McDonald’s Singapore has officially phased out plastic cutlery in its restaurants, making a major shift towards sustainability. The fast food chain announced the change on Instagram this week, launching its new green initiative, “The Great Retirement.”
The post, which introduced the move, read: “In Golden Arches, we once reigned supreme, but now step aside for a greener dream. It’s time to make a change that’s drastic, we’ll be waving goodbye to plastic.” The company confirmed that plastic forks, spoons, and knives would be replaced with eco-friendly wooden alternatives. However, the announcement received mixed reactions from the public, with some customers expressing concerns that the wooden utensils might affect the taste of their meals.
This transition is part of McDonald’s ongoing efforts to reduce its environmental impact. According to the company’s website, switching to wooden cutlery is aimed at reducing single-use plastics and cutting down on plastic packaging. The wooden utensils are made from natural birch wood and are free from oil, chemicals, or additives.
McDonald’s Singapore emphasized that the switch is not driven by cost-saving measures. Instead, it is the next step in the company’s commitment to zero waste. The move is expected to eliminate 125,000 kg of plastic utensils annually, in addition to other initiatives like strawless lids, which already save 19 million plastic straws each year.
The transition began with a phased rollout in October 2024 and is projected to eliminate around 26 million pieces of plastic cutlery. McDonald’s Singapore is positioning this change as a key part of its broader sustainability strategy.
“While saying goodbye to plastic cutlery feels like the end of an era, our customers can continue to enjoy their favourite breakfast platters and desserts with new wooden utensils that are kinder to the planet,” said Benjamin Boh, Managing Director of McDonald’s Singapore. “This is just one in a series of meaningful changes we’re making this year, where one small change can make a huge impact, given our scale.”
McDonald’s joins a growing number of companies in Singapore embracing sustainability. Last month, FairPrice Finest partnered with luxury fashion brand Anya Hindmarch to introduce a reusable shopping bag made from 100% recycled and recyclable materials. The bags, priced at SG$22, were available from December 6 at all FairPrice Finest stores.
As both companies work toward reducing waste, they are making significant strides in promoting eco-friendly alternatives to everyday products.
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