Taco Bell’s spicy sauces are a fan favorite, with many customers having a strong preference for them. The fast-food chain goes through a staggering 8.2 billion packets of sauce each year. However, the issue arises when these packets end up in landfills after use, creating a significant environmental problem.
To address this challenge, Taco Bell has unveiled a new sustainability initiative to recycle the sauce packets once they have been emptied. Since the packets cannot be reused due to their tear-open design, Taco Bell has partnered with TerraCycle, a recycling company based in New Jersey, to develop a fully recyclable packet solution.
“In the current food industry landscape, there is a lack of accessible recycling options for the flexible film packets commonly used for condiments,” stated Liz Matthews, Taco Bell’s Global Chief Food Innovation Officer. “We are excited to collaborate with TerraCycle to recycle our iconic sauce packet packaging in a groundbreaking manner that aligns with our innovative menu offerings.”
Taco Bell Announces TerraCycle Sauce Packet Recycling Program https://t.co/L0dntmcmZV
— HYPEBEAST (@HYPEBEAST) April 20, 2021
“Today, consumers are increasingly conscious of their environmental impact, even in their dining choices,” remarked Tom Szaky, CEO and Founder of TerraCycle. “Through the collaboration between Taco Bell and TerraCycle, we aim to drive sustainable practices within the quick-service industry by pioneering a recycling solution for this type of packaging. This endeavor brings us closer to our goal of reducing waste and preserving our planet.”
While specific details are still forthcoming, Taco Bell plans to pilot their recycling program later this year, marking a significant step towards reducing waste and promoting environmental responsibility.