McDonald’s Japan has accelerated its sustainability strategy with measurable progress across climate action, renewable energy, circular packaging, responsible sourcing, biodiversity conservation, workforce inclusion, and community investment.
McDonald’s Japan, led by Chief Sustainability, Social Impact & Inclusion Officer Suheily Natal Davis, has integrated environmental and social priorities across its global business while advancing its science-based net-zero roadmap.
McDonald’s Sustainability Report indicated that it has committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 by 2050 under its Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)-validated climate strategy.
The company reported a total global greenhouse gas footprint of approximately 60.5 million metric tons of CO₂ equivalent (MTCO₂e), with more than 99.6 percent of emissions generated across its upstream supply chain. Operational emissions improved significantly as Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions declined to 212,567 MTCO₂e, representing a 34.64 percent year-over-year reduction. Compared with the 2018 baseline, Scope 1 emissions decreased by 12 percent, while Scope 2 emissions fell by 68 percent through renewable electricity adoption, energy efficiency, and operational improvements.
The company’s 2030 climate targets include a 50.4 percent absolute reduction in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions from company-owned restaurants and offices, a 50.4 percent reduction in Scope 3 energy and industrial emissions, and a 16 percent reduction in Forest, Land, and Agriculture (FLAG) emissions. Beef production remains one of the largest contributors to McDonald’s carbon footprint, accounting for approximately 30 percent to 35 percent of total emissions.
Renewable energy continues to play a central role in McDonald’s decarbonization strategy. In the United States, the company has developed a 1,130 MW virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) portfolio to support additional renewable electricity generation. Its net-zero restaurant in Orlando, Florida, features 1,066 solar panels and solar glass roof skylights capable of supplying 100 percent of the restaurant’s annual energy requirements through renewable sources. In Japan, corporate offices now operate on 100 percent renewable electricity generated from hydro, solar, and geothermal energy. Renewable electricity sourcing has also expanded to approximately 500 restaurants, including more than 200 restaurants supplied through corporate power purchase agreements.
McDonald’s continued making progress toward circular economy goals through sustainable packaging and plastic reduction initiatives. The company achieved 90.93 percent progress toward sourcing 100 percent of its primary guest packaging from renewable, recycled, or certified materials. Fiber-based packaging reached 98.99 percent compliance, while Happy Meal toys reduced virgin fossil fuel-based plastic use by 80.26 percent compared with the 2018 baseline. Approximately 89.6 percent of restaurants in markets with advanced waste management infrastructure now provide customers with access to recycling or composting. In Japan, biomass-based plastic content in takeaway bags increased from 50 percent to 95 percent.
Responsible sourcing remains a cornerstone of McDonald’s ESG strategy. The company achieved 100 percent deforestation-free soy sourcing for chicken feed, 98.8 percent deforestation-free beef sourcing, and 93.8 percent deforestation-free fish sourcing. Biodiversity initiatives now support environmental improvements across more than 121,000 hectares of land through partnerships that promote sustainable agriculture and ecosystem resilience.
McDonald’s also continued strengthening diversity and inclusion across its global workforce. The company operates more than 41,000 locations worldwide and reported that women represent 33 percent of its Board of Directors and 28 percent of global management positions. In Japan, women account for 35.4 percent of restaurant general managers and 27.8 percent of management roles, supported by ongoing leadership development and career advancement initiatives.
Community investment remained a major pillar of McDonald’s sustainability efforts. Through Ronald McDonald House Charities, the company and its partners raised a record $73 million globally during the charity’s 50th anniversary to support families with children receiving medical care. In Japan, the Blue Mac Day campaign generated 121.48 million yen for community initiatives. McDonald’s also supported approximately 760,000 children through youth sports programs, including baseball, football, and basketball.
McDonald’s sustainability performance demonstrates continued progress toward its long-term ESG objectives through measurable emissions reductions, renewable energy expansion, sustainable packaging innovation, responsible sourcing, biodiversity protection, and community development. With a 2050 net-zero commitment, a 1,130 MW renewable energy portfolio, 90.93 percent sustainable packaging progress, and ambitious 2030 emissions reduction targets, the company continues to strengthen its environmental and social impact across its global operations.
SHAFANA FAZAL
