Operations

QSRs eliminating certain chemicals from packaging

iStock Photo

March 25, 2022

Several of America's top QSR brands are making changes to packaging to help reduce specific chemicals, according to a report in The Washington Post.

Restaurant Brands International, parent company to the Burger King, Popeyes and Tim Hortons brands, will phase out certain chemicals know as "forever chemicals" in its packaging. RBI said it would stop using the chemicals by 2025, while Chick-fil-A will phase them out by the end of summer.

The move is in response to a Consumer Reports investigation detailing the detection of PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, in food containers and wrappers found in chain restaurants and even some grocery retailers. The chemicals do not break down easily in the environment and may stay in the body for years, according to the news report.

While McDonald's and some retailers like Trader Joe's had measurable amounts of PFAS in packaging, Nathan's Famous hot dogs weighed in with the most chemicals in its packaging for its sides. The paper bags for products like cookies and French toast sticks measured high at Burger King, as did a paper bag for Arby's cookies and a Chick-fil-A sandwich wrapper.

Nathan's Famous recently completed a package design to help reduce PFAS which should roll out by December, Phil McCann, vice president of marketing, told the news outlet.

A Chick-fil-A spokesperson said the brand's efforts to eliminate harmful chemicals dates back to 2018.

"Chick-fil-A has eliminated intentionally added PFAS from all newly produced packaging going forward in our supply chain. While some legacy packaging may still be in restaurants, it is expected to be phased out by the end of this summer," Chelsea Lee told the news outlet. "We've spent the last four years working closely with our suppliers, an independent lab and third-party validator."

"We are dedicated to only using ingredients and materials that are safe for guests and employees and continuously review our policies to ensure we remain good corporate citizens. The Burger King brand has required that any added perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) be phased out from all approved, guest-facing packaging materials globally by the end of 2025 or sooner," RBI told the news outlet.