McDonald’s is looking to reduce the size of its carbon footprint by changing up the way it packages the Big Mac, fries and other food items.
The fast food giant has a 4-year plan to completely phase out all polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) found in their packaging. PFAS are man-made chemicals that don’t break down and can accumulate over time.
Environmental advocacy groups Toxic-Free Future and Mind the Store have targeted other fast food chains including Burger King and Wendy’s over their toxic levels of PFAS in their packaging. The environmentally-conscious groups would like to see McDonald’s fully rid their products of these chemicals next year instead of 2025 as it had announced in a recent press release.
It’s just another step by fast-food restaurants to raise their sustainability efforts. Four months ago, Burger King announced plans to test reusable containers. And Panera began displaying badges to show menu items with a lower carbon footprint.