McDonald's to replace plastic straws with paper ones in UK and Ireland branches

McDonald's is to replace plastic drinking straws with paper in all of its UK and Ireland (Other OTC: IRLD - news) branches.

The announcement follows news that the government is planning to ban the sale of plastic straws, drinks stirrers and cotton buds from sale in England .

McDonald's will begin to withdraw plastic straws from sale in September.

It follows a successful trial at a handful of venues from April. It was reported that customers reacted positively to the change and were enthusiastic about protecting the environment.

The global fast food chain has 1,361 restaurants in the UK.

Burger King (EUREX: 18860462.EX - news) , Wagamama and JD Wetherspoon have all ditched plastic straws in the last year.

Paul Pomroy, chief executive of McDonald's UK and Ireland, said: "Reflecting the broader public debate, our customers told us they wanted to see a move on straws but to do so without compromising their overall experience when visiting our restaurants.

"The government's ambitious plans, combined with strong customer opinion, has helped to accelerate the move away from plastic and I'm proud that we've been able to play our part in helping to achieve this societal change."

The chain has been working with start-up Transcend Packaging, based in Wales, and Huhtamaki (LSE: 0K9W.L - news) , an international company that will produce the straws in Belfast.

Lorenzo Angelucci, Managing Director of Transcend Packaging Ltd, said: "I am delighted that McDonald's has taken this visionary step towards helping to reduce the environmental impact of the food industry through their purchase of paper straws.

"Transcend Packaging Ltd is a new company based in South Wales and focused on producing sustainable packaging solutions across the food and cosmetic industries.

"The Welsh Government has recognised this emerging sector and supported its establishment through a grant.

"Transcend will supply sustainable paper straws and folding cartons and will employ in the region of 200 people within the next three years."

McDonald's is testing alternatives to plastic straws in Belgium, France, the US and Norway and in parts of Latin America is only offering plastic straws on request.

Environment Secretary Michael Gove said the initiative was "simple but effective" and is a "fine example to other large businesses".

:: Sky (Frankfurt: 893517 - news) 's Ocean Rescue campaign encourages people to reduce their single-use plastics. You can find out more about the campaign and how to get involved at www.skyoceanrescue.com