The global fast-food giant, McDonald’s, is using Checkpoint’s RFID expertise to incorporate its RFID technology into the new reusable packaging for its restaurants across France.

The move comes following McDonald’s commitment to eliminating unnecessary packaging and to improve recycling systems.  This also coincides with the legislation that came into force in France in January 2023, that aims to fight waste to protect biodiversity and natural resources.

Julien Thibult, RFID Sales Director Checkpoint France, explains: “With the latest French legislation at the beginning of this year, the sector faces a unique challenge.  Europe is tasked with achieving a circular economy over the next decade, and that poses a whole series of operational obstacles.”

In-depth Consultation Process, Pioneering Design and Database solution

After an extensive two-year consultation process, Checkpoint was appointed to work with McDonald’s France in 2021 to deliver the project, which involves the installation of RFID hardware and software in its restaurants across the country.   The project will help McDonald’s reduce waste by providing unrivalled, real-time visibility of its reusable tableware stock.  This enables fast and efficient inventory management, optimising stock replenishment and ensuring stock lines are protected for long-term security and usability.

Through laboratory tests and product consultations, Checkpoint has development one of the first ever food-safe, heat-and-water-resistant, RFID solutions. The pioneering design has been applied on different materials, including glasses, bottles, and French fries’ containers, enabling them to be monitored and tracked through an automated database.

McDonald's plastic container using Checkpoint Systems' RFID label

This database will provide McDonald’s France with real-time inventory data – including the type and quantity of containers – and replenishment requirements, delivering up to 99% accuracy.  By using its automated track and trace functions, McDonald’s restaurants can also identify the location of the containers, for example,  in rubbish bins, enabling them to minimise the risk of shinkage (loss).

To date, Checkpoint has supplied RFID solutions to more than 1,200 McDonald’s restaurants across France.

Frederic Boukara, Business Unit Director Checkpoint France, advises: “Responsibility for paving the way to a greener future lies with brands and retailers.  So, it is important that organisations can adapt their business practices without negatively impacting their bottom line.  Addressing this, Checkpoint has provided an RFID solution that meets the needs of McDonald’s France:  enabling it to improve its operations and supply chain visibility and as important, assisting McDonald’s to ensure the sustainability of the brand’s business, with regard to the environment and natural resources.”

McDonalds' container using Checkpoint systems' RFID label