McDonald’s Will Stop Using Foam Cups by 2019

The fast food industry has been making positive changes for years now, and recently, the world’s largest restaurant chain has taken a major step forward. By the end of this year, McDonald’s will stop using plastic foam cups at all of its worldwide branches.

Instead, the golden arched brand will use recycled and certified sources for their fiber-based packaging by 2020. The environmentally-friendly decision is also changing on a global level, with restaurants ending their usage of foam packaging by this year.

This isn’t the first time McDonald’s has embraced a greener approach; the chain introduced more environmentally friendly paper containers, cups, and wrappers years ago. As more and more companies are finding out, Millennials and young adults increasingly care about socially responsible brands.

And McDonald’s is trying telling their board and customers that they’re listening. California-based corporate responsibility group, As You Sow knows this sends a message to other brands.

Senior vice president Conrad MacKerron said this has been a long time coming. “We do appreciate what McDonald’s has done.”

“It sends a global signal and that’s of value,” MacKerron added.

With a global player such as McDonald’s jumping on the Green Train, it won’t be long until other majore companies will do the same and work together for a cleaner planet.