HONG KONG, Oct. 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- KFC Hong Kong today confirms the second phase and expansion of its plastic reduction program. Some 1000kg / 1 million pieces of single-use plastic were prevented from being disposed of into the environment even in the short space of time since 23 August 2018. Energised by the positive results seen in just six weeks, KFC also introduces its sustainability roadmap. By expanding plastic reduction initiatives whilst taking steps to grow consumer awareness and support public desire for change, the positive effects are compounded, and multiplied vastly over time.
KFC as a first mover initiated a program which involved the removal of plastic straws and lids from KFC restaurant meals in Hong Kong, and the move was welcomed by customers who readily embraced the change. KFC is thankful to customers for their understanding and support, and can now quickly introduce many more positive steps toward sustainability with great hope and customer inclusivity.
With customer support, KFC will expand its single use plastic reduction mission and catalyse other effective changes, firstly by replacing plastic stirrers for hot drinks and long spoons for cold drinks with compostable materials. This phase 2 action will also herald an engagement vision encompassing staff education initiatives and a collaboration with mixed media artist Natalie Wong to further build awareness on the pressing issue of plastic reduction.
By introducing a new three-finger plastic glove design which will only be distributed based upon the hygiene concerns of individual customers, KFC can reinvest into other biodegradable packaging materials like paper straws, and can continue to explore ways to achieve further plastic reduction.
Ms. Janet Yuen, Chief Executive Officer of KFC Hong Kong and Macau, said: "We would like to thank KFC customers and KFC fans of all ages who engaged in the action on single-use plastic reduction and who contributed to its success. We feel very happy with the public response and considering that its success relied on a shift in consciousness and habits, we were in fact quite surprised with the level of customer positivity and enthusiasm shown. We have a lot more work to do though. That's why we've laid down a roadmap for plastic reduction to facilitate further action."
Mixed media artist Natalie Wong creates a plastic sea turtle art piece to raise further awareness. The art installation was created using straws and drink lids that were recovered during the first phase of KFC's sustainability program, part of which was a plastic collection and recycling initiative. Natalie Wong, who is a committed environmentalist herself, said, "Upcycle art is creating something new and valuable using disposable materials and products. I want to show people all the interesting ways you can get creative with disposable plastics, like straws and lids. So I wanted to create an artwork to help raise public awareness about protecting our environment and sea life." The piece is now on display to the public in the KFC store in Ma On Shan.
