McDonald’s sets out new climate ambitions
The chain has said the plan sets out ‘ambitious’ goals and actions across four key areas: planet, people, restaurants and food, to ensure the business leads ‘positive change’ from farms to front counter
McDonald’s UK and Ireland has announced a set of ambitions to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, laid out in a new Plan for Change programme.
It revealed key goals from the programme include to achieve net zero emissions by 2040, be deforestation free by 2026, one million people to attain jobs by 2030 and embed ethical and sustainability criteria by the introduction of a new scorecard by 2023.
According to McDonalds, “several” initiatives are already underway, including its first restaurant built to a UK industry net zero emissions standard in Shropshire.
The chain has also said will ensure customer packaging is made from renewable, recycled or certified sources and designed to be recyclable or compostable, by 2024.
It revealed the move will include “science-based” emissions reduction targets and will see the chain join the SBTi business ambition for 1.5°C campaign and the United Nations race to zero campaign.
A new nutrition innovation council is also set to develop balanced options such as vegan plant-based food and drink.
Paul Pomroy, chief executive at McDonald’s UK and Ireland said: “This new Plan for Change is not just our sustainability strategy, it’s our business priority.
“That means it isn’t a plan for one change, but for many, changes that together, with 1,400 restaurants, over 130,000 people, 23,000 British and Irish farmers and 4 million customers visiting every day, really will add up.”
Andrew Griffith, UK net zero business champion, added: “I hope businesses across the UK will be inspired by their ambitious initiatives, helping us all to build back greener.”