KFC introduces eco-friendly packaging

In a bid to reduce its annual rubbish output by 1,400 tones, KFC is ditching its cardboard box packaging in favor of environmentally friendly paper wrappers.

Starting this month, KFC in the UK and Ireland will switch its burger packaging from cardboard "clamshells" to paper wrappers, and its individual-portion meals from cardboard boxes to paper bags.

The new packaging is made from 100% renewable sources from European forests, which are 100% recyclable and biodegradable.

The changes follow an initial measure taken to reduce cardboard waste in 2008, when the business stopped packing boxed meals for eat-in customers, saving approximately 554 tones in waste.

Jennelle Tilling, vice president of marketing for KFC UK and Ireland, said: "It is important when making these kinds of changes to make sure that the new designs are still attractive and faithful to the brand.

"The new packaging highlights the environmental benefits of the change while maintaining KFC's recognizable look and feel."