Marketing

Burger King will test reusable containers in the U.S. next year

The burger chain will test reusable containers in New York, Portland and Tokyo through the packaging provider Loop.
Photograph courtesy of Burger King

Your Whopper could come in a reusable box next year.

Burger King plans to test reusable packaging in New York, Portland and Tokyo beginning next year, the company announced on Thursday.

The packaging will come from TerraCycle’s Loop service, the same program that Burger King rival McDonald’s plans to debut in the U.K. next year.

The packaging can be cleaned and reused. Burger King plans to give customers the option to use the containers for Whoppers, soft drinks or coffee.

Some Burger King locations will start implementing the packaging next year and more cities will be added in the coming months. Participating restaurants will feature a collection system where customers return the packaging to be cleaned through Loop and then reused. Those who opt to use the packaging are charged a deposit that is refunded when the packaging is returned.

“We’re investing in the development of packaging solutions that will help push the foodservice industry forward in reducing packaging waste,” Matthew Banton, head of innovation and sustainability for Burger King, said in a statement.

Burger King is also collaborating with the packaged foods company Kraft Heinz—owned by 3G Capital, whose investments fueled the creation of Burger King owner Restaurant Brands International—to provide insights on the Loop project’s impact.

The test comes as part of Burger King’s sustainability efforts. The company wants all of its packaging sourced from renewable or recycled sources by 2025.

It also comes as numerous fast-food and other restaurant chains push more sustainable packaging. Burger King sister company Tim Hortons, for instance, is ditching straws. Starbucks has developed a strawless lid for its cold drinks.

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