The Belfast-based printed folding carton packaging manufacturer Delta Packaging has been granted a KFC supplier award after switching to Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) certified packaging board from Stora Enso.
"Sustainability is an important issue for KFC, so we were keen to support their sustainability goals by suggesting certified packaging to provide their customers with assurances of responsible sourcing," says Anna Coleman, Account Manager for KFC at Delta. "Stora Enso was able to source and supply full certified board within a relatively short time frame and is now the main raw material supplier for the KFC product range."
Stora Enso supplies mainly Tamfold for clamshell packaging of hamburgers and for snack and meal boxes. Another board used for KFC products is Stora Enso CKB. Using certified materials has enabled KFC to print the PEFC logo onto their packaging since the turn of the year. The PEFC team played a key part in the transition process, regarding guidance and assistance, helping to switch KFC material to sustainably sourced packaging board. A recent PEFC global survey showed that more than 80% of consumers globally want companies sourcing certified material from sustainably managed forests to use certification labels.
Delta has been a key strategic supplier of packaging to KFC in the UK and Ireland for the past 10 years. "We are the main folding carton supplier for the UK market and this sector has been the first to implement PEFC Chain of Custody certification. The Global Connectivity award was granted in recognition of our swift and effective transfer of KFC raw material to the PEFC process and because this is something that the rest of the global markets would like to roll out," says Anna Coleman.
KFC requires its packaging suppliers to source wood fibre that is certified as responsibly sourced by a third party, to be sure it meets the most rigorous forest management standards. Suppliers are also expected to demonstrate full chain of custody throughout their supply chain. The third-party certifications KFC accepts are the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and national certification systems endorsed by the Program for Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), such as the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI).
"It's not only environmental groups but also our customers who want to know that all our products are responsibly sourced. Increasingly, customers are looking for credible assurances, such as independent certifications on packaging as well as open information about our supply chain and our suppliers. Our supplier Delta and their partner Stora Enso helps us deliver on both these fronts," says Julie Buffandeau from KFC UKI.