ROME, Italy — A new study commissioned by Comieco, Seda International Packaging Group, and McDonald’s Italy has found that paper-based packaging can achieve exceptionally high recycling performance in the quick-service restaurant sector, with 87% of paper packaging successfully recycled and 84% of restaurant waste correctly separated for collection.

Presented in Rome, the research suggests that effective collection systems, consumer participation and paper-based packaging can significantly improve circular economy outcomes compared with national averages.

Study Examined Waste Management Across Seven Restaurants

The study, conducted by environmental consultancy Ambiente Italia, analyzed waste generation and disposal practices at seven McDonald’s restaurants located in Milan, Baranzate, Parma, Perugia, Rome, Bari and Palermo.

Researchers observed the disposal behavior of approximately 1,000 customers while tracking how collected materials moved through recycling and waste management systems.

According to the findings, 84% of restaurant waste was correctly sorted into separate collection streams, well above Italy’s national municipal waste separation rate of 68%.

The overall recycling rate reached 67%, compared with the national average of 54%.

Paper Packaging Delivers Strong Recycling Performance

Paper-based materials accounted for more than 88% of the packaging and service items used in the participating restaurants, including food containers, napkins, placemats and paper straws.

The study found that 87% of paper packaging entered recycling streams successfully, demonstrating the effectiveness of fiber-based packaging within well-managed collection systems.

The results support the growing role of paper packaging in circular economy strategies as foodservice operators seek renewable and recyclable alternatives to conventional materials.

Consumer Participation Improves Collection Quality

Researchers found that customer sorting errors occurred in only about 10% of disposal decisions, indicating that clear recycling instructions and well-designed collection systems can significantly improve recycling outcomes.

The report concludes that consumer education, standardized waste separation systems and efficient collection logistics remain essential for further improving recycling performance.

According to the researchers, reducing contamination in paper recycling streams could allow the quick-service restaurant sector to move closer to eliminating unsorted waste.

Seda Highlights Long-Term Investment in Paper Packaging

Seda said the findings validate its long-standing strategy of investing in paper-based food packaging solutions.

Founded in 1964, the company now operates 13 production facilities across Europe and the United States and supplies packaging to major global foodservice brands.

According to Seda, all of its paper packaging is produced using fiber sourced from certified sustainably managed forests.

The company also noted that paper fibers used in food packaging can be recycled multiple times, supporting resource efficiency within circular material systems.

Collaboration Supports Circular Economy Goals

The research highlights the importance of collaboration between packaging manufacturers, foodservice operators, recycling organizations and consumers in improving recycling performance.

McDonald’s Italy said continued investment across its supply chain has helped improve packaging sustainability while maintaining food safety, operational efficiency and customer experience across its network of more than 800 restaurants.

Although researchers identified opportunities to improve collection quality and expand recycling infrastructure across municipalities, the study demonstrates that coordinated industry efforts can substantially increase packaging recovery rates.

The findings suggest that combining renewable fiber-based packaging with effective consumer engagement and well-designed recycling systems can help the foodservice industry accelerate its transition toward a more circular packaging model.

Last Updated on 10/07/2026 by Jota Machinery