McDonald’s in Minster, Thanet, are trialling a new way to serve their fries to dine-in customers, as one of the first restaurants in the UK to do so.
They are trying re-useable containers with the intention of reducing its waste, as the containers can be cleaned and used over and over. They have implemented technology into the containers via RFID chips, so they can be located by GPS, which helps avoid them being dumped nearby or stolen.
Checkpoint Systems claims to have created one of the first-ever food-safe, heat- and water-resistant radio-frequency identification (RFID) solutions; these are set to monitor – and track through an automated database – and the technology can be used in cups, bottles, containers for fries, and more.
The installation of RFID hardware and software in over 1,200 of its French restaurants in 20203, offered McDonald’s real-time visibility for its reusable tableware stock. In turn, the company expects to achieve fast and efficient inventory management, optimise replenishment, and protect the long-term security and usability of its stock lines.
The technology has cut down on packaging waste and lined up with legislation introduced in France in January 2023, which has placed restrictions on disposable tableware.
Now the technology has been brought to the UK and it is expected that it will be rolled out to other branches soon.
