Sustainability Efforts: McDonald’s vs. Domino’s 2025

In recent years, sustainability has become a major focus for companies across various industries, including fast food. As the world grapples with climate change and environmental degradation, consumers are increasingly looking to support brands that prioritize eco-friendly practices. In 2025, McDonald’s and Domino’s are two of the largest players in the fast-food sector, and both have made significant strides in their sustainability efforts. This article aims to compare the sustainability initiatives of these two brands, examining their commitments to the environment and the effectiveness of their practices.

McDonald’s Sustainability Initiatives

McDonald’s has set ambitious sustainability goals as part of its broader corporate responsibility strategy. By 2025, the company aims to achieve several key objectives:

1. Sustainable Sourcing

McDonald’s has committed to sourcing 100% of its coffee, palm oil, and fish from verified sustainable sources. This initiative is part of the company’s effort to reduce deforestation and promote responsible agricultural practices. The brand has also focused on improving animal welfare standards in its supply chain, ensuring that the meat and dairy products used in its menu are sourced from farms that adhere to humane treatment practices.

2. Packaging and Waste Reduction

The fast-food giant has made significant progress in reducing its environmental footprint through packaging innovations. By 2025, McDonald’s aims to have all of its packaging come from renewable, recycled, or certified sources. The brand is also working on reducing the amount of packaging it uses overall, with a goal of minimizing waste in its restaurants and drive-thrus.

3. Energy Efficiency

McDonald’s has invested in energy-efficient technologies and practices to reduce its carbon footprint. The company has pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its restaurants and offices by 36% by 2030, compared to a 2015 baseline. This includes transitioning to renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, to power its locations.

4. Community Engagement

In addition to its corporate initiatives, McDonald’s has focused on engaging with local communities to promote sustainability. This includes supporting local farmers through initiatives that encourage sustainable agriculture and providing educational resources to help customers make informed choices about their food.

Domino’s Sustainability Initiatives

Domino’s has also recognized the importance of sustainability and has implemented various initiatives to reduce its environmental impact. Here are some of the key areas where the brand is focusing its efforts:

1. Sustainable Ingredients

Similar to McDonald’s, Domino’s is committed to sourcing ingredients responsibly. The company has made strides in sourcing antibiotic-free chicken and ensuring that its cheese is made from milk sourced from farms that adhere to strict animal welfare standards. Domino’s is also working to increase the use of locally sourced ingredients to reduce transportation emissions.

2. Eco-Friendly Packaging

Domino’s has taken steps to improve its packaging sustainability. The brand has introduced recyclable and compostable packaging options, aiming to reduce the amount of plastic waste generated by its operations. By 2025, Domino’s aims to have a significant portion of its packaging made from recycled materials.

3. Energy and Emissions Reduction

Domino’s has set goals to reduce its energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The brand is investing in energy-efficient technologies for its stores and delivery vehicles, with an emphasis on reducing fuel consumption and exploring alternative fuel options. The company has also committed to reducing its carbon footprint through better route optimization for deliveries.

4. Community and Educational Initiatives

Domino’s has engaged in community initiatives that promote sustainability, such as partnerships with local organizations to support environmental education and awareness. The brand has also launched campaigns to encourage customers to recycle their packaging after use.

Comparing the Two Brands

When comparing the sustainability efforts of McDonald’s and Domino’s, several key differences and similarities emerge:

Sourcing Practices

Both brands have made commitments to sustainable sourcing, but McDonald’s has a broader range of ingredients it is focusing on, including coffee and palm oil, while Domino’s has emphasized antibiotic-free chicken and local sourcing.

Packaging

Both companies are working to improve their packaging sustainability, but McDonald’s has set a more ambitious goal of achieving 100% renewable or recycled packaging by 2025.

Energy Efficiency

McDonald’s has set a specific greenhouse gas emissions reduction target, while Domino’s is focusing on energy-efficient technologies and alternative fuels for its delivery fleet.

Community Engagement

Both brands are engaging with local communities, but McDonald’s has a more established history of community support through various initiatives.

Conclusion

As of 2025, both McDonald’s and Domino’s are making significant strides in their sustainability efforts, reflecting a growing recognition of the importance of environmental responsibility in the fast-food industry. While each brand has its unique approach and areas of focus, their commitments to sustainable sourcing, packaging, and energy efficiency demonstrate a shared understanding of the challenges posed by climate change. For consumers who prioritize sustainability in their dining choices, both McDonald’s and Domino’s offer options that align with environmentally conscious values. However, it is essential for consumers to continue to engage with these brands and hold them accountable for their commitments to sustainability as the industry evolves.