Packaging is a major component of the food industry, and the fact that hundreds of millions of container boxes, cups, trays, cutlery, and cans are being discarded away, creating ginormous amounts of waste, and hurting the environment is an alarming concern. Single-use packaging is lethal to the environment, and it’s a sad reality that most fast-food chains serve their food in single-use containers and cups. And, McDonald’s is no exception to this! However, McDonald’s France has decided to take a step in the right direction, which is the more eco-friendly and sustainable route. Let’s find out more.
Designer: Elium Studio
The French global design studio Elium Studio collaborated with McDonald’s France to create reusable tableware that can be utilized in the iconic fast-food chain’s restaurants. Most of the containers used by McDonald’s today cannot be reused, whether they’re plates or cups, they need to be thrown away after a single use. France, as a country, has been taking holistic steps to reduce waste. For example, in January 2023, France announced that restaurants with more than 20 seats need to offer their customers reusable and washable serving container alternatives. So, this step by McDonald’s France is truly a move of solidarity in the right direction.
Elium Studio designed a range of rather colorful and cute tableware that will be made using ‘Tritan’. Now, what is Tritan? Tritan is a plastic resin that is similar to glass and ceramic in its hardness and transparency and preserves the organoleptic qualities of food, which basically means it successfully retains the taste and smell of the food. The tableware was integrated with vents, graining, and striations to impart it with improved functionality and elevate the customer’s dining experience. Elium Studio and McDonald’s France have been working on this project for the past two years, and the result is truly commendable.
The tableware products retain McDonald’s original essence and design philosophy. The container for the french fries is still the iconic red we are so accustomed to, however, it is a much more eco-friendly option, as compared to its predecessor. I do believe this initiative by McDonald’s France could encourage other fast-food chains to make greener and more sustainable choices.
