USA – Smurfit Westrock has joined forces with Pizza Hut to raise awareness about recycling pizza boxes in Louisville, Kentucky.
This collaboration aligns with a broader commitment to sustainability in the packaging industry and aims to enhance consumer recycling habits.
Research conducted by Smurfit Westrock confirms that pizza boxes, even those with grease, can be recycled when local facilities support the process.
With approximately 75% of the U.S. population having access to pizza box recycling, the initiative focuses on educating customers about their role in promoting packaging circularity.
Emily True, Global Senior Manager of Sustainability at Pizza Hut, emphasized the importance of consumer participation, “At Pizza Hut, we’ve always prioritized providing the best pizza experience, and the box is a vital part of that.
“Once our customers finish enjoying their pizza, we want them to know how they can help ensure the box gets a second life.”
Pizza Hut’s pizza boxes are made from recyclable corrugated cardboard, with at least 35% of the material sourced from recycled content.
The brand actively engages in consumer education and collaborates with advocacy groups to inform local governments about the recyclability of pizza boxes.
With over three billion pizza boxes consumed annually in the U.S., partnerships like this are critical for improving packaging circularity by directly reaching and educating consumers.
Kevin Hudson, Senior Vice President of Forestry and Recycled Fiber at Smurfit Westrock, highlighted the collective effort required for sustainable results: “Recycling corrugated material is straightforward, but real progress happens when consumers, manufacturers, brands, and communities work together.
“We’re excited to partner with Pizza Hut, haulers, and local municipalities to improve recycling in the Louisville market.”
Pizza Hut’s innovative packaging: The moving box table
In August, Pizza Hut unveiled a creative new pizza box design, The Moving Box Table, to enhance convenience during moving days.
The innovative design transforms the pizza box into a mini tabletop, addressing the common challenge of lacking furniture while moving.
Crafted from a red checkered corrugated structure, the box easily folds into a sturdy base, creating a functional table in just a few steps.
This limited-edition packaging, available with the purchase of a large menu-priced pizza, was launched on August in select locations in Dallas, Charlotte, and Orlando.
Melissa Friebe, Pizza Hut’s Chief Marketing Officer, explained the initiative’s inspiration: “Moving is chaotic, and the last thing you want to worry about is unpacking just to enjoy a well-deserved meal at the end of the day. This design offers a simple, thoughtful solution.”
The initiative reflects Pizza Hut’s understanding of consumer needs. Surveys show that 85% of Americans consider pizza the best moving-day meal, and 87% have ordered pizza during a move.
Through efforts like the Moving Box Table and collaborations with partners like Smurfit Westrock, Pizza Hut continues to enhance sustainability and customer experience in the food packaging sector.
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