Burger King has announced a new pilot program aimed at reducing waste in several cities next year that will see the fast food chain adopt reusable food containers.
The company said on Thursday that it will trial the service, nicknamed “Loop,” in New York City, Portland, and Tokyo in 2021 in partnership with recycling company TerraCycle. The statement said that the select restaurants will provide the option of participating in the program, which offers “zero-waste packaging that can be safely cleaned and refilled to be reused, again and again.”
Those who choose to participate will be charged an initial deposit when they receive the food container before receiving a refund when the container is returned.
The statement also addressed consumers who may have grown wary of such a program due to fears surrounding the coronavirus.
“Our partnership with Loop aligns with Burger King restaurants’ rigorous safety procedures around cleanliness and hygiene, all which have become even more pressing during the current pandemic,” read the statement. “Loop’s cleaning systems have been created to sanitize food containers and cups, meaning each will be hygienically cleaned and safe before each use.”
Many major fast food chains offer certain recyclable items, but Burger King’s rollout is the first to monetize a reusable container service.
The move is part of a broader attempt to embrace sustainable initiatives at the burger chain. In July, the company announced its rollout of a new patty made from cows fed with a lemon grass diet that helps to eliminate methane releases from the animals.
