McDonald’s Taiwan is introducing the FSC label on more than 50 packaging items including paper bags, paper cups, paper boxes and napkins by the end of 2017. It means that these paper packaging used in the restaurants will be produced using sustainable forest materials from FSC-certified manufacturers and forest owners. This is the first in the informal- eating-out chain in Taiwan, and marks the step of McDonald’s global goal of sourcing 100% certified or recycled fiber-based consumer packaging by 2020.
According to the company, paper packaging accounts for about 80% of all McDonald’s front of counter packaging in Taiwan and it uses about 8,500 tonnes of paper packaging every year. Because FSC Chain-of-Custody (CoC) certification ensures an unbroken supply chain, (i.e. that FSC-certified material has been identified and separated from non-certified and non-controlled material as it makes its way along the supply chain), McDonald’s commitment to preserving the environment serves as a great example on how business can exert positive influence. This represents an important movement towards responsible forest management, resulting in better forests, better environment.
The number of FSC CoC certificates reaching over 10,000 is a great testimony on how market force can sway the whole supply chains moving towards a sustainable practice. It is great to see more brands are committed to the cause in Asia Pacific – Kirin Group, one of Japan’s biggest beverage brand, also announced earlier this year that they’re committed to sourcing only FSC-certified tree fibre for all of their paper packaging by 2020 for their Japan integrated beverages business.
The tide is surely rising.