Following today’s news that McDonald’s has pledged to offer more sustainable Happy Meal toys globally by the end of 2025;

Carmen Bryan, Consumer Analyst at GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company, offers her view:

“Consumers are concerned about the use of plastic in foodservice – whether that is making packaging plastic free (an option favoured by *60% of global consumers surveyed by GlobalData) or replacing the use of single-use plastics such as straws and cutlery. While the better move would be to cut the toys altogether, McDonald’s transition to more sustainable materials is a good move from the fast-food retailer. However, to truly offer a sustainable solution, McDonald’s needs to explore both sustainable production methods for the toys and ‘green’ disposable options for busy parents.

“This would require a supply chain overhaul, but it would be worth it, considering that two in five people want to know about a product’s production methods while 44% are interested in whether the product can be recycled and how to recycle it**.

“The short answer is, people want to do their part for the planet, but they’re not always sure what the correct methods are. Therefore, it is vital for big brands with immense global presence to present consumers with accessible recycling methods and transparency in their operations. Innovating with both greener materials and production methods will go a long way in building consumer trust and ensuring parents that they can still enjoy their favorite happy meals with their families without adding to the climate crisis.”