KFC’s recycling program receives $400k from Australian Packaging Covenant
The brand has already helped divert more than 1,800 tonnes of cardboard.
KFC Australia has been active in developing and implementing recycling programs to help minimise the impact to the environment. The brand has recently launched its “Do The Right Thing, Use The Right Bin” program, rolling out new recycling systems in their stores.
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Below is a Q&A with KFC Australia.
QSR Media: What initiated the brand to engage in this partnership with the Australian Packaging Covenant?
KFC Australia: For the last two years, KFC Australia has been working in partnership with Closed Loop Environmental Solutions to introduce a Closed Loop Recycling Program (CLRP) – the first national ‘Public Place Recycling’ Program for the QSR industry. The CLRP is a holistic approach to waste management and recovery, based on a firm commitment to product stewardship. All packaging has been assessed for recyclability and recovery solutions have been tailored and implemented, such as the ‘Split Bin’ in-store, ensuring maximum recovery rates of recyclables.
By leading this initiative, KFC has overcome many of the hurdles for the entire industry, setting the gold standard for recycling and waste management.
The change KFC is making to the industry was recognised by the Australian Packaging Covenant (NPC) who awarded $400,000 to KFC for development and implementation of the Split Bin. Following the success of the rollout of the Split Bin in select NSW stores, KFC decided to move forward with the Do The Right Thing, Use the Right Bin program and roll out new recycling systems across other restaurants in our network.
QSR Media: What is unique about the new recycling bins being installed?
KFC Australia: The program itself is what’s unique rather than the physical recycling bins. KFC is the first QSR to rollout a Front of House Recycling program in their restaurants nationally. These bins encourage KFC customers to recycle their bottles, cans and Krusher cups and therefore have this material diverted from landfill. Closed Loop developed the Split Bin in partnership with KFC, to ensure they met the needs of our restaurants and our customers.
QSR Media: Will there be more of the brand’s stores receiving the new recycling systems?
KFC Australia: We are currently rolling out new recycling systems in select Queensland restaurants and are exploring other opportunities to roll out new recycling systems across our entire network.
QSR Media: How has the response been with the campaign since it was first launched?
KFC Australia: The response has been overwhelmingly positive. The design of the Split Bin ensures that our customers can easily identify recycling opportunities in our restaurants and have easily adopted our approach to recycling while eating at KFC. In 2012 KFC diverted over 1,800 tonnes of cardboard and over 180 tonnes of commingle from landfill.
As one of the largest quick service restaurant brands in Australia we believe it is our responsibility to minimise the impact of our business on the environment we live and operate in. KFC Australia is committed to making substantial investments in research and development and initiatives designed to reduce our and our suppliers’ environmental impact. We are dedicated to improving energy efficiency in our restaurants, reducing waste to landfill, pioneering recycling in our industry and making our packaging sustainable.
