KFC | Social Impact

A new KFC restaurant opens somewhere in the world every 3.5 hours, so it’s never been more important for us to grow sustainably and minimize our environmental impact. Check out how our markets across the world are flexing their “green” muscles via Earth-friendly initiatives. 

Zero Carbon Visions in UK & Ireland

KFC UK & Ireland is partnering with the University of Liverpool’s Zero Carbon Research Institute (ZCRI) to help drive our ambition to become a net zero carbon business by 2040 or sooner. ZCRI will also help us become a circular zero waste business in food, packaging, and materials by 2035.

Eco Cars in Mongolia 

Check out these super cute electric cars that KFC Mongolia tested as part of their “So Green” initiative. These e-cars not only give KFC a competitive advantage with regards to being able to drive around downtown in Mongolia’s capital city, Ulaanbaatar, but also offer a much more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional vehicles with internal combustion engines.

Bamboo Buckets in Canada

Across the last two years, KFC Canada has transitioned all poutine buckets to bamboo, which helps KFC Canada eliminate 55 tons of plastic waste annually. Additionally, they’re aiming to make all packaging home compostable by 2025. 

Thailand takes on sustainable design & consumption

KFC Thailand currently has two stores built with sustainable design and zero-waste material decoration, which enables each store to help save energy worth more than $6,000 per year. Additionally, they’ve launched plant-based menu items to support sustainable consumption.

Spring Cleaning Anyone?

In April, 3,000 KFC UK & Ireland team members took part in the Great British Spring Clean, in partnership with Keep Britain Tidy, and helped collected more than 20,000 bags of rubbish!

Yum! Brands

Yum! Brands

Yum! Brands, Inc., based in Louisville, Kentucky, and its subsidiaries franchise or operate a system of over 60,000 restaurants in more than 155 countries and territories under the company’s concepts – Taco Bell, KFC, Pizza Hut and Habit Burger & Grill. The Company's Taco Bell, KFC and Pizza Hut brands are global leaders of the Mexican-inspired food, chicken and pizza categories, respectively. Habit Burger & Grill is a fast casual restaurant concept specializing in made-to-order chargrilled burgers, sandwiches and more. In 2024, Yum! was named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index North America, Newsweek’s list of America’s Most Responsible Companies, USA Today’s America’s Climate Leaders and 3BL’s list of 100 Best Corporate Citizens. In 2025, the Company was recognized among TIME magazine’s list of Best Companies for Future Leaders. In addition, Taco Bell, KFC and Pizza Hut brands were ranked in the top 25 of Entrepreneur’s Top Global Franchises Ranking for 2025, with Taco Bell securing the No. 1 spot for the fifth consecutive year.

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