All centrally-sourced packaging distributed across McDonald’s 38 European markets has been chain-of-custody certified, according to Packaging News.
This means the wood fiber used by the company comes from either recycled sources or forests certified to one of two globally recognized standards for responsible forest management: Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) standard or a Programme for Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) national standard.
“Wood fiber” refers to the material derived from wood to produce paper and board products. McDonald’s uses this fiber in “front of counter” sales packaging such as cartons, cups, cup holders, bags, wraps, napkins, tray liners and paper straw wrappers.
Commenting on the news, Keith Kenny, vice president sustainability — Worldwide Supply Chain, McDonald’s, said: “This step represents a key milestone in McDonald’s European sustainable packaging strategy to source 100 percent wood fiber from recycled or certified virgin sources by 2016, as well as providing credible evidence to our customers that the packaging products we use come from well-managed forests. The achievement has involved collaboration across the length and breadth of our supply chain in all 38 European markets, from those that supply our restaurants right back to the family-run businesses that own the forests.”
