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McDonald's goes carbon neutral – here's how

Words by Smiley Team

McDonald’s UK and Ireland has become the latest member of the Zero Carbon Forum, in an attempt to reach carbon neutrality.

In October 2021, the fast food chain launched its "Plans for Change" strategy, in an attempt to make the food business more sustainable.

Now, in 2022, McDonald’s has entered the next phase by partnering with the non-profit Zero Carbon Forum, whose mission is to “empower its members to reach sustainability targets by working together at pace and as a united industry effort”.

“With over 1,400 sites across the UK and Ireland, serving over four million customers each day, we are delighted to welcome McDonald’s UK and Ireland to the forum,” said Mark Chapman, founder and chief executive of Zero Carbon Forum.

“Its expansive knowledge and learnings as a socially responsible multinational organisation will be invaluable to all our members as we continue to march onwards to reach net zero.”

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McDonald’s UK and Ireland are currently making large changes across the board in an attempt to decarbonise the business and achieve their goal of net zero emissions by 2040.

They've already made some revolutionary changes, such as reusing cooking oils to power their delivery trucks and opening a net zero standard restaurant in 2021. McDonald’s UK and Ireland are now committed to encouraging others in the industry to make changes too.

“We are committed to achieving net zero emissions across our entire business and value chain by 2040, as part of our new sustainability framework Plan for Change,” said Beth Hart, vice president of supply chain and brand trust at McDonald’s UK and Ireland.

“However, we know that this is a challenge the entire industry faces and that sharing best practices is paramount to ensure we all get there.

“Joining the Zero Carbon Forum signals our intent to take industry-leading steps in this space, share our learnings, and contribute to the wider effort to achieve net zero emissions to create real, positive change.”

Inspired to act?

GET INVOLVED: Make a change to Carbon Trust verified products in the supermarket so that you are supporting businesses who are committed to going carbon zero.

SUPPORT: Invite local, independent businesses to become part of the Zero Carbon Forum, or petition larger chains to join too, to fight against climate change.



This article aligns with the following UN SDGs

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