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# Eco-Friendly QSR Packaging Updates
Shake Shack is Testing AirCarbon Straws and Cutlery

By Riley von Niessen | Published 2021-03-03 | Eco
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aircarbon
References: [fastcasual](https://www.fastcasual.com/news/shake-shakes-testing-plastic-free-straws-cutlery/) & [shakeshack](https://www.shakeshack.com/?kjnfd)

[Shake Shack](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zero-acre-oil) has announced that it will be testing out new [straws and cutlery](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/better-cup-for-all) made from a material called AirCarbon, which is and made without synthetic plastics, glues, or PLA. The material can be recycled by consumers at home, and is also [soil-degradable and ocean-friendly](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/home-compostable-coffee-cups).

The burger chain plans to launch the test in a select few restaurants in California, New York, and Florida, before possibly releasing them on a wider scale if the test proves to be successful.

Shake Shack SVP of Supply Chain and Menu Innovation Jeffrey Amoscato spoke to the news, stating "We're always seeking new, innovative ways to become more sustainable as a business and continue our mission of Standing for Something Good, and that applies to the packaging and ingredients we use and their impact on our planet."

Image Credit: Shake Shack

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 5.8/10
- Popularity: 73% | Activity: 92% | Freshness: 9%
- Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women
- Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X
- Top markets: North America

## Categories

[Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco)

## Key Themes

### What Makes This Trend Stand Out

- **Aircarbon QSR Packaging:** The use of AirCarbon for fast food packaging can revolutionize the industry's impact on the environment.
- **Home-recyclable Packaging Materials:** The development of packaging materials that can be easily recycled at home can lead to a more sustainable packaging industry.
- **Ocean-friendly Packaging:** The shift towards ocean-friendly packaging materials can provide innovative ways to decrease plastic pollution in oceans.

### Sectors Adopting This

- **Fast Food:** The fast food industry can benefit from the use of sustainable packaging materials to reduce its environmental impact.
- **Packaging:** Packaging companies can explore the development of home-recyclable or ocean-friendly packaging materials to meet the increasing demand for sustainable solutions.
- **Environmental Services:** Environmental services companies can provide valuable support for fast food and packaging industries transitioning towards more environmentally friendly practices.

## Related on Trend Hunter

- [Environmentally-Friendly Frying Oils](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zero-acre-oil.md)
- [Plant-Based QSR Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shake-shack-5.md)
- [Plastic-Free Straw Commitments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plastic-straw-free.md)
- [Sustainable QSR Dessert Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcflurry-packaging.md)
- [Eco-Friendly QSR Coffee Lids](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tim-hortons-2.md)
- [Eco-Friendly Biodegradable Straws](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/biodegradable-straw.md)
- [Folding Fountain Drink Cups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fountain-drink-cups.md)
- [Revised QSR Packaging Policies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yum-brands.md)
- [Reusable Fast-Food Packages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reusable-fast-food-packaging.md)