KFC, Tria develop compostable packaging

Singapore is facing a plastic waste crisis, and KFC Singapore is making efforts to reduce its contribution by switching to alternative compostable packaging for its chicken, sandwiches and other items. By partnering with sustainable foodware company, Tria, KFC Singapore will begin what it is calling the “world’s first” closed-loop single-use packaging pilot program, according to Packaging Insights

(KFC)
(KFC)

Singapore is facing a plastic waste crisis, and KFC Singapore is making efforts to reduce its contribution by switching to alternative compostable packaging for its chicken, sandwiches and other items. By partnering with sustainable foodware company, Tria, KFC Singapore will begin what it is calling the “world’s first” closed-loop single-use packaging pilot program, according to Packaging Insights

The pilot will first replace the packaging, cutlery and other single-use plastics with the alternative packaging at one Singapore location for six months. Tria will regularly collect the waste and compost it in the company’s patented Bio24 digester which takes 24 hours. 

“We’ve previously considered edible spoons, but they could not meet our cost or operational requirements,” said Lynette Lee, general manager of KFC Singapore. “However, Tria was open to extensive redesigns and testing to ensure their product could withstand our daily operating needs and be collected and processed at an acceptable price point.”

What is compostable packaging?

Tria’s Neutria packaging is a durable, plant-based polyester that can handle both hot and cold food. It quickly turns into compost in 24 hours in the Bio24 digester and is then shipped to partnered farms or brands. 

“It’s great that we are experimenting with [sustainable food-ware like reusable cups], but we also need to empathize more with the food brands. How can KFC Singapore extend this without changing their operations?”, said Tria’s chief executive Ng Pei Kang. “If it’s not business as usual, it would be very tough [for restaurants to accept these new packaging products].”

One of the brands partnering with Tria is European fertilizer company, Yara, who is looking to expand its business into Asia and needs local compost rather than shipping it internationally. 

 “Yara is looking to expand their regional presence here, and they are interested in our product because it could be a low-carbon source of fertilizer. In Europe, they have access to hydroponic power, which allows them to profitably produce low-carbon, green fertilizer. However, shipping this fertilizer to Asia is not realistic,” said Ng. “That’s where we come in.”

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