[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” z_index=”1″ custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _dynamic_attributes=”background_image” _module_preset=”default” background_image=”@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9mZWF0dXJlZF9pbWFnZSIsInNldHRpbmdzIjp7fX0=@” z_index=”1″ width=”100%” max_width=”100%” custom_padding=”35vh||35vh||true|false” custom_padding_tablet=”20vh||20vh||true|false” custom_padding_phone=”15vh||15vh||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” z_index=”99″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3″ z_index=”999″ width_tablet=”100%” width_phone=”100%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” module_alignment=”center” overflow-x=”visible” overflow-y=”visible” custom_margin=”-150px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”-50px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-2b01b125-6b38-4b9f-9cc1-28a45bc9d8b3%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” z_index=”99″ width_tablet=”90%” width_phone=”90%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” max_width=”80%” max_width_tablet=”90%” max_width_phone=”90%” max_width_last_edited=”on|tablet” overflow-x=”visible” overflow-y=”visible” custom_margin=”-150px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”-150px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”-100px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”4%|5%|0%|5%|false|true” custom_padding_tablet=”7%||||false|true” custom_padding_phone=”10%||||false|true” border_radii=”off|30px|30px||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” z_index=”99″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _dynamic_attributes=”content” _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Soulcraft Wide||||||||” text_font_size=”2.5vw” text_line_height=”1.2em” header_font=”Soulcraft Wide||||||||” header_font_size=”3.5vw” header_2_text_align=”left” header_2_font_size=”3.5vw” header_2_line_height=”1.2em” custom_margin=”||15px||false|false” text_font_size_tablet=”5vw” text_font_size_phone=”6vw” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9%22:%91%22header_2_text_color%22,%22header_2_text_color%22,%22header_text_color%22%93}”]@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF90aXRsZSIsInNldHRpbmdzIjp7ImJlZm9yZSI6IiIsImFmdGVyIjoiIiwiZW5hYmxlX2h0bWwiOiJvZmYifX0=@[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_post_title title=”off” date_format=”j F Y” categories=”off” comments=”off” featured_image=”off” admin_label=”Author and date” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”||||||||” meta_font=”|600|||||||” meta_text_align=”left” meta_text_color=”gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9″ custom_margin=”||-1px||false|false” custom_css_free_form=”.selector .et_pb_title_meta_container a:hover {|| color: red;||}” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9%22:%91%22meta_text_color%22%93}”][\/et_pb_post_title][et_pb_post_title title=”off” author=”off” date=”off” comments=”off” featured_image=”off” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” meta_font=”|600||on||||#F06449|” meta_text_align=”left” meta_text_color=”#F06449″ custom_margin=”10px||20px||false|false” custom_padding=”|||0%|false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-ef4e245a-162a-48e8-976d-1f0669a09958%22:%91%22meta_text_color__hover%22%93}” meta_text_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” meta_text_color__hover=”#f06449″][\/et_pb_post_title][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_font_size=”3vw” header_2_font=”Soulcraft Wide|||on|||||” header_2_font_size=”2.2vw” header_2_line_height=”1.5em” header_3_font=”Soulcraft Wide||||||||” header_3_text_color=”gcid-ef4e245a-162a-48e8-976d-1f0669a09958″ header_3_font_size=”1.6vw” header_3_line_height=”1.3em” header_4_font=”Soulcraft Wide||||||||” header_4_font_size=”1.4vw” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”-20px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”10px||||false|false” header_2_font_size_tablet=”5vw” header_3_font_size_tablet=”4vw” header_3_font_size_phone=”5vw” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9%22:%91%22header_2_text_color%22,%22text_text_color%22,%22header_2_text_color%22,%22text_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-ef4e245a-162a-48e8-976d-1f0669a09958%22:%91%22header_3_text_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\n
For two years now, all hospitality establishments in the Netherlands have been required to serve food and drinks for on-site consumption in reusable packaging. However, since the summer of 2024, McDonald\u2019s Netherlands has been violating the law by offering single-use cardboard cups with plastic coating in its restaurants. As a result, the country\u2019s largest fast-food chain is not only non-compliant and wasting resources, but is even making customers pay extra by charging a fee for these single-use cups. <\/i><\/p>\nMcDonald\u2019s makes extra money from customers while breaking the law<\/b><\/h2>\n
All caf\u00e9s, restaurants, and hotels serving food and drinks for on-site consumption must provide these in reusable packaging[1]<\/span><\/a>. This law has been in force in the Netherlands since January 2024, as part of the implementation of European regulations. The aim is to reduce the use of single-use packaging containing plastic. Since August 2024, McDonald\u2019s has been violating this law[2]<\/span><\/a> by reintroducing single-use paper cups with plastic coating for on-site consumption (for beverages and McFlurries). In addition, the restaurants charge customers \u20ac0.15 per single-use cup, even though this \u2018SUP surcharge\u2019 may only be applied to take-away packaging. The largest fast-food chain in the Netherlands<\/b> (with over 260 restaurants) is therefore not complying with the rules<\/b> and is also making extra money on the back of its customers<\/b> by creating a revenue model around prohibited single-use packaging.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ make_equal=”on” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” z_index=”99″ width_tablet=”90%” width_phone=”90%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” max_width=”90%” max_width_tablet=”90%” max_width_phone=”90%” max_width_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”0%|5%|0%|5%|true|true” custom_padding_tablet=”2%||0%||false|true” custom_padding_phone=”2%||0%||false|true” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.21.2″ _module_preset=”default” z_index=”99″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font=”Soulcraft Wide|||on|||||” header_2_line_height=”1.5em” header_3_font=”Soulcraft Wide||||||||” header_3_text_color=”gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9″ header_3_font_size=”1.8vw” header_3_line_height=”1.3em” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”-20px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”||||false|false” header_3_font_size_tablet=”4vw” header_3_font_size_phone=”5vw” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9%22:%91%22header_2_text_color%22,%22text_text_color%22,%22header_3_text_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\n Is market leader McDonald\u2019s allowed to ignore the rules<\/a> and even profit from it? Competitors\u2014both large chains and small businesses\u2014who do follow the law and contribute to a real circular packaging system suffer from an uneven playing field. This is why Fair Resource Foundation submitted an enforcement request<\/a> to the Dutch authorities on November 26.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” z_index=”99″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/fairresourcefoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/zwerfvuil_mcdo_3-e1763236500745.jpeg” title_text=”zwerfvuil_mcdo_3″ url_new_window=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0%||0%||true|false” border_radii=”on|30px|30px|30px|30px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ make_equal=”on” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” z_index=”99″ width_tablet=”90%” width_phone=”90%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” max_width=”90%” max_width_tablet=”90%” max_width_phone=”90%” max_width_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”2%|5%|2%|5%|true|true” custom_padding_tablet=”2%||0%||false|true” custom_padding_phone=”2%||0%||false|true” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.21.2″ _module_preset=”default” z_index=”99″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font=”Soulcraft Wide|||on|||||” header_2_line_height=”1.5em” header_3_font=”Soulcraft Wide||||||||” header_3_text_color=”gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9″ header_3_font_size=”1.8vw” header_3_line_height=”1.3em” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”-20px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”||||false|false” header_3_font_size_tablet=”4vw” header_3_font_size_phone=”5vw” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9%22:%91%22header_2_text_color%22,%22text_text_color%22,%22header_3_text_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\n In its Dutch Impact report 2024\u20132025<\/a> (p. 15), published in October 2025, the chain writes that it “believes not only in exclusively reusable packaging, but in a mix of solutions<\/em>\u201d.<\/p>\n This sounds nuanced, but behind the scenes, McDonald\u2019s actively lobbies<\/a> against reusable packaging<\/strong>. In the European Union<\/a>, it does so through the widely criticized<\/a> No Silver Bullet<\/em> campaign<\/a>, and in the Netherlands through conversations with, among others, former State Secretary Chris Jansen<\/a>, Special Government Representative for the Circular Economy Steven van Eijck<\/a>, and various members of parliament<\/a>. The chain also influences public opinion<\/strong> by portraying reuse as \u201cbad for the environment<\/em>\u201d in interviews<\/a> and (sponsored) articles in national and international media (2023<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>2024<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>2025<\/span><\/a>). But perhaps even more importantly: McDonald\u2019s Netherlands is deliberately letting its own reuse system fail<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The impact report<\/a> states that their reusable cups are reused only 3.3 times on average in Dutch restaurants. This number is far lower than in well-designed, effective reuse systems. Their French colleagues show it can be done better, with an average of 33.9<\/a> uses for on-site consumption.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” z_index=”99″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/fairresourcefoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/mcdo_visie.png” title_text=”mcdo_visie” url=”https:\/\/www.mcdonalds.com\/content\/dam\/sites\/nl\/nfl\/publications\/McD%20PROD%20Impact%20Report%202025%20DEF2.pdf” url_new_window=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0%||0%||true|false” border_radii=”on|30px|30px|30px|30px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” module_alignment=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Impact Report of McDonald’s Netherlands <\/em>2024-2025 (p. 15)<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row make_equal=”on” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” z_index=”99″ width_tablet=”90%” width_phone=”90%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” max_width=”90%” max_width_tablet=”90%” max_width_phone=”90%” max_width_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px|5%|0px|5%|true|true” custom_padding_tablet=”2%||0%||false|true” custom_padding_phone=”2%||0%||false|true” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.21.2″ _module_preset=”default” z_index=”99″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font=”Soulcraft Wide|||on|||||” header_2_line_height=”1.5em” header_3_font=”Soulcraft Wide||||||||” header_3_text_color=”gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9″ header_3_font_size=”1.8vw” header_3_line_height=”1.3em” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”-20px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”||||false|false” header_3_font_size_tablet=”4vw” header_3_font_size_phone=”5vw” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9%22:%91%22header_2_text_color%22,%22text_text_color%22,%22header_3_text_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\n The fact that reuse in Dutch McDonald’s restaurants isn’t surprising:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ make_equal=”on” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” z_index=”99″ width_tablet=”90%” width_phone=”90%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” max_width=”90%” max_width_tablet=”90%” max_width_phone=”90%” max_width_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_margin=”|auto|0px|auto|false|false” custom_padding=”2%|5%|2%|5%|true|true” custom_padding_tablet=”2%||0%||false|true” custom_padding_phone=”2%||0%||false|true” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.21.2″ _module_preset=”default” z_index=”99″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/fairresourcefoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/McDo_UTC_okt2025_mediumbekersx3-scaled-e1763368552375.jpg” title_text=”McDo_UTC_okt2025_mediumbekersx3″ module_id=”foto-1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” border_radii=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”-5%||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Photo 1 \u2013 Medium-sized cups. From left to right: single-use in-restaurant, reusable for dine-in, reusable for take-away<\/i><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.21.2″ _module_preset=”default” z_index=”99″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/fairresourcefoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/McDo_UTC_okt2025_eenmaligelids-scaled-e1763368731505.jpg” title_text=”McDo_UTC_okt2025_eenmaligelids” module_id=”foto-2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” border_radii=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”-5%||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Photo 2 \u2013 Paper single-use lid on both the single-use (top) and reusable (bottom) packaging for on-site consumption<\/i><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.21.2″ _module_preset=”default” z_index=”99″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/fairresourcefoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/mcflurry-en.png” title_text=”mcflurry-en” url=”https:\/\/fairresourcefoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/orderingmenu-wrong-en-scaled.png” url_new_window=”on” module_id=”foto-3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” border_radii=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”-5%||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Photo 3 \u2013 Order of two McFlurrys, in both single-use and reusable packaging. Both served in single-use<\/i><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,1_4,1_4,1_4″ make_equal=”on” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” z_index=”99″ width_tablet=”90%” width_phone=”90%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” max_width=”90%” max_width_tablet=”90%” max_width_phone=”90%” max_width_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_margin=”|auto|0px|auto|false|false” custom_padding=”2%|5%|2%|5%|true|true” custom_padding_tablet=”2%||0%||false|true” custom_padding_phone=”2%||0%||false|true” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.21.2″ _module_preset=”default” z_index=”99″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/fairresourcefoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/orderingmenu-en-1-scaled.png” title_text=”orderingmenu-en-1″ url=”https:\/\/fairresourcefoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/orderingmenu-wrong-en-scaled.png” url_new_window=”on” module_id=”foto-4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” border_radii=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”-5%||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Photo 4 \u2013 Ordering process dine-in: each drink shown twice, first in single-use packaging and second in reusable packaging)<\/i><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.21.2″ _module_preset=”default” z_index=”99″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/fairresourcefoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/orderingmenu-wrong-en-scaled.png” title_text=”orderingmenu-wrong-en” url=”https:\/\/fairresourcefoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/orderingmenu-wrong-en-scaled.png” url_new_window=”on” module_id=”foto-5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” border_radii=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”-5%||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Photo 5 \u2013 Ordering process dine-in for some restaurants: no mention on reusable packaging<\/i><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.21.2″ _module_preset=”default” z_index=”99″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/fairresourcefoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/McDo_UTC_okt2025_takeawaybeker-scaled.jpg” title_text=”McDo_UTC_okt2025_takeawaybeker” module_id=”foto-6″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” border_radii=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”-5%||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Photo 6 \u2013 Communication about reusable take-away packaging<\/i><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.21.2″ _module_preset=”default” z_index=”99″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/fairresourcefoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/McDo_UTC_okt2025_inleveringstation2-scaled.jpg” title_text=”McDo_UTC_okt2025_inleveringstation2″ module_id=”foto-7″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” border_radii=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”-5%||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Photo 7 \u2013 Return station for reusable cups with space to empty liquids<\/i><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row make_equal=”on” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” z_index=”99″ width_tablet=”90%” width_phone=”90%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” max_width=”90%” max_width_tablet=”90%” max_width_phone=”90%” max_width_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”0%|5%|0%|5%|true|true” custom_padding_tablet=”2%||0%||false|true” custom_padding_phone=”2%||0%||false|true” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.21.2″ _module_preset=”default” z_index=”99″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font=”Soulcraft Wide|||on|||||” header_2_line_height=”1.5em” header_3_font=”Soulcraft Wide||||||||” header_3_text_color=”gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9″ header_3_font_size=”1.8vw” header_3_line_height=”1.3em” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”10px||||false|false” header_3_font_size_tablet=”4vw” header_3_font_size_phone=”5vw” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_free_form=”.selector .et_pb_text_inner ul {|| font-family: greycliff-cf, sans-serif!important;||font-weight: 400!important;||}” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9%22:%91%22header_2_text_color%22,%22text_text_color%22,%22header_3_text_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\n All of these elements do not align with the Reuse Roadmap<\/a> developed by Mission Reuse on behalf of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management. Although certain aspects of the system are well-designed by McDonald\u2019s (quick deposit refunds at the counter and reasonably clear return stations), it is not enough to achieve desired return rates. Nevertheless, McDonald\u2019s actively communicates<\/a> that reuse does not work. But a poorly designed system cannot be used to assess the environmental and economic performance of reuse.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font=”Soulcraft Wide|||on|||||” header_2_line_height=”1.5em” header_3_font=”Soulcraft Wide||||||||” header_3_text_color=”gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9″ header_3_font_size=”1.8vw” header_3_line_height=”1.3em” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”10px||||false|false” header_3_font_size_tablet=”4vw” header_3_font_size_phone=”5vw” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_free_form=”.selector .et_pb_text_inner ul {|| font-family: greycliff-cf, sans-serif!important;||font-weight: 400!important;||}” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9%22:%91%22header_2_text_color%22,%22text_text_color%22,%22header_3_text_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ make_equal=”on” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” z_index=”99″ width_tablet=”90%” width_phone=”90%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” max_width=”90%” max_width_tablet=”90%” max_width_phone=”90%” max_width_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”0%|5%|0%|5%|true|true” custom_padding_tablet=”2%||0%||false|true” custom_padding_phone=”2%||0%||false|true” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.21.2″ _module_preset=”default” z_index=”99″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/fairresourcefoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/zwerfvuil_mcdo_5.jpeg” title_text=”zwerfvuil_mcdo_5″ url_new_window=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0%||0%||true|false” border_radii=”on|30px|30px|30px|30px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” z_index=”99″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font=”Soulcraft Wide|||on|||||” header_2_line_height=”1.5em” header_3_font=”Soulcraft Wide||||||||” header_3_text_color=”gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9″ header_3_font_size=”1.8vw” header_3_line_height=”1.3em” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”-20px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”||||false|false” header_3_font_size_tablet=”4vw” header_3_font_size_phone=”5vw” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9%22:%91%22header_2_text_color%22,%22text_text_color%22,%22header_3_text_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\n Meanwhile, McDonald\u2019s continues to mislead consumers about how \u201cgreen\u201d their paper packaging supposedly is compared to reusable alternatives. Replacing single-use plastic – or reusable – with single-use paper (with plastic coating) ignores the enormous problems arising from increasing demand for paper. Three billion trees<\/a> are cut down annually, forests in Estonia and Finland have become net CO\u2082 emitters, and forest fires and biodiversity loss are increasing (Environmental Paper Network<\/a>).<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row make_equal=”on” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” z_index=”99″ width_tablet=”90%” width_phone=”90%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” max_width=”90%” max_width_tablet=”90%” max_width_phone=”90%” max_width_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”0%|5%|0%|5%|true|true” custom_padding_tablet=”2%||0%||false|true” custom_padding_phone=”2%||0%||false|true” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.21.2″ _module_preset=”default” z_index=”99″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n And that does not even include transport, energy, and water use: more and more studies show that the endless cycle of resource extraction, production, use, and disposal of single-use packaging has a greater environmental impact than reuse in well-designed systems (Rethink Plastic Alliance<\/a>, 2021; Eunomia<\/a>, 2023).<\/p>\n <\/p>\n For a year and a half now, McDonald\u2019s Netherlands has been going against the law<\/a> by selling drinks for on-site consumption in single-use packaging containing plastic. The fast-food giant – larger than KFC and Burger King combined (the latter<\/a> proves reuse can work through consumer-friendly systems)\u2014is therefore not complying with Dutch rules on single-use cups<\/a>. For this reason, Fair Resource Foundation has submitted an enforcement request<\/a> to the Dutch authorities (ILT).<\/p>\n In addition, by deliberately designing a poor reuse system and then blaming the concept of reuse itself, the chain threatens the rise of the Dutch circular industry. McDonald\u2019s is undermining forward-thinking, innovative Dutch reuse companies <\/b> working toward a cleaner world with lower costs for society.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ make_equal=”on” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” z_index=”99″ width_tablet=”90%” width_phone=”90%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” max_width=”90%” max_width_tablet=”90%” max_width_phone=”90%” max_width_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”0%|5%|0%|5%|true|true” custom_padding_tablet=”2%||0%||false|true” custom_padding_phone=”2%||0%||false|true” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.21.2″ _module_preset=”default” z_index=”99″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font=”Soulcraft Wide|||on|||||” header_2_line_height=”1.5em” header_3_font=”Soulcraft Wide||||||||” header_3_text_color=”gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9″ header_3_font_size=”1.8vw” header_3_line_height=”1.3em” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”-20px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”||||false|false” header_3_font_size_tablet=”4vw” header_3_font_size_phone=”5vw” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9%22:%91%22header_2_text_color%22,%22text_text_color%22,%22header_3_text_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\n The Dutch government has not set reuse as a standard without reason: it wants 40% fewer single-use plastic cups<\/a> and containers by 2026 and an end to litter. This can only be achieved by eliminating packaging altogether or by introducing reuse systems. McDonald\u2019s itself calls for \u201can approach based on real-world data on the actual environmental impact of reusable packaging\u201d (Impact report 2024\u20132025<\/a>, p. 15).<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” z_index=”99″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/fairresourcefoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Scherm_afbeelding-2024-02-02-om-18.10.57-1024×692-1.png” title_text=”Scherm_afbeelding-2024-02-02-om-18.10.57-1024×692″ url_new_window=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0%||0%||true|false” border_radii=”on|30px|30px|30px|30px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row make_equal=”on” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” z_index=”99″ width_tablet=”90%” width_phone=”90%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” max_width=”90%” max_width_tablet=”90%” max_width_phone=”90%” max_width_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”0%|5%|0%|5%|true|true” custom_padding_tablet=”2%||0%||false|true” custom_padding_phone=”2%||0%||false|true” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.21.2″ _module_preset=”default” z_index=”99″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font=”Soulcraft Wide|||on|||||” header_2_line_height=”1.5em” header_3_font=”Soulcraft Wide||||||||” header_3_text_color=”gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9″ header_3_font_size=”1.8vw” header_3_line_height=”1.3em” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”-20px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”||||false|false” header_3_font_size_tablet=”4vw” header_3_font_size_phone=”5vw” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-77784515-52da-45c3-b038-e5c2d51b4bf9%22:%91%22header_2_text_color%22,%22text_text_color%22,%22header_3_text_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\n The resultats<\/a> are clear: optimized reuse systems outperform single-use packaging in both environmental impact and cost-efficiency. Mandatory reuse is therefore an effective, data-driven solution to the single-use culture we have created together. [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n McDonald\u2019s Netherlands has that it is<\/a> \u201cnot happy<\/em>\u201d with the new rules for reusable packaging and prefers paper packaging with plastic coating. By influencing legislation, steering public opinion, and allowing its own reuse system in the Netherlands to fail, McDonald\u2019s is trying to get its way. In its effort to maintain the status quo of single-use packaging, the company is even willing to break the law and profit from customers at the same time.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ make_equal=”on” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” z_index=”99″ width_tablet=”90%” width_phone=”90%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” max_width=”90%” max_width_tablet=”90%” max_width_phone=”90%” max_width_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”0%|5%|0%|5%|true|true” custom_padding_tablet=”2%||0%||false|true” custom_padding_phone=”2%||0%||false|true” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.21.2″ _module_preset=”default” z_index=”99″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/fairresourcefoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/zwerfvuil_mcdo_15.jpeg” title_text=”zwerfvuil_mcdo_15″ url_new_window=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0%||0%||true|false” border_radii=”on|30px|30px|30px|30px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” z_index=”99″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n We call on Thierry Aartsen, State Secretary for Infrastructure and Water Management, to ensure clear and consistent legislation for all sectors, and proper enforcement. Only then can the transition from single-use to reuse truly be achieved. As the State Secretary himself noted<\/a> during the most recent Parliamentary Debate on the Circular Economy, \u201cit would be a shame\u201d to go back to \u201cpaper cups.\u201d It is therefore essential not to roll back existing reuse legislation, but to strengthen it (see our earlier proposals<\/a>).<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row make_equal=”on” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” z_index=”99″ width_tablet=”90%” width_phone=”90%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” max_width=”90%” max_width_tablet=”90%” max_width_phone=”90%” max_width_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”|5%|2%|5%|false|true” custom_padding_tablet=”2%||0%||false|true” custom_padding_phone=”2%||0%||false|true” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.21.2″ _module_preset=”default” z_index=”99″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Companies that \u201chave invested and want to move forward,\u201d as Aartsen described<\/a> them, need clear, consistent rules to build well-functioning reuse systems. Furthermore, enforcement is indispensable, and holding the most influential fast-food company, which is breaking the law, accountable would make a significant difference.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Finally, we call on McDonald\u2019s to take responsibility<\/a> and respect the law, stop resisting, and stop charging customers for prohibited single-use packaging. As market leader, McDonald\u2019s sets the direction for the market. The company proudly claims<\/a> haar \u2018\u2019schaalgrootte in om een positieve impact te maken<\/i>“. to use its \u201cscale to make a positive impact.\u201d We can only welcome that: on the path toward reusable packaging.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”voetnoten-en-mcdo” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [1]<\/span> Unless high-quality recycled rPET is used and recycled again (think of soft cups at festivals)\u2191<\/a><\/p>\nMcDonald\u2019s makes reuse fail. Again.<\/h2>\n
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Incorrect assumptions and unfounded claims: the truth about paper single-use packaging<\/h2>\n
Breaking the rules and undermining the reuse industry<\/h2>\n
Reuse is the future, and the future is now<\/h2>\n
Burger King, McDonald\u2019s biggest competitor, demonstrates<\/a> that reuse does work through consumer-friendly systems, including in the fast-food sector. In other sectors, many good examples can also be found at home and abroad, including theme parks (Disneyland Parijs<\/a>, Walibi<\/a>, Diergaarde Blijdorp<\/a>, Toverland<\/a>), sports clubs (v.v. Oudehaske<\/a>, v.v. Oegstgeest<\/span><\/a>) and city-wide events (Leids Ontzet<\/a>, Gentse Feesten<\/a>).<\/p>\nMcDonald\u2019s and the government: make real work of circular economy<\/h2>\n
Footnote<\/h2>\n