McDonald’s leads massive change where plastic consumption stands, bans plastic straws across UK

The taste of the burger, the feel of a happy go lucky eatery, the sheer comfort and ease of being who you are, being dressed howsoever and getting a munchy bite at around any hour of the day- few other things match the simplistic extravagance of eating out here at the McDonald’s.

Isn’t it?

And few other eating joints are as universally loved as they are gorged at as McDonald’s. But world-over, given the widespread concern about the fight to ban or end plastic material- it was only natural to expect that the good old McDonald’s would join in the fight. And maybe, given the natural up in the ante regarding the fight against the plastic ban- it was the best possible time for McDonald’s to join in the act as well.

Nothing could have been better other than the news that the famous American brand made a decision to ban the plastic straws from all joints and eateries across all UK outlets. This is the first of its kind move by the iconic fast food joint, truth be told.

What’s confirmed is that McDonald’s ban on plastic straws will now be replaced by paper straws, another first for the famous eatery. This is a timely measure and also one that counts given that McDonald’s isn’t the first eatery to impose a strict all-out ban against the plastic straw in its UK outlets. Other noted supermarket brands across the United Kingdom, especially in Great Britain have made a similar move understanding the enormity of the plastic problem.

It isn’t anymore, a fad either. Plastic is supposed to be the most grilling concerns facing mankind today. World-over, bodies have termed the phenomenon rising out of plastic consumption- Plastic Pollution- that is spoiling the natural sheen of beaches, coastlines and other water bodies has led to acerbic stats that are worrying everyone.

By the end of 2025, it was reported, there will be 10 bags full of plastic per foot of coastline when compared with what is now. Given the rather strange penchant of the world to be increasingly consuming plastic despite severe warnings, still despite all the furore in the media, around 250 million tons of plastic end up in our oceans.

Who is to be accountable for all the damage? McDonald’s has, for years, been keenly at the forefront of enjoying a nearly unprecedented fan following amid the masses. In fact, it could be said, that so incessant is the love for the classic essentials regardless of the fries or the burgers, it doesn’t even matter and has never mattered as to who eats at McDonald’s, regardless of class or area of occupation.

It’s the world’s kitchen for ages, so to speak. But a lot about is going to change in the times to come. And perhaps, there may not have been a better way to signal its intent and join the fight against plastic consumption than to have taken the step regarding banning of the famous plastic coloured straws.

Change is always good and often when attempting to yield a positivity, it’s even more welcoming.

With regards to the major packaging move and change, here is what the iconic brand has carried into the media. The Government has unveiled plans that could see the cotton buds banned and the plastic straws, from sale in England as part of efforts to cut the amount of waste which ends up rivers and oceans.

In fact, news suggests that the famous burger and fries joint has already begun to meet the new suppliers in the process to begin the production of the paper straws. A start-up, among the key scheme of things in the space of current entrepreneurship, is being resorted to by McDonald’s, as the firm chosen for the production of the paper straws. A firm by the name of Transcend packaging has been selected by McDonald’s.

In its massive bid to cut down on plastic waste and hence, avoiding its consumption, all outlets across Ireland have been told to remove plastic straws. Soon, the same will be administered across all of England and then, the tide will be visible massively.

Here are some other interesting brands that are in the same league or space as McDonald’s and are amongst the finest fast dining restaurants that have also followed a similar path to avoid the plastic substances:

Costa Coffee

Burger King

Pizza Express

Wagamama

JD Wetherspoon.