What had never been thought. That a fast food restaurant could introduce reusable tableware today is already a reality. We are talking about McDonald’s that is implementing the RFID technology developed by Checkpoint Systems and that allows to identify and transmit information about an object through radiofrequency waves.
This is how this franchise is revolutionizing the fast food sector in France by incorporating RFDI technology in the new reusable packaging of MacDonald’s. This Checkpoint Systems invention also makes it possible to modernize the supply chain after the ban on the use of disposable tableware.
The reason for the measure
This measure is the result of McDonald’s commitment to eliminate unnecessary packaging and improve recycling systems. And it also coincides with the entry into force in January 2023 of a new law in France that aims to fight waste to protect biodiversity and natural resources.
Following an extensive two-year process, Checkpoint was chosen to work with McDonald’s France in 2021 on a project that involves installing RFID hardware and software in their restaurants across the country.
Thanks to this technology, McDonald’s will be able to reduce its waste and enjoy unparalleled visibility in real time of the stock, which will give it a fast and efficient inventory management and will allow it to optimize the supply to ensure the safety and long-term use of the existences.
RFID and the caccurate inventory control
Through laboratory testing and product consultation, Checkpoint Systems has developed one of the first food-safe, heat- and water-resistant RFID solutions. Its innovative design was applied to glasses, bottles and even potato chip containers, to be able to control and track them through an automated database.
This database will provide McDonald’s France with real-time information on inventory (including type and quantity of packaging). In addition, each restaurant will be able to know if it is necessary to replace the stock. All this with an accuracy of up to 99%.
Thanks to this automatic track and trace function, restaurants can know the location of the containers (in case they accidentally end up in the trash), which will allow them to minimize the risk of loss. To date, Checkpoint has supplied RFID solutions to more than 1,200 McDonald’s restaurants in France.
Julien Thibult, Checkpoint France RFID Sales Director, explains that the fast food industry is facing a hitherto unknown challenge with new French legislation coming into force earlier this year. “Europe has set out to achieve a circular economy in the next decade, but that raises a whole series of problems of an operational nature,” he says.
Frederic Boukara, commercial director of Checkpoint Systems in France, says that brands have a responsibility to pave the way towards a greener future. “It is very important that companies can adapt their business practices without having a negative impact on their income statement,”
This is how Checkpoint Systeman has created an RFID solution that meets the needs of McDonald’s France. Which not only allows to improve the operations of the restaurants, but to have the visibility in the supply chain, and help the fast food giant to continue preparing the business for the future with an eye on the environment.
Editorial Team The editorial team of EMPRENDEDOR.com, which for more than 27 years has worked to promote entrepreneurship.