As consumer demand for sustainability grows and single-use plastics face increasing regulation, fast food giants like McDonald’s, Burger King, and Shake Shack have made major moves toward sustainable packaging.
Paper Burger Boxes: A Guide to Sustainable Packaging
But you don’t need to be a multinational franchise to follow suit.
This article outlines what the biggest brands are doing with their compostable burger boxes, and how restaurants, hospitality operators, and franchise owners across the U.S. can adopt similar strategies with practical, affordable alternatives.
Why the Shift Toward Sustainable Burger Packaging Matters
Over the past decade, the food service industry has seen a sharp turn away from plastic and Styrofoam packaging. Today, customers expect more than just a tasty burger—they expect responsible packaging that aligns with their values.
Regulations are catching up too. States like California, New York, and Washington have introduced bans or restrictions on certain plastic food containers, pushing the industry to rethink how food is packaged and served.
Using biodegradable or compostable burger boxes is no longer a bonus—it’s becoming a baseline.
What Major Fast Food Brands Are Doing Right
McDonald’s: Setting Ambitious Goals for Compostable Packaging
McDonald’s has committed to sourcing 100% of its guest packaging from renewable, recycled, or certified sources by the end of 2025. The brand has also started phasing out plastic components, such as the lids on its McFlurry cups, replacing them with molded, fiber-based paper designs.
In addition, McDonald’s has pledged to eliminate PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) from its packaging—chemicals commonly used for grease resistance but linked to health and environmental risks.
Burger King: Piloting Greener Packaging Solutions
In 2021, Burger King launched a green packaging pilot program to test compostable and recyclable Whopper wrappers, fry containers, and drink lids. The company is experimenting with renewable materials and actively working to reduce its packaging waste and chemical content.
This initiative reflects a growing commitment from fast food brands to test and implement eco-friendly burger packaging that performs well and meets environmental standards.
Shake Shack: Using Recyclable and Compostable Materials Across Locations
Shake Shack focuses on recyclability and compostability with its cups, straws, bags, and containers. The company tailors its packaging approach based on regional composting capabilities and recycling guidelines.
This brand also keeps its packaging design clean and minimal, making it easier to recycle and more attractive to eco-conscious consumers.
How Small and Mid-Sized Restaurants Can Adopt the Same Strategies
You don’t need the resources of a global brand to upgrade your burger packaging. Here’s how independent restaurants, cafes, and hospitality operators can make the same impactful moves.
Choose the Right Compostable Burger Box Materials
Look for fiber-based packaging options that offer durability and grease resistance:
- Kraft paper clamshells: Cost-effective, recyclable, and popular with natural or organic-themed brands
- Bagasse (sugarcane fiber): Fully compostable and naturally grease-resistant. Ideal for dine-in or delivery
- PLA-lined paper boxes: Heat-safe and suitable for burgers with high moisture content
Make sure your packaging is certified:
- BPI (Biodegradable Products Institute) Certified
- ASTM D6400 / D6868 Compliant
- FSC-Certified Paperboard
These certifications ensure your packaging meets compostability standards and regulatory requirements.
Avoid PFAS-Lined Packaging
Some suppliers still offer burger boxes with PFAS coatings to improve grease resistance.
However, these chemicals are being banned in multiple U.S. states and can disqualify packaging from composting facilities.
When evaluating suppliers, ask directly whether their products are PFAS-free.
Use Branding Strategically and Sustainably
Many restaurants want branded packaging but hesitate due to cost or complexity. Big brands often use minimal, eco-friendly printing—think soy- or water-based inks and one-color logos.
You can achieve similar results with:
- Custom-printed boxes with low minimum orders
- Stamped or stickered packaging as a starting point
Clean, intentional branding improves customer perception and complements your sustainability message.
Source Locally When Possible
Local sourcing isn’t just about supporting nearby businesses—it reduces carbon emissions and shortens lead times. Major brands often highlight “packaged in the USA” as part of their sustainability narrative, and you can too.
Ask suppliers if they warehouse stock in the U.S. and what the average delivery window looks like. SoGreenPack delivers within 7 days from our US facilities.
Buying Smart: What to Look for in Burger Boxes
Before switching, assess your real-world needs. Consider:
- Grease levels: Will your packaging hold up to sauces and high-fat content?
- Delivery time: Will the box hold shape and temperature after 30 minutes?
- Stackability: Can the boxes be packed efficiently for high-volume service?
- Customer expectations: Are your customers likely to value compostable, recyclable, or both?
Testing before committing to a bulk order is essential. Many suppliers offer sample kits or trial runs.
Conclusion: Sustainable Burger Packaging Is Now a Competitive Advantage
Eco-friendly packaging isn’t just for global franchises anymore. It’s becoming a customer expectation across the food service industry.
Whether you’re running a single-location restaurant, a growing franchise, or a hospitality brand, your packaging is a key part of your customer experience—and your environmental impact.
By following the lead of McDonald’s, Burger King, and Shake Shack, and applying those principles to your own operation, you can move toward compostable burger boxes that are functional, brandable, and future-proof.
Get Started Today
It’s time your packaging matched the quality of your product—and the values of your customers.
Contact SoGreenPack to switch to sustainable, PFAS-free, and fully compostable packaging—delivered fast from within the U.S.