McDonald’s UK to scrap plastic Happy Meal toys
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McDonald’s UK is ditching its plastic Happy Meal toys in favor of more sustainably produced alternatives in its stores.
In a move to reduce the firm’s plastic waste by more than 3000 tons, from May onwards the firm will phase out the playthings it provides with its children’s meals and instead offer books, stuffed items or paper-based toys.
Simultaneously, the restaurant chain will be collecting plastic toys back in its UK and Ireland restaurants to be recycled into play equipment for its children’s charities.
McDonald’s UK has already been providing books as an option with its Happy Meals for several years under its Happy Reader program.
“We care passionately about the environment and are committed to reducing plastic across our business,” said McDonald’s UK marketing chief Gareth Helm.
“Families have high expectations of us and we’re working as hard as we can to give them the confidence that their Happy Meal is as sustainable as possible.”
Questions & Answers
Q.When will McDonald's stop providing plastic toys with Happy Meals?
When will McDonald's stop providing plastic toys with Happy Meals?
From May onwards, the company will begin phasing out the plastic playthings it provides with its children's meals. This change is part of a move to introduce more sustainably produced alternatives for customers.
Q.What will replace the plastic toys in Happy Meals?
What will replace the plastic toys in Happy Meals?
Plastic toys will be replaced with more sustainably produced alternatives. Children will instead receive items such as books, stuffed toys, or other paper-based playthings with their Happy Meals. Books have been an option for several years.
Q.What is McDonald's doing with plastic toys once they are collected?
What is McDonald's doing with plastic toys once they are collected?
The restaurant chain will collect plastic toys in its UK and Ireland restaurants. These collected toys are intended to be recycled and repurposed into play equipment for children's charities supported by the company.
Q.How much plastic waste does McDonald's expect to reduce with this change?
How much plastic waste does McDonald's expect to reduce with this change?
The company anticipates reducing its plastic waste by over 3000 tons by making this change. This move is part of their commitment to reducing plastic across their entire business operations.
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