In June, a 10-day plastic-free "Better McDonald's Store" opened in Berlin with edible condiment cups and burger packaging made from grass. And while it was largely a trial run for when the European Union's ban on single-use plastic goes into effect in 2021, the company is opening these sustainable pop-ups elsewhere, too.
Let's backtrack real quick, though. Between June 17 and June 26, the German location replaced its usual products with wooden utensils, paper straws, and more. The nearly two-week-long test was conducted for the customer feedback.
"The idea wasn’t to make every sustainable packaging change at once. Instead, it was to facilitate an open discussion about what works, what doesn’t, and the challenges with possible solutions between McDonald’s, our customers and various stakeholders," the company said in a statement: "Normally, McDonald’s goes out with perfect solutions. This time we said, 'We don’t have perfect solutions yet… please help us!'" sustainability department head Diana Wicht added.
So what was the consensus? According to McDonald's, the paper and grass-made packaging was a hit, as were the edible waffle cups used for sauce and dips. However, the paper straws were a disappointment (sorry, but aren't they always?) and the wooden utensils caused a "woody" taste customers weren't so keen on either.
Now execs are turning their attention elsewhere—Canada. The country has begun using 20 percent smaller napkins that are made from 100 percent recycled fiber and they're trying out "Green Concept Restaurants" in Ontario and British Columbia.
I don't want to speak for all of America here, but...well, OK. I will. We'll take the Better McDonald's Store here if for those edible condiment containers alone.
