McDonald's UK aims for net zero emissions by 2040

By James McAllister

- Last updated on GMT

McDonald's UK aims for net zero emissions by 2040

Related tags Mcdonald's Sustainability net zero Casual dining QSR Fast food Multi-site

McDonald's UK and Ireland (UK&I) has launched a new sustainability strategy with the aim of achieving net zero emissions across its entire business and value chain by 2040.

The plan forms part of the fast food giant's wider commitment to reach net zero emissions globally by 2050, and is split into four key areas: planet, people, restaurants and food.

Next month, McDonald’s UK&I will open its first ever restaurant built to a UK industry net zero emissions standard in Shropshire, which will act as a blueprint for all of the chain's new freehold restaurants from 2022 and help towards its aim to achieve net zero emissions across all its restaurants and offices by 2030.

A focus on sustainable sourcing and support for suppliers also forms a key part of the strategy, with McDonald's UK&I developing a new scorecard, in collaboration with independent experts, to expand and embed ethical and sustainability criteria in its sourcing decisions.

It is also investing in 'sector-leading' research through a new Sustainable Beef Network, and has established a Nutrition Innovation Council to develop 'more balanced options' including a wider plant-based offering; following on from the recent launch​ of the brand's 100% vegan McPlant burger.

Elsewhere, as part of a commitment to help one million people gain new skills and open doors to jobs by 2030, McDonald’s UK&I will have supported 3,000 apprentices by 2025 and introduce a youth worker into every UK restaurant by 2024.

“McDonald’s has a long history of taking action where it really matters to the communities we serve," says Paul Pomroy, chief executive for McDonald’s UK&I. 

"But we are at a moment now where we need to accelerate our ambition and work even harder to look after each other and the planet.

"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 four million customers visiting every day, really will add up.”  

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