KFC Packaging Practices Raise Greenpeace Ire

SHARE:

Email

Print

LinkedIn

Facebook

Twitter

May 31, 2012

Greenpeace International is accusing KFC of using wood from rainforests to manufacture its food packaging, contending the fast feeder is uses paper from Asia Pulp & Paper (APP), an ongoing Greenpeace target.

Forensic tests conducted by Greenpeace in three markets --- the U.K., China and Indonesia -- confirmed the presence of rainforest fiber in numerous packaging products, including KFC’s chicken bucket.

Some packaging products tested contained more than 50 percent rainforest fiber, according to Greenpeace. KFC’s packaging includes paper products that come from APP, which continues to rely on rainforest clearance and was recently exposed for using illegal timber at its main pulp mill in Sumatra.

The Greenpeace report exposes how some KFC packaging was reportedly produced using timber from the rainforests of Indonesia, home to endangered wildlife such as the Sumatran tiger. It also reveals how neither KFC nor its parent company Yum! Brands have safeguards in place to prevent products from deforestation entering their supply chains.

In Louisville, Ky., this week, activists deployed a giant banner depicting a Sumatran tiger on the front pillars of KFC headquarters, which read: "KFC Stop Trashing My Home,” which kicked off other worldwide Greenpeace campaigns.

Greenpeace is calling for KFC, and its parent company Yum! Brands to immediately drop APP and create strong policies to rid their supply chains of deforestation.

More than 60 companies around the world have now suspended purchasing from APP including Kraft, Adidas, Hasbro, Mattel, Staples, Unilever, Nestle and many more, according to Greenpeace.

Read These Related Articles:

• BJ's Wholesale Club Launches Tree-Planting Alliance
• Consumer Goods Forum and the U.S. Government Partner on Deforestation
• Ikea Under Fire for Logging Old-Growth Forests
• Consumer Goods Industry Launches Climate Protection Initiatives

Most Read

Guest Columns

Key Themes Emerge at FMI Sustainability Summit

Areas of focus included making the business case for sustainability, leadership development and radical collaboration.

Source: Food Marketing Institute

What's Your Sustainability Elevator Speech?

A new FMI toolkit offers concise, customizable strategic language to help executives effectively articulate the business case for sustainability in less than 60 seconds.

Source: Food Marketing Institute

On a Mission to Reduce Food Waste

FMI, GMA and the National Restaurant Association are developing an aggressive strategy that will direct more edible food to the hungry and waste away from landfills.

Source: Food Marketing Institute

See All Guest Columns »

Press Releases