KFC has pledged a new global sustainability commitment that all its plastic-based consumer-facing packaging will be recoverable or reusable by 2025. The goal supports the chain's long-term plan to implement a more sustainable packaging strategy in its restaurants.
"As a global brand that operates more than 22,000 restaurants in over 135 countries, KFC is in a position to have a real impact on how the industry approaches waste and packaging management overall," says Tony Lowings, CEO of KFC. "With environmental sustainability as a core aspect of how we do business, this commitment represents a public acknowledgment of the obligation we have to address these serious issues."
KFC has developed a roadmap to meet these goals and will partner with major suppliers and franchisees globally to identify plastic alternatives in each market. The chain is working on several key initiatives related to achieving these goals, including conducting an audit of current systems with franchisees to identify plastic waste reduction opportunities, partnering with suppliers to identify sustainable packaging alternatives and setting market specific goals.
Several markets have already announced plans to reduce the use of certain plastics. KFC India has removed consumer plastic bags from their restaurants and ongoing transition to sustainable alternatives for plastic cups, bowls, sporks and straws.
