Get ready to experience an altered fast-food experience, as Burger King announces plans of introducing reusable cups and containers at its outlets. The fast-food giant has announced the introduction of this new eco-friendly policy in the coming days as a way to promote its green initiative. This programme will significantly alter the fast-food arena’s modus operandi.
How will the Initiative Work?
The ordered items -like the famed Whopper sandwich or beverages like coffee- will be served in reusable containers and cups. The customers will be charged a deposit token amount that will be refunded once the reusable containers are handed back at the service counter. Once the customer is done, they have to return the packet at the counter to be sanitized and reused. These specialized containers and cups will be made using a special material that is fit for reuse. Customers who may be uncomfortable with this programme can opt-out of it and place their order to be delivered in the normal packaging. This decision is an important game-changer for the fast-food industry as it introduces an eco-friendly and sustainability rigour into its system of operation. This is not the first green initiative taken up by the global fast-food chain. In July, Burger King announced that lemongrass-fed beef will be used for the Whopper burgers, thereby reducing methane emissions
Plans for Launching the Initiative
Burger King plans on launching the initiative next year in collaboration with TerraCycle’s zero waste circular packaging service, Loop. This packaging service distinguishes itself as a provider of reusable containers that can be easily sanitized, without damaging the product integrity. Matthew Banton, Head of Innovation and Sustainability at Burger King Global was quoted saying, “As part of our Restaurant Brands for Good plan, we’re investing in the development of sustainable packaging solutions that will help push the food service industry forward in reducing packaging waste”. The initial test runs for this Green Initiative will be launched in New York, Tokyo and Portland. This will be followed by a global launch of the initiate, across all Burger King joints.