Operations

Wendy's aims to cut toxic chemicals from US, Canada packaging by year's end

Photo by istock.com

April 28, 2021

Wendy's is promising to eliminate toxic chemicals, specifically per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), from consumer packaging in the U.S. and Canada by year's end.

It is also creating a restricted substances list in the U.S., according to the brand's recently published corporate responsibility report.

The eliminated chemicals have been linked to potential health problems as toxicity can leak from the packaging and can pollute drinking water as well as food crops and do not break down in the environment.

The corporate report stated a cross-functional Wendy's team spent more than six months in 2020 consulting with various stakeholders, including suppliers and academic institutions, to improve the brand's packing footprint.

"The continued work of this team will support a new, ambitious packaging goal. To accomplish this, over the next five years, Wendy's will optimize our customer-facing packaging and transition to sustainable options, including items that have a higher recycled content, use fewer raw material, are recyclable, compostable and reuseable and sourced from areas that do not contribute to deforestation," stated the report.

The brand is also exploring strawless lids and testing innovative packaging options at a company-owned restaurant.