New McDonald’s restaurant will comply with UK industry net zero emissions standard

Shropshire site will act as a blueprint for future new builds

McDonald’s is developing a restaurant in Shropshire that’s built to a UK industry net zero emissions standard.

Part of its Plan for Change programme, which aims to achieve net zero emissions across the company’s UK & Ireland business by 2040, the outlet will act as a blueprint for future new builds.

McDonald’s UK & Ireland has also stated that it wants all customer packaging to be made from renewable, recycled or certified sources and designed to be recyclable and compostable by 2024.

In addition, the company is aiming to offer customers more vegan plant-based food and drink, beginning with the recent launch of its 100 per cent vegan McPlant burger.

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

“But we are at a moment 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.”

McDonald’s UK & Ireland’s Plan for Change sets out four goals across four key areas - planet, people, restaurants and food.

It builds on the initiatives it’s introduced during the last two decades to help reduce the business’ impact on the planet.

These include buying only renewable electricity for use in its restaurants and rolling out electric vehicle charging points.