McDonald's classic menu item gets an eco-friendly makeover

One of McDonald's iconic desserts is getting a revamped update.

Starting on September 10, the food chain's McFlurry, will be served in sustainable four-flap cups, and will come in a new size nationwide.

The new Mini McFlurry, which is a vanilla soft serve, will continue to offer the flavors of M&M'S Candies, Oreo Cookies, and other limited edition tastes, but in an eco-friendly cup.

The new containers will come in two colorways - a powder pink and fuchsia pink, and a turquoise and teal blue, with the iconic McDonald's logo and illustrations of sprinkles throughout.

For foodies that prefer the regular-sized McFlurry, don't fret, because you can still grab the bigger size, which will be offered in the new sustainable cup as well. 

The food giant's ultimate goal is to eventually get to the point of providing packaging that is made out of 100 percent renewable, and recycled materials by the end of 2025.

SVP and chief impact officer of North America for McDonald's, Michael Gonda, believes that the conscious environmental packaging change 'matters,' and that it helps bring the brand 'closer' to its 'waste commitments,' according to the brand's press release. 

McDonald's sustainability officer, Francesca DeBiase, has shared in a statement that the brand listened to its customer's desires, and their top priority was the food chain decreasing its packaging waste. 

The upgraded four-flap cups have already launched internationally in Canada and Indonesia. 

The new container's launch comes after the brand phased out the McFlurry's transparent plastic spoons back in 2023, after having providing them to customers for more than 30 years. 

The hollow spoon also used to double as the machine's mixing spindle.

Now, the McDonald's machines have a reusable spindle that employees clean after each use, and customers are offered smaller black spoons, which contain less amounts of plastic, than the previous ones.

The brand has also committed to phasing out the dome-shaped plastic lids that used to cover the popular dessert.

The fast food chain has also switched out to using paper straws, and providing utensils and salad boxes that are produced from renewable fiber.

In 2018, McDonald's set out to reduce its carbon pollution by 36 per cent between the years of 2015 and 2030.

Not only will the updated packaging create a positive and significant change for the environment, but the upgraded sizing can also help foodies make healthier food choices. 

The regular-sized McFlurry with Oreo Cookies comes out to 410 calories, whereas, the mini version contains 240 calories.

The regular-sized McFlurry with M&M'S Candies comes out to 570 calories, whereas, the mini version contains 340 calories.