McDonald’s US starting up innovating cup-reusing system with Terracycle

McDonald’s is to launch a reusable cup option for hot beverages with TerraCycle’s circular packaging service Loop. At first, the service will be trialed in the US before being introduced in other markets.

In the program, customers will get the durable cup for a small deposit, which can be redeemed by returning the cup to participating McDonald’s restaurants. The Loop system, in partnership with Ecolab, will sanitize the cup for the next use.

“We’re on a journey to rethink how we package products to give customers options that reduce waste, maintain the highest safety standards, and enhance the McDonald’s experience they expect and enjoy,” said Jenny McColloch, vice president global sustainability at McDonald’s.

“This pilot will generate important local insights and lessons to share along the way. We will accelerate circular-packaging solutions with our partners around the globe,” McColloch said.

McDonald’s will pilot the campaign at select McDonald’s restaurants in the UK next year. McDonald’s has invested in several packing initiatives across the world, including the Recup system in Germany and NextGen Cup Challenge in the US.

“The partnership paves the way for reusables to become an accessible option for consumers as they enjoy their meal on the go.” said Tom Szaky, CEO at TerraCycle and Loop.

As yet, no images of the new device have been released, and it is not clear what it will be constructed of. Nor is it clear if the cups will be washed in stores or returned to a central hub.