# Fast-Food Reusables QSR establishments are increasingly offering their food in reusable containers. By [Kalin Ned](https://www.trendhunter.com/knedelch), Research Writer | Published Oct 22, 2020 | Category: [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/environmental-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/fastfood-reusables ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.6/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Fast-Food Reusables trend? **Fast-Food Reusables:** Looking for ways to be more environmentally responsible, fast-food restaurants are launching or taking part in sustainable initiatives that enable them to deliver menu items in reusable containers to consumers. ## The consumer insight behind the Fast-Food Reusables trend Conscious consumers are increasingly wary of the existing and looming consequences of climate change. As a result, many are striving to make bigger efforts in reducing their carbon footprint and being less wasteful in their day-to-day. As part of this, individuals are motivated to demand better from the companies whose business they support, and when they advocate for more sustainable choices in marketing, packaging, and production, they feel better and with purpose. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Nov 5, 2018 to Oct 22, 2020 - Published: Oct 22, 2020 - Patterns: [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection), [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Naturality](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/naturality), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Fast-Food Reusables trend ### Reusable Packaging Businesses are realizing that reusable packaging is a sustainable way forward. ### Zero Waste Initiatives Companies are using different initiatives to reduce their carbon footprint and generate less waste. ### Conscious Consumerism Customers want to be part of a change and are actively looking for sustainable options. ## What the Fast-Food Reusables trend means for industry ### For Food Service Fast food and restaurant chains are switching to reusable and zero waste packaging. ### For Packaging Companies are designing innovative packaging solutions to reduce waste and promote sustainability. ### For Consumer Goods Brands are developing incentives and loyalty programs to encourage customers to switch to reusable packaging. ## Workshop question How can your brand ensure a more sustainable packaging initiative? ## Trend signals for Fast-Food Reusables Trend score 5.6 out of 10, from popularity 84%, activity 74%, freshness 9%. - Popularity: 84% - Activity: 74% - Freshness: 9% ## Examples of the Fast-Food Reusables trend 6 featured examples from Nov 5, 2018 to Oct 22, 2020. - [Reusable Fast Food Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fast-food-packaging1): PriestmanGoode Utilizes Cocoa Bean Shells in New Innovative Project (Category: Eco) Implication: The food packaging industry has the opportunity to innovate by developing reusable and sustainable alternatives to single-use plastic. - [Returnable Fast Food Cups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fast-food-coffee-cup): McDonald's is Testing Fast Food Coffee Cups That Can Be Dropped Off (Category: Eco) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Introducing reusable and returnable packaging solutions in the fast food industry can lead to reduced waste and increased customer satisfaction. - [Returnable Restaurant Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tim-hortons-and-loop): Tim Hortons and Loop are Introducing Reusable Cups & Containers (Category: Eco) Implication: The food service industry can leverage returnable packaging to address consumer demand for sustainable practices and reduce their environmental footprint. - [Unlimited Refill Cups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/limited-edition-tumbler): 7-Eleven's Limited-Edition Tumblers Share Access to a Year of Free Drinks (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Convenience stores can create limited-edition collectibles to drive sales and customer loyalty. - [Reusable QSR Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/burger-kings-reusable-packaging): Burger King's Reusable Packaging is Being Tested at Select Locations (Category: Eco) Implication: The QSR industry can explore reusable packaging solutions to minimize waste and improve environmental sustainability, while meeting growing consumer expectations for eco-friendly… - [Festive Eco Takeaway Cups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/starbucks-holiday-cups): One of the Starbucks Holiday Cups is a Limited-Edition Reusable Red Cup (Category: Eco) Implication: The introduction of the limited-edition red reusable cup by Starbucks creates a disruptive innovation opportunity in the food and beverage packaging industry. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Eco - [Jewel-Toned Fall Apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/quince-silk) - [Compostable Coffee Pucks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compostable-coffee-pucks) - [Intelligent Private Grids](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ara-core-powers) - [Compact Electric Family MPVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compact-electric-family-mpvs) All articles: [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco)