American fast food Company McDonald’s has taken a strong step in its bid to avoid plastic pollution. The fast food chain’s branches in UK and Ireland will soon replace the existing plastic straws with paper ones.
The alternative comes during a time when companies are being pressured to opt out of some single-use plastic products which can take hundreds of years to decompose if not recycled.
“Reflecting the broader public debate, our customers told us they wanted to see a move on straws,” the firm said on Friday. The switch to paper straws will be completed next year.
McDonald’s decision follows a successful trial in selected restaurants earlier this year. As of now the ban doesn’t go beyond Ireland and UK but trials have already begun in selected restaurants at US, France and Norway.
UK Environment Secretary Michael Gove called it a “significant contribution” to helping the environment and said it was “a fine example to other large businesses”.