McDonald's has announced that as of October 2015, all centrally-sourced packaging that is distributed across its 38 European markets is chain-of-custody certified, with wood fibre coming from recycled sources or forests certified to one of two globally recognized standards for responsible forest management: Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) standard or a Programme for Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) national standard.
The term "wood fibre" refers to the material derived from wood to produce paper and board products. McDonald's uses this fibre in "front of counter" sales packaging such as cartons, cups, cup holders, bags, wraps, napkins, tray liners and paper straw wrappers.
McDonald's sustainability - worldwide supply chain vice president Keith Kenny said:"This step represents a key milestone in McDonald's European sustainable packaging strategy to source 100% wood fibre from recycled or certified virgin sources by 2016, as well as providing credible evidence to our customers that the packaging products we use come from well-managed forests.
"The achievement has involved collaboration across the length and breadth of our supply chain in all 38 European markets, from those that supply our restaurants right back to the family-run businesses that own the forests."
McDonald's has a global vision to source all its food and packaging sustainably and wood fibre has been identified as a priority raw material by WWF alongside beef, coffee, fish and palm oil. In over 7,900 restaurants across its 38 European markets, McDonald's currently uses around 170,000 tonnes of wood fibre in its packaging annually.
McDonald's has already achieved significant sourcing milestones globally and in Europe. Since 2008, McDonald's European markets have sourced 100% of their coffee (excluding decaf) from farms certified by Rainforest Alliance or Fairtrade for their sustainable practices. In addition to this, all of the fish used in McDonald's Filet-o-Fish sandwiches in Europe is certified by the Marine Stewardship Council, with the MSC logo displayed on packaging.
