McDonald’s US starting up innovating cup-reusing system with Terracycle
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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.
Questions & Answers
Q.When and where will this reusable cup system first be tested?
When and where will this reusable cup system first be tested?
The service will first be trialed in the US. McDonald's will then pilot a similar campaign at select restaurants in the UK next year, after the initial US launch.
Q.What happens once a customer returns a used cup to a restaurant?
What happens once a customer returns a used cup to a restaurant?
Once a customer returns a cup to a participating McDonald's restaurant, the Loop system, in partnership with Ecolab, will sanitize the cup for its next use. The small deposit paid for the cup will also be redeemed.
Q.Does the article provide any details about the new reusable cup itself?
Does the article provide any details about the new reusable cup itself?
No, the article does not provide details about the new reusable cup. It states that no images have been released, and it is unclear what the cup will be constructed of.
Q.Will the cups be cleaned on-site or at a different location?
Will the cups be cleaned on-site or at a different location?
The article does not specify where the cups will be cleaned. It states that it is not clear if the cups will be washed in stores or returned to a central hub for sanitisation by the Loop system.