Burger King is planning to test reusable containers starting next year as part of its efforts to reduce waste. The fast-food chain is launching a pilot program to reduce its environmental impact across the globe by testing reusable packaging, in partnership with TerraCycle’s circular packaging service, Loop. Customers will be able to opt in to receive the new packaging for a small deposit at pilot locations and are encouraged to return the packaging to claim their deposit. The company hopes the program will create a sustainable and engaging alternative to recycling.
“As part of our Restaurant Brands for Good plan, we’re investing in the development of sustainable packaging solutions that will help push the foodservice industry forward in reducing packaging waste,” said Matthew Banton, Burger King Global’s head of innovation and sustainability. “The Loop system gives us the confidence in a reusable solution that meets our high safety standards, while also offering convenience for our guests on the go.”
Burger King has set a goal of 100% of customer packaging being sourced from recycled, renewable or certified sources by 2025. The company is also trying to improve its waste diversion. By 2025, Burger King restaurants in the U.S. and Canada aim to recycle 100% of guest packaging. Starting in 2021, select Burger King restaurants in New York City, Portland, and Tokyo will be among the first to implement the model, with more cities expected to be added in the coming months. Participating restaurants will feature a collection system, in which guests can return the packaging to be safely cleaned through Loop and reused at Burger King restaurants. Those who opt for the reusable packaging are charged a deposit at the time of purchase, and when the packaging is returned, they receive a refund.
In response to the reusable packaging program, Greenpeace USA Oceans Campaign Director John Hocevar said: “The fast-food sector is among the most wasteful in the world – nearly everything is packaged in unrecyclable, single-use packaging that is only used for a few seconds or minutes. The pandemic has only worsened those impacts, as more people opt for quick carryout options from these restaurants. It is encouraging to see Burger King experimenting with reusables, and we hope to see them scale this initiative up as soon as possible. Reusables can be cleaned and sanitized to protect our health, while also making meaningful progress for our environment.”
The fast-food giant added that it will also be collaborating with other food industry titans, such as Kraft-Heinz, who will provide insights and resources to the trial program, though no further details of what this partnership will entail have been released. With Burger King joining the reusable container bandwagon, following McDonald’s move to also test reusable cups in the U.K. in partnership with Loop in 2021, the impact could be huge in terms of slashing waste. The Whopper maker operates more than 18,800 locations across 100 countries, making it the second-biggest fast-food burger chain in the world.
