Network reactions are divided – McDonald’s is testing strawless beverage lids for the first time in the USA

McDonald’s aims to be more sustainable and use less plastic. For this, the company wants to make a change in its range. The American fast food chain is now planning to ban plastic straws for drinks. This is reported by the US newspaper Restaurant Business.

McDonald’s has developed a completely new cup for this purpose. The new lids are designed to prevent the drink from running out of the cup. They also have a pull tab on them. Once the tab is pulled off, the lid resembles that of a typical coffee-to-go mug.

“McDonald’s is currently testing strawless lids for our cold beverages in select US markets,” the chain told Restaurant Business. “These lids help us streamline our packaging and eliminate the use of small plastic, and are just one example of the many solutions we are exploring as part of our ongoing global commitment to reduce waste in all restaurants and promote recycling.”

McDonald’s is testing new beverage lids: Not all users on the Internet are enthusiastic

The select McDonald’s stores testing the new lids currently only include locations in the United States. For example, one of them is in Minneapolis. If you prefer to have a straw with your drink, you can apparently still ask for one.

McDonald’s has already made efforts to become more environmentally friendly. For example, the spoons for McFlurry and McSundaes are already made of wood and no longer made of plastic. In particular, further savings should be made on packaging waste in the future.

However, opinions on the internet about this innovation differ widely. A CNN post on Facebook (posted below this section) about the change at McDonald’s gathers mixed reactions to the McDonald’s beverage innovation. For example, a woman writes “Not gonna lie – I like the new lids”. Another user agrees, commenting, “I’ve never been a fan of straws.”

Many users question the sense of the change

But the new lids aren’t going down well with everyone. Some commenters complain about the hygiene. “I think these lids are large and very unsanitary. Their hands are all over it.” (I find the lids disgusting and unhygienic. There were hands all over it),” comments one woman, for example. Another user wrote sarcastically, “Gotta love it after the worker puts their hands all over the lid you have to sip from.”

The whole action is fundamentally questioned by many users. Most comments deal with whether it makes sense to do without the plastic straw at all if more plastic is used in the lid.

“Does anyone see the irony in using a large single use plastic container as an advertisement to decrease single use plastics?” , asks a woman, for example.

Others wonder why not just use reusable cups and straws. “Strawless lids in plastic cups. Why not reusable cups with reusable straws where the buyer gets a discount if they bring it back?