Supermac’s remove plastic straws from all outlets

Supermac’s has announced that it is to remove all plastic straws from its 116 outlets and replace them with paper ones.

The announcement was made by the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and the Environment, Richard Bruton T.D. at Supermac’s, O Connell Street today (Wednesday, April 17th). Minister Bruton stated:
“It’s practical steps like this that help to put us on a more sustainable path which is essential if we are to achieve the step up that is required across the board. Supermac’s decision to remove plastic straws from its 116 outlets will put the company on a more sustainable footing and demonstrates the company’s commitment to making progress on this issue. Today’s decision will be welcomed by customers, will reduce the amount of disposable plastic from our system and send an important signal down the supply chain.”

Supermacs’ MD, Pat McDonagh, announced that the roll out of the paper straws has already begun. “We announced last year that we would be implementing our Glan agus Glas campaign to play our part in eliminating single use plastics. Since then we have introduced 100% recyclable coffee cups, biodegradable burger wraps and the setting up of Green Teams in our outlets,” Mr. McDonagh said. “We recognise the strain that single use plastics are having on our environment and that every little bit counts. We have already begun the removal of plastic straws form our 116 outlets and have started to replace them with paper ones. This is the next significant step in our campaign. We have several other initiatives that we will be rolling out in the coming year as well,” he said.

Supermac’s is Ireland’s largest indigenous quick service restaurant chain. The franchise currently has 116 outlets across the country with the newest one scheduled to open being the Kinnegad Plaza at the end of May. Supermac’s also operates the Papa John’s Pizza brand and SuperSubs, which provides Supermac’s customers with additional healthy options. The Kinnegad Plaza will join the Barack Obama Plaza, the Tipperary Town Plaza, the Mallow N20 Plaza, the Galway Plaza and the Charlestown Service Station as part of the Plaza Group. Pat and Una McDonagh have also expanded their hospitality business interests through the Só Hotel group that includes The Castletroy Park Hotel, The Loughrea Hotel & Spa, The Charleville Park Hotel and The Killeshin Hotel in Portlaoise, The Athlone Springs Hotel and, most recently, The Castle Oaks House Hotel in Castleconnell. The group employs over 4,000 people.