Support McD’s, Burger King tells hungry customers

In a surprising move, Burger King is telling hungry customers to order their food from its biggest competitor McDonald’s.

The US company’s UK arm tweeted on Monday that people should support all of their local food outlets during the coronavirus pandemic, says CNN Business.

“We never thought we’d be asking you to do this, but restaurants employing thousands of staff really need your support at the moment,” said the tweet. “So, if you want to help, keep treating yourself to tasty meals through home delivery, takeaway or drive thru.”

The tweet said peckish customers should support UK food chains Pizza Hut, Five Guys, Greggs, Taco Bell, Papa John and also local independent restaurants.

UK food outlets have been hit hard by the pandemic, and new lockdown restrictions coming into force in England on Thursday will make things worse.

All restaurants will be closed except for take away or delivery which generates a lot of packaging.

More and more food companies have been committing to sustainability as environmental waste is increasing vastly during the pandemic.

Burger King is planning to test reusable containers starting next year as part of its efforts to reduce waste. The trial is in partnership with zero-waste delivery platform, Loop.

Reusable containers and cups will be introduced at selected outlets in the US and Japan. Customers can choose reusable packaging for items such as sandwiches, soft drinks and coffee. They can then return the container and cup to any Burger King to be cleaned and reused.

“During Covid, we have seen the environmental impact of increased takeaway ordering,” said Tom Szaky, the founder of Loop.

“We’re investing in sustainable packaging to push the food service industry forward in reducing packaging waste,” Matthew Banton, head of Burger King innovation and sustainability, said. “We plan on having 100% of our restaurants using recyclable containers.”

In another environmentally aware move, the home of the Whopper recently announced a version of its best-selling burger made from lemongrass-fed beef, which it said would cut methane emissions from cattle.

And its great competitor, McDonald’s recently announced plans to work with Loop on developing a new reusable cup for its UK restaurants, to be rolled out next year.