Forests and natural ecosystems

Taking action to eliminate deforestation in our global supply chains.

    

Healthy forests are vital for a thriving planet, helping create the air we breathe and absorbing harmful greenhouse gases (GHG). People, plants and animals rely on forests for food, fresh water and shelter, yet they and other high value conservation areas remain under threat. According to the 2025 Forest Declaration Assessment, 8.1 million hectares of forest were lost globally in 2024, leaving the world 63% off track to end deforestation by 2030. 

Protecting forests helps to limit the effects of climate change while safeguarding biodiversity, human rights and the natural ecosystems on which we rely for the food we eat. This is why McDonald’s is taking action to eliminate deforestation in our global supply chains. Promoting forests as a climate solution is not just our responsibility, it is central to the future of our business.

McDonald’s Corporation aims to eliminate deforestation from its global supply chains by the end of 2030, focusing on the commodities and regions where it can have the greatest impact. 

Further information is available in McDonald’s Commitment on Forests and Natural Ecosystems here.

Our approach to soy

McDonald’s Corporation is committed to safeguarding forests. That’s why McDonald’s is a proud founding signatory of the UK Soy Manifesto, a collective industry commitment to align efforts so that soy imported into the UK is free from deforestation and land conversion. Through this commitment, we aim to source both direct soy ingredients and embedded soy used in animal feed from deforestation-free supply chains. We recognise that collaboration across the supply chain is essential to achieving this ambition. 

Our approach is built around three pillars:

  • Innovate - encouraging suppliers to reduce soy use in animal feed and explore responsible alternatives.
  • Illustrate – by improving data and monitoring progress we assess deforestation risks associated with embedded soy in our supply chains. We are working with suppliers to create action plans to address deforestation risks.
  • Influence - supporting collective industry action through our membership of the UK Soy Manifesto to identify and implement solutions for sourcing deforestation and conversion-free soy. Supporting ongoing supplier engagement and education through capacity building webinars setting out our expectations for supplier actions and transparency.

Measuring progress

McDonald’s participates in the UK Soy Manifesto’s annual reporting process to improve transparency and traceability across the supply chain. Progress is reported publicly once data has been finalised and verified. 

In 2024*, approximately 57,900 tonnes of soy were used in our products, both as direct ingredients and embedded within animal feed. This represented a reduction from approximately 64,200 tonnes in 2023, reflecting both changes in data management and reduced soy usage. 

Based on approximate supplier data collected by a third-party on behalf of the UK Soy Manifesto in 2024:

  • 42% of soy was claimed as sourced to a deforestation and conversion-free standard.
  • 22% was covered by regional or standard credits.
  • 20% was certified to a mass balance standard.
  • 4% was sourced from low-risk regions or certified to a segregated standard. 
  • A 10% reduction in total reported soy footprint 2023-2024. 

By continuing to work with suppliers, industry partners and the wider sector, we aim to support the transition to more transparent, responsible and deforestation-free soy supply chains. 

* This figure is based on data from our suppliers who were in scope for reporting on their soy usage in 2024.

Order McDelivery® through our app to earn Rewards Points

Select a delivery partner to continue
Choose our app or one of our McDelivery® partners.
The only way to get Rewards points on McDelivery®

Download our app by scanning the QR code.
The only way to get Rewards points on McDelivery®

Download our app by scanning the QR code.
McDelivery Partners
Just letting you know that you’re leaving the McDonald’s UK website now. We’re not responsible for the policies and practices of other companies, so we always recommend that you have a look at the privacy policy and other policies of any website you visit, as they might be different from ours.