Global Franchise Brand’s Wrapping Paper Wins Innovation in Manufacturing Award from QSR & Foodservice Packaging Institute
KINGSTON, Ontario, Nov. 8, 2017 /CNW/ — Pita Pit Canada, the fresh thinking brand challenging consumers across Canada to Refuse to Settle for an inferior QSR dining experience, has been honored with a silver trophy award by QSR Magazine and the Foodservice Packaging Institute (FPI) for its new environmentally friendly food packaging materials. The award, presented at the Foodservice Packaging Institute’s Fall Conference in Dallas, Tex. in late October, recognizes Pita Pit’s collaboration with McNairn Packaging and delfort on the unique project.
The annual QSR/FPI Awards recognize key players in manufacturing innovations of raw material, machinery and converting that enhanced foodservice packaging. Pita Pit Canada’s recognition comes in the manufacturing category alongside other international pioneers in the space like Chef Pack and Eco-Products Inc.
“This is a huge accomplishment for our growing brand,” said Kevin Pressburger, president of Pita Pit Canada. “We have worked diligently to become trailblazers in the QSR segment and we consider this recognition validation of those efforts and of the strong relationship we’ve built with McNairn Packaging and delfort. But, this award also serves as further motivation as we look to continue to implement more sustainable solutions across Canada.”
Pita Pit Canada launched its alternative to traditional food packaging in early 2017 and expanded on the concept as the brand celebrated Canada’s 150th anniversary over the summer. Referred to as thinbarrier® eco, the packaging utilizes renewable resources and a grease-resistant, vegetable base coating that eliminates the need for wax, making the product re-pulpable, recyclable and compostable where available. The packaging serves as a first step toward Pita Pit Canada’s growing efforts to create a more sustainable future across all of its global locations.
“We have been committed to creating delicious, customizable grilled options from day one, but we are turning up the attention on the other half of our responsibility as a food provider: Refusing to Settle for the status quo by setting the standard to be even stronger partners in the communities we serve,” said Pita Pit Canada CEO Chris Fountain. “This shift from traditional waxed paper to thinbarrier eco is helping to advance the entire QSR industry, and Pita Pit has already seen a significant reduction in our carbon footprint because of it. We have decreased our crude oil consumption by more than 60 percent, proving significant benefit our customers, our franchisees and the environment.”
ABOUT PITA PIT
Founded in 1995 in Kingston, Ontario near Queen’s University, Pita Pit was a QSR restaurant with a new and unique approach. The goal was to offer quality, healthy, fresh food fast. After seeing great success, franchising began across Canada in 1997 and in 1999, the brand expanded to the United States. With more than 450 stores across North America and an additional 130 stores internationally, Pita Pit connects healthy food with people seeking alternatives to the typical fast food choices. Pita Pit’s motto is “fresh thinking – healthy eating,” and features a menu based on the customer’s choice of grilled meats, fresh vegetables, zesty sauces and a pita rolled into a unique and convenient package. For more information about Pita Pit, visit www.pitapit.ca or www.facebook.com/pitapitcanada.