McDonald’s sets out new climate ambitions
· McDonald’sannounces global commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050
· McDonald's UK and Ireland launches ambitiousPlan for Changeprogramme
McDonald’s Corporation is today announcing its global commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050. The move willincludescience-based emissions reduction targets andwillsee itjoin theSBTiBusiness Ambition for 1.5°Ccampaignand the United NationsRace to Zero campaign.
McDonald’s UK & Ireland will beleadingthecompany’sglobal effort with the launch today of itsPlan for Change– a comprehensive business and sustainability strategy to help it achieve its aim of net zero emissions across its entire UK and Ireland business by 2040. The plan sets out ambitious goals and actions across its four key areas -Planet, People, RestaurantsandFood– to ensure the business leads positive change from farms to front counter.
ThePlan for Changeincludes the steps McDonald’sUK&Iis taking both now, and in the future, alongside clear deadlines and commitments as it looks to go further to support the planet and the communities it serves.
Several initiatives are already underway, including the development of McDonald’s first restaurant built to aUK industrynet zero emissions standardin Shropshire. When the restaurant opens next month, it will be a first for theUKindustry and will act as a blueprint for future newbuilds.McDonald’s UK&I has also set a target to ensurecustomer packaging is made from renewable, recycled or certified sources and designed to be recyclable or compostable, by 2024.
ThePlan for Changewill also see McDonald’sUK&Igo even further to offer its customers more choice. A newNutritionInnovation Council will develop more balancedoptions without compromising on taste. The business hasalsoset an ambition tooffer customersmarketleadingvegan plant-based foodand drink,beginning with the recent launch of its 100% veganMcPlantburger.
Key goals from thePlan for Changeinclude:
- Planet: Aim to achieve net zero emissions by 2040across McDonald’sUK&Ientire business and value chain,which includes using soy in ingredients and the animal feed in its supply chain that is deforestation free by 2026.
- People: Champion great people, whatever their backgroundbyhelping one million people gain new skills and open doors to jobs by 2030. As part of this, McDonald’sUK&Iwill have supported 3,000 apprentices by2025, andwill introduce a youth worker into everyUKrestaurant by 2024.
- Restaurants:Create a blueprint for new freehold restaurants to be built to a UK industry net zero emissions standard from 2022. McDonald’s UK&I will aim toachieve net zero emissions for all its restaurants (and offices) by 2030.
- Food: Go even further to source quality, sustainable ingredients and support its suppliers,including investing in sector-leading research through a new Sustainable Beef Network. By 2023, McDonald’sUK&Iwill develop a newscorecard, in collaboration with independent experts, to expand and embed ethical and sustainability criteria in its sourcing decisions.
Paul Pomroy,ChiefExecutive,McDonald’sUK & Ireland said:
“McDonald’s has a long history of taking action where it really matters to the communities we serve. 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 newPlan for Changeis 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, 23,000British and Irishfarmers and 4 million customers visiting every day, really will add up.”
ThePlan for Changebuilds on themoves McDonald’sUK&Ihas made over the last two decades tohelpreduce its impact on the planet
These include buying only renewable electricity for use in its restaurants, turning cooking oil into fuel for its delivery trucks, and rolling out electric vehicle charging points. McDonald’s has also been sourcing responsibly for over 20 years, with its menu already including 100% British and Irish beef, free range eggs, organic milk, RSPCA-assured pork,MSC-certified fish and Rainforest Alliance certified coffee.
UK Net Zero Business Champion, Andrew Griffith said:
“Having an iconic brand like McDonald’s join the hundreds of businesses across the UK that have signed up to the UN’s Race to Net Zero campaign is an exciting milestone.
“I hope businesses across the UK will be inspired by their ambitious initiatives, helping us all to build back greener.”
To find out more onPlan for Change, visit –www.mcdonalds.co.uk/planforchange
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Notes to editors
Media enquiries:
Teneo – 020 7260 2700 / mcdonalds@teneo.com
McDonald’s press office – 020 3892 1000 / pressoffice@uk.mcd.com
About McDonald’s Corporation
McDonald’s Corporation is the world’s largest restaurant company with over 37,000 restaurants in over 120 countries. The business serves 60 million customers every day and employs over 1.9 million people.
About McDonald’s UK & Ireland
McDonald’s has run its business in the UK since 1974 and currently operates over 1,400 restaurants across the UK and Ireland, serving four million customers each day. McDonald’s is one of the UK’s largest private sector employers, employing over 130,000 people and works with over 23,000 British and Irish farmers.
