Burger King announces plastic straw phase-out plan

This is part of their long-term plastic waste reduction initiative.

Burger King UK announced a series of new commitments to reduce plastic waste by the end of the year, in line with the brand’s vision for all packaging used in its 500 stores nationwide to be recyclable, biodegradable or compostable by 2025.

Key projects include the introduction of a smaller, lighter-weight and compostable drinking straw, in restaurants nationwide in September 2018, which will reportedly reduce the fast food brand’s total plastic output by 36% a year or approximately 29 metric tonnes.

They are also working with suppliers to find a completely biodegradable straw replacement that still works for customers, in line with their goal of completely eliminating plastic straws from all restaurants.

A pilot test will also take place from 1st July 2018 in 70 restaurants, where straws and cup lids will only be given to customers when requested. Burger King says a nationwide, permanent roll out before the end of the year might be implemented if this shows positive results.

“Packaging helps us to provide guests with the same great tasting, quality food that they expect from us, however we are aware of the negative impact that plastics in particular can have. We are firmly committed to making a real difference and increasing the recyclability of the materials we use, as well as helping our customers to dispose of packaging more responsibly,” Burger King UK chief financial officer Tim Doubleday.