Chicken Republic, Others Stop Use of Styrofoam After Lagos Ban

By Adedapo Adesanya

Food Concepts Plc, the parent company of fast-food chain subsidiaries, including Chicken Republic, Piexpress, and The ChopBox, has lauded the Lagos State government ban on the use of styrofoam in the state, saying its establishments have begun transitioning from single-use plastics.

The Babajide Sanwo-Olu government on Sunday announced the ban on the use and distribution of Styrofoam and other single-use plastics across the state.

The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, in a statement at the weekend, noted that the decision was reached following the menace that single-use plastics, especially the non-biodegradable Styrofoam were causing on the environment.

Styrofoam, popularly called takeaway packs, is used to manufacture disposable plates used in eateries.

In a statement signed by Mr Kofi Abunu, the Managing Director of Food Concepts Plc, it was stated that the decision of the Lagos government is a significant step towards protecting the environment.

“Effective immediately, all our outlets in Lagos will commence the transition from using Styrofoam packs for both walk-in and online orders,” he said.

He said the removal of single-use containers will pave the way for sustainability, adding that the company will also charge a token for reusable plastic containers used to package take-out meals following the development.

“We encourage our citizens across the state to bring their own reusable food containers. In line with our commitment to sustainability, we will charge for reusable plastic takeaway containers henceforth. We are also actively working towards reducing our overall plastic footprint,” he explained.

“As we navigate this transition together, our team is available to answer any questions or concerns. We apologise for any inconvenience during this adaptation to eco-friendly, sustainable options,” he added.

Recall that earlier this month Chowdeck, a company that provides platforms for ordering meals, grocery items, and medicine, from restaurants, stores, and pharmacies, introduced a N200 fee for customers who want their orders packaged in the platform’s signature brown paper bags and stickers.

The move, according to the company, was part of a gradual phasing-out of paper use, amid a tough economic environment.

“We have explored recycling the bags, and the output of that effort is insignificant compared to the sheer size of bags that we need to keep up delivering with the bags. Until we can, we will phase out the widespread use of paper bags and stickers,” the co-founder and chief executive of Chowdeck, Mr Femi Aluko said.