Tim Hortons To Roll Out Eco-Friendly Coffee Lids & Cutlery In 2023

Beginning in the new year, Tim Hortons will be introducing wooden and fiber cutlery in a bid to become a more eco-friendly fast food establishment, a measure that the chain said will save an estimated 90 million single-use plastic items annually. 

In addition to the compostable cutlery, the Canadian favorite will switch the plastic lids on its Loaded Bowls to fiber lids, and trial a new breakfast and lunch wrapper with a more efficient design that uses 75% less material compared to the current iteration. 

The forthcoming wrapper, which will replace its wrap box, is touted to save more than 1,400 tonnes of material per year.

According to the firm, a fiber hot beverage lid—one that’s plastic-free and recyclable—is currently undergoing a test run in the city of Vancouver. For 12 weeks, the firm plans to monitor the success of the replacement to determine if it’s a viable alternative that’s better for the environment while still offering the usability guests desire.

“Through our sustainability platforms Tims for Good, we’re always looking for ways, big and small, to make thoughtful choices on material and design in order to reduce and eliminate packaging and contribute to more sustainable innovation,” said Paul Yang, Senior Director of Procurement, Sustainability, and Packaging at Tim Hortons.

All Tim Hortons restaurants have also pledged to eliminate the use of all single-use plastic bags in its stores, and will start offering customers reusable bags that can be purchased in the new year.

With Canada’s ban on making and importing certain disposable plastic items coming into effect today, Tim Horton’s is previewing fibre lids and wooden cutlery coming into use early next year. @CityNewsKIT @CityNewsTO @citynewscalgary @CityNewsOttawa @CityNewsVAN @CityNewsHFX pic.twitter.com/NEegmCBrFh

— Mark Douglas (@DouglasCityNews) December 20, 2022

[via SaltWire and Tim Hortons, cover image via Tim Hortons]