McDonald’s Happy Meals have been a staple on the fast food chain’s menu for almost 40 years in the UK.
During this time, they’ve undergone some major changes – from the iconic yellow smile being removed from the boxes, to the introduction of four new food options for kids. But one of the biggest changes in their history has to be the removal of plastic toys, which came into force in 2021.
In a bid to reduce its environmental impact and cut down on their use of virgin fossil fuel-based plastics, Maccies transitioned from plastic toys such as action figures, My Little Ponies and music players to offering books and soft toys. Most recently this included the introduction of paper fibre toys for children.
However, the chain has just announced its biggest change to Happy Meals in six years, which is that it’s going to be changing its stance on plastic toys.
For decades customers had been able to save and pass on their Happy Meal toys for new generations to enjoy, but it seems some of the newer ones haven’t offered the same longevity and durability, due to the ‘limitations’ of paper.
As such, McDonald’s is looking into using more ‘durable materials’ – including plastic – to give families the ‘value’ they deserve, while still meeting global sustainability ambitions.
According to the chain, ‘choosing the right material’ for each toy is key, and in some cases this will continue to be paper. But where they feel plastic is the right option they will explore the type of plastics that can be used.
Currently they are looking at using two types of ISCC Plus Certified (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification system) plastic, including Mass Balance plastic, where some of the plastic is made from used cooking oil, and Green PE, which is plastic made in part from sugar cane.
Both of these are recyclable via specialist recycling and McDonald’s is teaming up with Wastebuster and joining their Recycle to Read programme, helping encourage families to rehome unwanted toys, recycle broken plastic toys and help get books into schools to support children’s literacy.
Speaking about the Happy Meal change, Ben Fox, the chief marketing officer for McDonald’s UK & Ireland told Metro: ‘Our iconic Happy Meal has been creating fun family moments for decades and that familiar feeling of excitement when kids open the box to discover which book or toy it contains.
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‘The new approach we’re testing means that we can keep delivering that great experience through a range of toys made with different recyclable materials that children can enjoy playing with for longer.’
This isn’t the only change McDonald’s has made of late, as the chain recently added a brand new item to the menu – the Shamrock Shake.
The vivid peppermint milkshake had become somewhat of a cult item amongst fans, after being sold in the US for years, but never previously being available in the UK.
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However, it has finally made its debut here, and those who want to try it will have to be quick as it’s only available for a limited time until March 25 – and once it’s gone, it’s gone.
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