Recycling & Waste Reduction High on New McDonalds CSR Framework

McDonald's has pledged to increase recycling from its restaurants, as well as the use of recycled materials at its restaurants in its first Corporate Social Responsibility & Sustainability Framework. The company said that the Framework is designed to position the company for the future, while generating measurable, positive impacts for society. McDonald’s released the Framework in conjunction with its 2012-2013 CSR & Sustainability Report. According to the report, McDonald’s priority is to optimise the amount of packaging it uses, and to use only sustainably sourced materials that are recyclable or compostable. In collaboration with its suppliers, the company said that it will pursue these priorities in three critical areas. Firstly by designing packaging with a simplified number of materials and of an optimum weight, secondly by increasing the use of recycled or certified raw materials, and finally by using recoverable packaging with viable end-of-life options. For example, the report said that the four-flap McFlurry cup (pictured) in use by McDonald’s Australia since late 2011 eliminated the need for a lid and reduced plastic use by more than 58 metric tonnes during 2013. In creating the framework, the fast food giant said that it continued its collaborative approach by consulting with suppliers, franchisees, customers and more than a dozen sustainability experts, NGOs and socially responsible investment organizations. McDonald’s 2020 CSR & Sustainability Framework aspirational goals include: Increasing in-restaurant recycling to 50% and minimising waste in nine of its top markets Procuring 100% of fibre-based packaging from certified or recycled sources Increasing energy efficiency in company-owned restaurants by 20% in seven of its top markets Supporting sustainable beef production by collaborating to develop global principles and criteria, and committing to begin purchasing a portion of beef from verified sustainable sources in 2016 Sourcing 100% of coffee, palm oil and fish that is verified to support sustainable production Serving 100% more fruit, vegetables, low-fat dairy or whole grains in nine of its top markets. “We will continue to work with multiple stakeholders to develop practical solutions to increase recycling in our restaurants and across the industry,” commented J.C. Gonzalez-Mendez, senior vice president of McDonald’s Global Corporate Social Responsibility, Sustainability and Philanthropy. Suzanne Apple, SVP, Private Sector Engagement, World Wildlife Fund added: “While this is a journey and requires a long-term vision, these sustainability goals are a great step forward in addressing issues that are key to McDonald’s business and value chain.” Read More VIDEO: Chicago Restaurant Sends Zero Waste to Landfill A video detailing how Chicago restaurant, Sandwich Me In, managed to go achieve zero waste to landfill by sorting and recycling and composting all of its ‘waste’ products. Hospitality Industry Could Cut Food Waste & Save £720 million Reducing portion sizes could help restaurants, pubs and fast food vendors in the UK cut down on food waste and over £720 million per year, according to new research from the Waste and Resource Action Programme (WRAP). Food Packaging Reuse, Recycling & Composting Recognised at Industry Awards A number of waste reduction and recycling initiatives were among the winners of the 2013 Footprint ‘Special Achievement’ awards for the sustainability in the food service supply chain. The winner of the Waste Management and Reduction Award went to Sodexo UK & Ireland’s ‘Sodexo at Central Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust’.