Fast food chain KFC has partnered with foodservice packaging specialist International Paper Foodservice Europe to develop a new paperboard food bucket in the UK and Ireland that is free from plastic.
The “pioneering” new bucket replaces polyethylene (PE) – used in paperboard food buckets to prevent grease from leaking through the packaging material – with a grease-resistant lining that eliminates the need for plastic.
International Paper Foodservice Europe also developed a clay-coated finish to replace traditional plastic coating, bringing extra vibrancy to the print and giving the new packaging material extra visual impact.
The new food bucket will be available in two sizes – 85oz and 130oz – and are certified to Sustainable Forestry Initiative standard, meaning that the fibre used is obtained from responsible sources.
David Lawlor, sales and marketing director of International Paper Foodservice Europe, said: “This iconic KFC bucket is a great example of how International Paper Foodservice Europe is able to work with its customers to find solutions to challenges and implement them. We have invested a great deal of time in R&D to develop this unique product to meet the specific requirements of our customer and we are proud to have partnered with KFC to bring this to market.”
KFC UK supply chain manager, product excellence Julie Buffandeau said: “International Paper Foodservice Europe was very receptive to our requests. The R&D team at [its factory in Cheshire] took the brief and proved their ability to innovate, working closely with us to deliver a product that met our specifications and is truly unique in the market.”
© FoodBev Media Ltd 2023
