KFC Switches From Cardboard to Paper

The new packaging, which is being introduced 26 January, will see its Fillet and Zinger burgers repackaged in paper wrappers, and the Colonel's and Variety Meals move from cardboard boxes into paper bags. In February, it will be followed by the Mini Fillet Burgers moving from foil to paper wrappers.

30/01/09 Fast food chain KFC is launching a major environmental initiative to reduce packaging this year, according to a Marketing Week report.

The company hopes that switching from cardboard to paper wrapping will reduce packaging by 1,400 tons.

The new packaging, which is being introduced 26 January, will see its Fillet and Zinger burgers repackaged in paper wrappers, and the Colonel's and Variety Meals move from cardboard boxes into paper bags. In February, it will be followed by the Mini Fillet Burgers moving from foil to paper wrappers.

The new packaging will be made from 100% renewable sources and will be 100% recyclable and biodegradable.

The initiative builds on last year's move to stop offering eat-in meals in cardboard boxes. This aimed to save 554 tons of wasted packaging.

Martin Shuker, MD of KFC UK and Ireland, said: "The changes to KFC's packaging demonstrate our commitment to more sustainable business practices. They will significantly reduce the waste we produce and we also hope that less packaging will mean less litter, an issue we take very seriously."

The reduction in packaging waste is part of a wider strategy to KFC's impact on the environment. It already recycles 7,702,667 litres of cooking oil each year, which is then converted in biodiesel fuel for KFC delivery trucks. It's also working to reduce its carbon emissions.