McDonald’s Qatar transitions to sustainable packaging in 2025

QATAR – The largest QSR chain in the world, McDonald’s has announced it will completely shift from plastics to sustainably stored materials for utensils, packaging and toys from 2025.

McDonald’s Qatar is aligning with the Qatar National Vision 2030’s objective of creating a more sustainable society, becoming one of the first in the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) sector to actively contribute to this goal.

The company is setting a high standard in the industry, striving to lead positive environmental change and promote the protection of natural resources.

As part of this initiative, McDonald’s Qatar is introducing sustainable packaging and utensils sourced from the GCC. This shift, which began in August 2024, aims to be fully implemented across all restaurants by early 2025.

Customers can expect to see wooden stirrers, paper straws, and fiber-based paper packaging replacing plastic alternatives.

Furthermore, the company has redesigned its McFlurry cups and Royal Chicken Salad bowls, eliminating plastic and transitioning to fiber-based materials.

In a move that further reinforces its sustainability efforts, McDonald’s Qatar is replacing plastic Happy Meal toys with those made from recycled and sustainable materials, such as paper, plant-based plastics, and certified wood fiber.

In addition to these steps, McDonald’s Qatar is testing an Energy Management System, which could play a significant role in reducing energy consumption and further decreasing its environmental footprint.

This ongoing exploration reflects the company’s commitment to implementing comprehensive sustainability measures.

Mithqual Abu Nasser, Executive General Manager of McDonald’s Qatar, emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in sustainability, “As McDonald’s Qatar is 100% locally owned, managed, and operated by Al Mana Restaurants and Food Company W.L.L., we are playing our part in this mission.”

He highlighted that the company’s focus on sustainable packaging, utensils, and toys not only supports Qatar’s environmental goals but also aligns with McDonald’s global sustainability targets.

By 2025, the company aims to source all packaging from renewable, recycled, or certified materials while working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and minimize waste.

These initiatives reflect McDonald’s Qatar’s long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship.

They also enhance the customer experience by reducing exposure to harmful chemicals found in plastics and promoting the use of sustainable, recyclable materials.

With these changes, customers can enjoy their meals knowing that their dining experience is aligned with eco-friendly practices, while children can play with sustainable Happy Meal toys, further supporting the company’s mission to drive positive environmental impact.

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