To ensure we are reporting clearly and consistently against our commitments, and in conjunction with our work with expert partners and recognised frameworks such as the Accountability Framework initiative (AFi), McDonald’s commitments and expectations are formed based on the definitions of deforestation set out below.
More detail can be found on our Global webpage.
Deforestation
Refers to the loss of natural forest as a result of: (i) conversion to agriculture or other non-forest land use; (ii) conversion to a tree plantation; or (iii) severe and sustained degradation, as aligned with the definitions of AFi.
Eliminate deforestation
Refers to McDonald’s global pledge to tackle deforestation, per the Commitment, in our global supply chain by 2030, for commodities and regions where we can deliver the greatest impact. We use the term “supporting deforestation-free supply chains” on this page to reflect the actions we are currently taking to implement, measure and report progress toward our Commitment.
Natural ecosystems
Natural ecosystems, as defined by AFi, refers to an ecosystem that substantially resembles – in terms of species composition, structure, and ecological function – one that is or would be found in a given area in the absence of major human impacts. This includes human-managed ecosystems where much of the natural species composition, structure, and ecological function are present.
High priority regions
High priority regions are defined as countries, biomes, municipalities, or postcodes that are identified as areas where deforestation has occurred historically as determined through regular assessments, including with third-parties, that rely on the latest supply chain data and trends related to forests and natural ecosystems.
Low priority regions
Low priority regions refers to countries, biomes, municipalities, or postcodes that are identified as areas without or with a low risk of deforestation, as determined through regular assessments, including with third-parties, that rely on the latest supply chain data and trends related to forests and natural ecosystems.
Supporting deforestation-free supply chains
Supporting deforestation-free supply chains refers to the work that the Company is doing relative to priority commodities in its supply chains that are either sourced sustainably from high priority regions and comply with McDonald’s sustainable sourcing requirements as set out or are sourced from low priority regions.
Embedded (soy)
Refers to soy sourced for feed of livestock used in McDonald’s products.
Direct (soy)
Refers to soy used directly as an ingredient in McDonald’s products.
Conversion (soy)
Refers to loss of a natural ecosystem as a result of its replacement with agriculture or another land use, or due to a profound and sustained change in a natural ecosystem’s species composition, structure, or function, as aligned with the definitions of AFi.
Deforestation cut-off dates
The date after which deforestation or conversion renders a given area or production unit non-compliant with no-deforestation or no-conversion commitments, policies, goals, targets, or other obligations.
As aligned with the Accountability Framework initiative (AFi), all cut-off dates are 2020 or earlier. For mroe information on category specific cut-off dates, go to McDonald's Corporation's global webpage.