McDonald’s Is Testing New Cups That Don’t Need Plastic Straws

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By Ghuman

Introduction

McDonald’s is taking a step towards sustainability by testing out new cups that don’t require plastic straws. The fast-food giant is trialing the new cups in select locations in the United States and Europe, with the aim of reducing plastic waste. The new cups are made from paper and are designed to be sipped from without the need for a straw. This move is part of McDonald’s larger sustainability efforts, which include reducing packaging and using more sustainable materials. This is a great step forward in the fight against plastic pollution and could have a positive impact on the environment.

McDonald’s Is Testing New Cups That Don’t Need Plastic Straws

McDonald’s is testing out a new cup design that doesn’t require a plastic straw. The fast-food giant is currently testing the new cup design in select locations in the United States and Europe. The new cup design features a built-in sipping spout that allows customers to drink directly from the cup without the need for a plastic straw.

The new cup design is part of McDonald’s ongoing efforts to reduce its environmental impact. The company has already committed to using only recycled or renewable materials in its packaging by 2025. The new cup design is part of this commitment, as it eliminates the need for a plastic straw, which is a major source of plastic waste.

McDonald’s is also testing out other sustainable packaging solutions, such as paper straws and compostable packaging. The company is also working to reduce its overall energy consumption and water usage. McDonald’s is hoping that these efforts will help it become a more sustainable company.

McDonald’s is not the only company looking to reduce its environmental impact. Many other companies, such as Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts, are also making efforts to reduce their plastic waste. It is encouraging to see companies taking steps to reduce their environmental impact and make a positive difference.

McDonald’s is already in the process of ditching plastic toys in Happy Meals in favor of more renewable materials. Now, the global leader in fast food sales is looking to take their sustainability efforts to the next level by doing away with plastic straws.

If you’re preparing to enjoy your next Big Mac with no soda on the side, don’t give up on quenching your thirst just yet. In lieu of wasteful plastic straws that inevitably end up in landfills or the ocean, Mickey D’s is testing out new strawless lids that don’t require any straw at all.

Instead of a traditional straw opening, the new lids feature a pullback tab that promotes easy sipping and no spillage. Before the tab is pulled, it keeps the entire top intact and closed for easy, dry transport. Upon pulling back the tab, a half-moon opening for sipping is revealed.

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“McDonald’s is currently testing strawless lids for our cold beverages in select U.S. markets,” a Mickey D’s representative told Restaurant Business in a statement. “These lids help optimize our packaging and eliminate the use of small plastics, just one example of the many solutions we’re reviewing as part of our ongoing global commitment to reduce waste across restaurants and advance recycling.”

One market where the new lids are being tested is Minneapolis, Minnesota. Restaurant Business reports that some participating stores are now telling all customers they must specifically ask for a plastic straw if they want one. However, when RB put that to the test earlier this week in Minneapolis, they were given a straw right away without putting in a request.

The Golden Arches is the latest major food brand to turn over a greener leaf in recent years. Starbucks ditched plastic straws back in 2020 in favor of similarly recyclable, strawless lids. Meanwhile, in 2021 Burger King began rolling out plant-based straws and sustainable packaging.

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Moreover, this is far from McDonald’s first foray into sustainable practices. Mickey D’s switched to paper straws in the United Kingdom back in 2018, but the move was met with criticism when it was revealed the new paper straws weren’t recyclable after all.

The jury is still out on how these new strawless lids will fare with U.S. customers, but early reactions on social media suggest some may be less than pleased with McDonald’s approach. One Twitter user wrote: “Brilliant! No more straws to save the earth from plastic use yet you changed from a paper cup to plastic…”

Many readers may be surprised to learn that traditional plastic straws actually are recyclable, but in most cases are either rejected or lost by recyclers. Even worse, it can take up to 200 years (!) for a plastic straw to decompose and break down in a natural environment, like a forest or body of water.

John Anderer

John Anderer is a writer who specializes in science, health, and lifestyle topics. Read more about John



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