From:Packaging News

KFC has partnered with International Paper Foodservice Europe to develop a grease-resistant paper board food bucket.

In an initiative aimed at improving food presentation and environmental performance, the new version of the iconic KFC bucket, developed by International Paper’s Winsford factory, uses a grease-resistant lining instead of a traditional polyethylene (PE) lining, which prevents the build-up of grease to improve food presentation and also removes plastic from the construction of the product.

Polyethylene is often used in paper board food buckets either internally to prevent the grease from the food soaking through the container or externally to improve print finish.

The buckets are also certified to the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI).

KFC UK and Ireland wanted a glossy finish, but that needed to be achieved without the addition of a plastic coating, so a clay-coated finish was developed that brings extra vibrancy to the print.

David Lawlor, sales and marketing director of International Paper Foodservice Europe, said: “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.”

Julie Buffandeau, supply chain manager, product excellence department for KFC UK and Ireland, said International Paper did a good job on the project. “The R&D team at Winsford 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.”