligns with the restaurant chain’s global efforts to reduce reliance on fossil-fuel-based plastics.

By the end of 2025, all McDonald’s locations in Finland will exclusively use these new fibre lids for hot and cold drinks.

The transition is expected to eliminate 59,000 kg of plastic while reducing CO₂ emissions, as fibre lids have a lower carbon footprint than plastic ones.

“McDonald’s aims for all packaging to come from renewable, recycled, and certified materials before the end of 2025,” said Olli Johansson, CEO of McDonald’s Finland.

The new lids, produced by Finnish packaging company Huhtamäki, feature a patented click-fit function for a secure seal.

Like other Huhtamäki fibre products, the lids are home-compostable and recyclable. McDonald’s Finland already sources its fibre packaging materials from recycled sources or certified forests, ensuring that all its sales packaging is recyclable. 

Ongoing efforts to reduce plastic

McDonald’s Finland has been actively reducing plastic packaging for years, implementing several changes to minimize environmental impact.

The company has systematically transitioned from plastic to more sustainable alternatives.

In 2018, McDonald’s introduced cardboard porridge cups and McFlurry cups without plastic lids, marking an early step toward reducing the use of single-use plastics in its packaging.

This move set the stage for further sustainable innovations in the following years.

By 2020, the company had replaced plastic milkshake cups with cardboard alternatives and shifted salad portions from plastic containers to cardboard packaging.

These changes significantly decreased the restaurant chain’s plastic footprint, aligning with its broader commitment to sustainability.

In 2021, McDonald’s Finland took another step by eliminating plastic straws and opting for paper alternatives.

Around the same time, the company also decided to phase out plastic balloon sticks, further reducing unnecessary plastic waste.

Through these continuous efforts, McDonald’s Finland is making substantial progress toward its goal of more sustainable packaging, reinforcing its commitment to reducing plastic waste in the foodservice industry.

Nylabone embraces eco-friendly packaging for its 70th anniversary

In a related development, Pet brand Nylabone, a part of Central Garden & Pet, has reinforced its commitment to sustainability with a refreshed, eco-friendly packaging design as it marks its 70th anniversary.

The new packaging will launch in spring 2025 and will replace most plastic blister packs with recyclable paper materials.

This change is expected to cut Nylabone’s annual plastic usage by more than 40 tons, significantly reducing its environmental impact.

“As we celebrate a 70-year legacy of chewing excellence, we’re also looking toward the future—continuing to create top-quality products that best serve dogs, pet parents, and our planet,” said Glen S. Axelrod, President and CEO of Nylabone.

“Our new packaging design aligns our actions with our values, creating a healthier planet for future generations.”

This initiative builds on Nylabone’s ongoing efforts to minimize waste. In 2024, the company redesigned packaging for its Healthy Edibles and Nutri Dent chew treats, saving approximately 37,000 lbs of paper annually.

Nylabone’s sustainability efforts have earned it recognition as a Top Performer by the Pet Sustainability Coalition (PSC) for 2024-25.

The brand became a PSC-certified Pet Sustainability Accredited Business in early 2024.

With these environmentally conscious changes, Nylabone continues positioning itself as a sustainable pet care leader.

Subscribe to our email newsletters that provide busy executives like you with the latest news insights and trends from Africa and the World. SUBSCRIBE HERE

Newer Post

Thumbnail for McDonald’s Finland introduces fiber lids to cut plastic waste

New packaging revamps: Simple Skincare, White Rabbit, and Cadbury’s ‘Made to share’ unveil new look

Older Post

Thumbnail for McDonald’s Finland introduces fiber lids to cut plastic waste

Kenya adopts color-coded bins to enhance waste segregation

Be the first to leave a comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.