• Made in the UK: GPI's sustainable buckets for KFC.
    Made in the UK: GPI's sustainable buckets for KFC.
Close×

Graphic Packaging International has scored a contract to manufacture half a million environmentally-friendly KFC food buckets for the 2018 cricket Big Bash League in Australia. The buckets are exclusively made at GPI's plant in Winsford, UK.

The fast food company chose GPI's buckets, which contain zero plastic, because of their sustainability credentials, says Mike Turner, MD GPI. “We’ve had a successful working relationship with KFC UK and Ireland for some time now," he said.

"While the company has its own bucket supplier in Australia, its requirement for a renewable solution meant that Graphic Packaging International was, without question, the supplier of choice."

The buckets use a clay coating to achieve a glossy finish, which GPI says prevents the buildup of excess oil and enhances vibrancy of the print without the need for plastic.

According to Turner, the bucket is in line with the Australian government's pledge to make all packaging in the country 100 per cent reusable, compostable or recyclable by 2025. "KFC Australia’s adoption of the GPI Foodservice bucket is a step in the right direction toward meeting the country’s sustainability targets. We’re delighted to be supporting them in this venture," he said.

Food & Drink Business

The annual Product of the Year Awards (POY) has confirmed one of the dominant and enduring consumer trends when it comes to food and beverage choices – personal health. NielsenIQ research, commissioned by POY, found 74 per cent of us are focusing on products that support energy, fitness, better sleep, stress relief, and brain function. This year was dominated by private label products, accounting for 68 per cent of winning products.

Woolworths Group has reported a 2.7 per cent increase in group sales to $18.5 billion for the 14-week first quarter ended 5 October. The group’s Australian Food sales rose 3.2 per cent in the first weeks of October and will be launching more than 650 new products for the Christmas holiday period.

C4C Packaging is set to reshape Australia’s wine and ready-to-drink (RTD) landscape with the launch of Oceania's first single-serve aseptic wine and alcoholic beverage co-manufacturing and packaging facility.