Linpac Plastics, based in Knottingley, West Yorkshire, supplies the foam for McDonalds burgers across Europe, but does not have the capabilities to produce wax cartonboard.
Director Peter Whittington could not rule out the possibility that other countries could follow the UK.
McDonalds spokeswoman Amanda Pierce told PrintWeek that it planned to rationalise its packaging across the world as it was currently different in each country. We must take into account functionality, environmental considerations and waste streams, as well as legislation in different countries. All the options are on the table for discussion.
Pierce denied reports in the Sunday Times that McDonalds had already decided to replace all traditional foam packs with cardboard cartons.
Globally, of course, we have different companies working on different packaging. But there are no implications yet we must wait and see what comes out of the review, added Pierce.
The printed graphics offered by cartonboard are superior to that of foam, but Whittington believed it would be a lot more expensive. Wax cartonboard is also a much heavier product and is not recyclable, but McDonalds is a significant customer for us and it is its choice to make.
Story by Rachel Barnes
