KFC South Africa has pledged to withdraw plastic straws from KFC outlets across the country by 1 July 2019. Their goal is to completely replace single-use plastic-based packaging with sustainable packaging by 2025.
According to KFC SA, one plastic straw takes 200 years to decompose. Removing plastic straws from their packaging is a good starting point for the company’s long-term commitment to sustainable packaging.
The fast-food giant will be replacing all plastic straws with paper straws in all its restaurants. There are approximately more than 900 in South Africa. According to a statement made by KFC SA, this change will assist in removing 60 million plastic straws per year in South Africa.
‘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.’
KFC’s long-term commitment to sustainable packaging will see other plastic items being removed from its packaging in the near future.
The company is in the process of identifying suppliers and alternative packaging options.
Image source: Pixabay
