MIAMI – Burger King has launched a green packaging pilot program focused on sustainable solutions for the eight most-used, guest-facing items including forks, spoons, knives, straws, drink lids, Frypods, Whopper wrappers and napkins.

Packaging using alternative materials, such as Frypods made with renewable unbleached virgin paperboard; cutlery made with cPLA, a plant-based plastic; and napkins made with 100% recycled fiber will be tested in 51 company owned restaurants in Miami. Burger King will also test paper and plant-based straws, as well as strawless lids with the potential to eliminate as much as 500 million single-use plastic straws annually from participating US Burger King restaurants. An action that could translate to the removal of 910 metric tons of greenhouse gasses per year, the equivalent of 196 vehicles driven for one year. Two new Whopper wrapper options will also be tested representing a 13% and 34% reduction in paper compared to previous wraps, respectively. This could translate to an additional 500 to 1,500 metric tons of paper waste eliminated annually across the country.

“Sustainable packaging is a cornerstone of our Restaurant Brands for Good journey, and this new pilot represents a huge opportunity for us to make a difference,” said Matthew Banton, head of innovation and sustainability, Burger King. “We’re optimistic about our progress and are committed to reducing waste to do our part in creating a more sustainable future.”

The in-restaurant pilot provides direct customer feedback performs. This allows repeatable changes with suppliers to build an efficient plan for new packaging. Burger King will use the learnings to construct processes and implement nationwide sustainable packaging in the next year.

In addition to the pilot, the company will continue to develop its global partnership with Loop to reduce single-use packaging through reusables and is looking to include two new cities, Paris and London, to the earlier announced target cities of New York, Portland and Tokyo.

Burger King has partnered with The Coca-Cola Co. and Kraft Heinz to bring sustainability initiatives to life. The three companies will leverage their combined resources and work together through packaging expertise, and resources throughout these pilots to help maximize future national potential.

“We continue to innovate and rethink how consumers enjoy Coca-Cola beverages. We are excited to partner with Burger King to offer a reusable packaging alternative for their guests,” said Barry Danckert, vice president, Global RBI Customer Team, The Coca-Cola Co. “This effort supports The Coca-Cola Co.’s World Without Waste initiative and virgin plastic reduction goal.”

Peter Hall, president of US Away From Home, Kraft Heinz, added, “Burger King has been leading the charge in foodservice sustainability and Kraft Heinz is excited to partner with them and Loop to offer reusable packaging around the world. Global companies and global brands have the power to help shape the world for good and Kraft Heinz is committed to a better future with responsible recycling and reusable initiatives.”