McDonald’s Pledges Toxic-Free Future with its Food Packaging

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.