McDonald’s to slash carbon emissions across UK business by 2040
The chain will open its first 'net-zero' restaurant in Shropshire next month.
McDonald's is opening its first 'net-zero' restaurant in the UK in Shropshire next month as part of its ambition to slash carbon emissions across the country by 2040.
The new branch, nearing completion, will open on the western edge of Market Drayton and will feature vegan plant-based food, and recyclable or compostable packaging.
The fast food giant says the site will serve as a blueprint for other new-builds, being built to a 'UK industry net-zero emissions standard'.
McDonald's, which has around 1,300 restaurants across the UK, wants to reach net zero emissions – or emit no more greenhouse gases than it absorbs through its business – across the world by 2050.
From 2023, new furniture in McDonald's sites will be made with recycled or certified materials, and will be designed to be recycled or reused when no longer needed. Packaging will also be made with materials that are renewable, recycled or from certified sources by 2024.
“McDonald's has a long history of taking action where it really matters to the communities we serve,” McDonald's UK and Ireland chief executive Paul Pomroy said. “But we are at a moment now where we need to accelerate our ambition and work even harder to look after each other and the planet.”
McDonald's added it is already buying only renewable electricity for use in its restaurants, turning cooking oil into fuel for its delivery trucks and rolling out electric vehicle charge points.
