McDonald’s Finland has replaced plastic lids on its beverages with fiber-based alternatives as part of its ongoing effort to reduce plastic use. The transition, originally set for 2025, is now being implemented ahead of schedule.
By the end of 2025, all McDonald’s restaurants in Finland will use molded fiber lids for both hot and cold drinks. The move aligns with McDonald’s global commitment to phase out fossil-based plastics. “McDonald’s goal is for all packaging to come from renewable, recycled, and certified materials before the end of 2025,” said Olli Johansson, CEO of McDonald’s Finland.
The shift is expected to cut plastic use by approximately 59,000 kg annually while reducing carbon emissions, as fiber lids have a lower environmental impact compared to plastic. The new lids are produced by Finnish packaging company Huhtamäki Oy, featuring a patented click-fit function designed for secure sealing. Like Huhtamäki’s other fiber products, the lids are home compostable and recyclable.
McDonald’s Finland has been gradually eliminating plastic from its packaging. In 2018, the company introduced cardboard porridge cups and removed plastic lids from McFlurry cups. By 2020, it had switched to cardboard milkshake cups and salad containers. Plastic straws were phased out in favor of paper alternatives in March 2021.
The fiber-based packaging used in McDonald’s Finland restaurants is sourced from recycled materials or certified forests, with all sales packaging designed for recyclability.