World’s Second Largest Fast Food Chain Begins Phase-Out of Plastic Straws

Plastic straws have just broke the back of yet another global food chain.

McDonald’s announced on Wednesday that they would be joining the ranks of restaurants that are giving up plastic straws in favor of more eco-friendly alternatives.

Starting in May, the company will be launching a paper straw pilot program in all 1,300 of their UK restaurants. Additionally, they will be keeping straws behind the counter and only handing them out upon customer request.

Ditching straws is the next step towards the company’s sustainability goals. McDonald’s chief executive Paul Pomroy told Sky News: “The reduction in use of plastics is a hugely important issue for business, for the sector, and for society.

“We’ve been on a journey over the past 10 years with recycling, from taking out foam and polystyrene to where we are now — with Big Mac ‘clam’ boxes that are made with recycled board. The only thing left for us to move forward on are the lids that go on to our cups. Those are complicated, but we’re working with our suppliers to find a solution to that.

“We’re really close, so we hope within the next year to be able to have a lid that’s recyclable and serves the same purpose — for hot and cold drinks.”