The test cups are sourced from a 50-50 mix of post-consumer plastic material and biobased materials. The company is using what is referred to as a mass balance method, a process that allows them to measure and track recycled and biobased inputs being used in a process that also mixes traditional fossil-fuel sources. The biobased material is crafted in part from McDonald’s used cooking oil.
This test is one of many steps that will help McDonald’s meet its goal of sourcing 100% of guest packaging from renewable, recycled or certified sources by 2025. Additionally, McDonald’s is working hard to increase the accessibility of this material nationwide.
According to a press release, this test signals to the industry that McDonald’s – one of the world’s largest restaurant companies – is serious about supporting the production of biobased and recycled materials.
