McDonald's SG introduces wooden cutlery in sustainability push

Fast food giant McDonald's has scrapped the use of plastic cutlery in its Singapore-based restaurants. The chain took to Instagram on Monday to share its green initiative, "The great retirement". 

"In Golden Arches, we once reigned supreme, but now step aside for a greener dream. It’s time to make a change that’s drastic, we’ll be waving goodbye to plastic," the caption read. 

McDonald's Singapore added that it will be "officially retiring" its plastic forks, spoons, and knives to make room for eco-friendly wooden replacements. Many netizens were unhappy with the change, with some claiming the use of wooden cutlery would alter the taste of the popular foods, according to comments seen by MARKETING-INTERACTIVE.

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On its website, McDonald's Singapore noted that the transition from plastic to wooden cutlery is part of the chain's efforts towards sustainability and using its scale to do good for the planet.

"By switching to wooden cutlery, we aim to reduce single-use plastics and minimise use of plastic packaging," the website stated. 

The chain said the new wooden cutlery is made from natural birch wood, and does not contain any oil, chemical or additives. 

McDonald's Singapore also noted that the introduction of wooden cutlery is not driven by cost-cutting measures, stating that the transition is its latest step in the company's zero-waste journey. 

"By switching to wooden cutlery, we’re saving an average of 125,000kg of plastic utensils annually. This is in addition to efforts such as strawless lids that helps us save 19 million pieces of plastic straws a year," the website stated.

In a statement, McDonald's Singapore noted the transition, which began with a phased rollout in October 2024, is expected to eliminate approximately 26 million pieces of plastic cutlery, reinforcing the company's broader sustainability efforts.

“While saying goodbye to plastic cutlery feels like the end of an era, our customers can continue to enjoy their favourite breakfast platters and desserts with new wooden utensils that are kinder to the planet. As part of our ongoing ‘Go Green for Good’ journey, this is just one in a series of meaningful changes we’re making this year – where one small change can make a huge impact given our scale,’” said Benjamin Boh, managing director of McDonald’s Singapore.

McDonald's isn't the only company in Singapore recently to hop on the sustainability train. Last month, grocery giant FairPrice Finest collaborated with Anya Hindmarch to release a reusable shopping bag in Singapore as part of the luxury fashion brand's Universal Bag line.

FairPrice Finest unveiled the new partnership in an Instagram post, teasing fans with a pixelated image of the product.

A quick swipe revealed the royal blue shopping bag, finished with a white and orange strap for a pop of colour. "Trendy today, iconic forever," the caption read. "This sustainable steal is 100% recycled, 100% recyclable". Customers were able to get their hands on the SG$22 reusable product from 6 December at all FairPrice Finest stores. 

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