Fast food chain Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), in partnership with foodservice packaging specialist International Paper Foodservice Europe, has developed a plastic-free paperboard food bucket in the UK and Ireland.
Designed to replaces polyethylene (PE) which is used paperboard food buckets to prevent leakage, the new plastic-free bucket features a grease-resistant lining while eliminating the need for plastic.
The development is a part of KFC's effort to improve food presentation and environmental performance.
Additionally, clay-coated finish has been developed by International Paper Foodservice Europe to replace traditional plastic coating.
The coating offers extra vibrancy to the print while providing extra visual impact on the new packaging material.
International Paper Foodservice Europe sales and marketing director David Lawlor 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."
Available in two sizes including 85oz and 130oz, the grease-resistant paper board food bucket is certified to Sustainable Forestry Initiative standard.
KFC UK supply chain manager Julie Buffandeau said: "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."
Image: KFC in Ann Street, Belfast, Northern Ireland. Photo: courtesy of Ardfern/Wikipedia.