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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Business
Sam Barker

McDonald's announces huge change that affects all 1,300 UK restaurants

McDonald's is axing plastic cutlery in favour of paper-based spoons, knives and forks across England and Wales.

The fast-food giant - which has 1,300 restaurants in the UK - said it hopes the move will eliminate 858 tonnes of plastic each yea.r.

The new cutlery is made from renewable pressed-paper and is fully recyclable and compostable, McDonald's said.

The restaurant chain has already switched to the paper-based alternatives across restaurants in Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

McDonald's said it will now gradually roll out the new cutlery across England and Wales from today, November 8, as it phases out the plastic items.

A big change is coming for all McDonald's in England and Wales (Getty Images)

The move, which will include a renewable and compostable McFlurry spoon, is part of the firm's plans to become more environmentally friendly.

This includes a goal to achieve net zero emissions across its UK and Ireland business by 2040.

McDonald's also set a target to ensure all its packaging is made from renewable, recycled or certified sources and is fully recyclable and compostable by 2024.

It has already introduced paper-based straws, new McFlurry cups without plastic lids, and developed salad boxes made from card.

Nina Prichard, head of sustainable and ethical sourcing at McDonald's, said: "As a business, we're committed to taking action on packaging and waste and increasing our use of sustainable materials.

"We're pleased to announce another step forward in eliminating single-use plastics and it's great to be switching our famous McFlurry spoons to this new paper-based material."

McDonald's added two Christmas drinks to its menu last week.

The fast food chain is introducing the new Caramel Waffle Latte and is bringing back the Hot Chocolate Deluxe from November 3.

The Caramel Waffle Latte - priced at £2.09 - is described as “a smooth latte, blended with a caramel waffle flavour syrup” topped with caramel cream and caramel sugar dusting.

Meanwhile, the Hot Chocolate Deluxe - which costs £1.49 - is said to be a “silky treat made with rich, chocolate syrup” topped with a swirl of cream and chocolate dusting.

The drinks are being launched alongside newly designed Christmas cups, featuring festive symbols like crackers, candy canes, holly and reindeer in red and green.

We’ve asked McDonald’s how long both drinks will be around for and we’ll update this article when we know more.

Maccies hasn't yet revealed what other festive items will join its Christmas menu, which usually launches in December.

It last revamped its menu two weeks ago on October 19, where it introduced Potato Waffles, the BBQ Bacon Stack Burger and the Twirl McFlurry.

Nacho Cheese Wages joined the menu a week later on October 26.

McDonald's has also just introduced a new McCrispy burger but as a permanent addition, replacing the Chicken Legend.

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