McDonald’s Japan completely eliminates paper straws with new drink design

McDonald’s Japan has had the last straw and is finally doing away with paper straws in favor of a new drink design that the company says is safer and more consumer-friendly.

Paper straws have been a wildly controversial topic for any fast-food lover. Unlike plastic straws, paper straws dissolve in a drink, leaving customers with a soda that doesn’t quite taste right.

In the United States, President Donald Trump signed an executive order ending the push for paper straws, but other countries have found different ways be better for the environment while still trying to appeal to consumers.

On October 27, McDonald’s Japan made such a step in a move that has fans divided, but in agreement that it beats the alternative.

McDonald’s Japan unveils new lids and discontinues paper straws

In a statement, McDonald’s revealed it will stop using paper straws in 3,000 stores across Japan, citing backlash to the chain’s current drinking experience.

Just ten months prior, McDonald’s Japan came under fire after a viral photo showed a paper straw wrapped in a plastic bag.

According to the restaurant, starting on November 19, it would be introducing a new lid design that completely eliminates the need for straws, whether they’re paper or plastic.

The new lids are made from recycled plastic bottles with sustainability in mind. They’re designed to make drinking easier and reduce spills on the go, the company said.

Additionally, the fast-food chain will also replace its takeout bags with ones made from 95 percent plant-based bioplastic.

The response from fans so far has been mixed. While many agree the lids are better than paper straws, many just want the chain to return to plastic.

“It looks good on paper, but in reality all you get is the watered down part of the ice every time you drink,” one commented.

Others were thrilled, responding, “Nice! It works for coffee / tea, no reason not to do it with soft drinks.”

“Any chance we can switch to these lids soon? You would save material costs and the annoyance of paper straws. Win win for everyone,” commented another, tagging McDonald’s UK in the process.