McDonald’s starts utilizing wood utensils, paper straws in Japan

McDonald's has launched a nationwide initiative to use paper straws and wooden spoons, forks, knives, and muddlers at its branches in Japan.

The move is part of McDonald's global commitment to change all customer packaging to renewable, recycled, or certified materials by the end of 2025.

McDonald's Japan has been working on plastic-free straws and other products while also taking a taste, security, and usability into account.

Before their widespread adoption, paper straws and wooden spoons, forks, knives, and muddlers manufactured from FSC®-certified paper and wood and that are environmentally friendly have already been made available in all stores in the prefectures of Kanagawa and Kyoto.

The firm predicts that by moving to paper straws and wooden spoons, forks, knives, and muddlers at about 2,900 locations countrywide, it will reduce the usage of plastic by 900 tons annually.

As it works to promote a sustainable society and pursues its aim to give "great meals and smiles to everyone in the community," McDonald's Japan intends to keep listening to customer feedback and actively developing environmentally friendly utensils and packaging.

Some items will still be in plastic, including straws for kids, straws for McShake, spoons for specific products, and straws attached to milk cartons.