• To begin the research, we establish that QSRs are the same and are also known as fast food restaurants.
• Two trends in the Canadian QSR space in 2019 were reusable packaging and healthier food options.

Reusable Packaging

• In June 2019, Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeu, announced that the use of single-use plastics will be banned from 2021. This will lead to a re-introduction/re-definition of standards and targets for plastic product manufacturers and companies that sell with them.
• The ban has led different fast-foods to adopt different startegies to help them cope with the effect of the ban. Along with the use of polypropylene lids, strawless lid for cold beverages, paper straws, paper cups, and wooden stir-sticks, Tim Hortons introduced a reusable cup strategy.
• A&W Canada redesingned its coffee cup sleeves and burger bags, as well serving breakfast with reuseable plates and silverware. By replacing paper plates and cutleries with reusable silverware, the company claims to be keeping out as much as 121,000 kgs of waste from landfills each year.
• In June 2019, McDonald's Canada expanded its 'Green Concepts Restaurants' strategy by opening two new incubation sites at Ontario and British Columbia. The goal for these sites were to test consumers' response to its newly designed sustainable packaging initiatives.

Healthier Food Options

•  One-third of Canadians look for healthy food choices when they visit fast-food restaurants.
• According to a 2019 survey on plant-based foods by Nielsen, the major reason that motivates people to eat plant-based foods is health, followed by sustainability and animal treatments.
•  Almost a third of the Canadian population is looking for meat alternatives. This group is especially boosted by people who are looking to reduce their meat intake.
•  42% of women between 18 and 44 years are looking to reduce their meat consumption.
•  About 50% of Canadians reacted positively to the new Canadian food guide, where a half plate of veggetables is promoted along with plant-based protein sources.