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Burger King has announced a reusable packaging program starting next year as part of its sustainability efforts to reduce waste.

In partnership with TerraCycle’s zero-waste delivery platform, Loop, the fast-food chain will offer restaurant guests the option to reduce waste by using reusable sandwich containers or beverage cups.

Burger King will introduce reusable packaging at select restaurants in New York, Portland, and Tokyo starting in 2021, expanding to more cities in the near future.

The locations will also feature a collection system where guests can return sandwich packaging or beverage cup to be cleaned and reused.

“As part of our Restaurant Brands for Good plan, we’re investing in the development of sustainable packaging solutions that will help push the food service industry forward in reducing packaging waste,” said Matthew Banton, Head of Innovation and Sustainability, Burger King Global. “The Loop system gives us the confidence in a reusable solution that meets our high safety standards, while also offering convenience for our guests on the go.”

The reusable packaging program will continue the company’s sustainability efforts. Burger King is offering more and more plant-based, sustainable menu items including its Impossible Whopper and Impossible Crossian’wich as well as meatless chicken nuggets in Germany. The company also promises that 100 percent of its packaging will be sourced from renewable, recycled, or certified sources by 2025.

In response to the reusable packaging program, Greenpeace USA Oceans Campaign Director John Hocevar said: “The fast food sector is among the most wasteful in the world – nearly everything is packaged in unrecyclable, single-use packaging that is only used for a few seconds or minutes. The pandemic has only worsened those impacts, as more people opt for quick carryout options from these restaurants. It is encouraging to see Burger King experimenting with reusables, and we hope to see them scale this initiative up as soon as possible. Reusables can be cleaned and sanitized to protect our health, while also making meaningful progress for our environment.”

Previously, Loop has also partnered with McDonald’s to test out reusable cups in the United Kingdom.

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