Delivery drivers spend hours in the sun. That’s a huge problem in Costa Rica where skin cancer is one of the most common diseases. Havas Costa Rica and KFC have thought outside the square and come up with a very unexpected solution – preventative packaging. KFC has reinvented the packaging of its
famous sauces to contain sunscreen, providing protection against the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) rays, one of the leading causes of skin cancer.
The sunscreen concept, inspired by KFC’s famous sauces, is part of a pilot program launched on March 13 across its restaurants. Customers who placed orders through Uber Eats had the option to add
the sunscreen to their order for free, which was then handed directly to the delivery rider at the time of order pickup. The gesture emphasises the importance of caring for those who work in
prolonged sun exposure conditions.
According to the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS), 90% of skin cancer cases are related to UV ray exposure. In 2023, 236 new cases of melanoma (the most aggressive form of skin cancer) and over 7,000 cases of non-melanoma skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, were registered. Delivery riders, who may spend up to 8 hours a day under the sun, are among the most vulnerable groups to these risks.
Carlos Álvarez, marketing manager at KFC Costa Rica, commented, “At KFC Costa Rica, we care about the well-being of everyone in our value chain, and delivery riders are a key link. We know
that skin cancer is a growing concern in the country, and we want to contribute to protecting those who need it the most. This sunscreen, which customers can add for free to their order, is
a way for us to give back the care they deserve.”
The sunscreen is just one of the actions within KFC Costa Rica’s sustainability and social responsibility initiatives, that aim to make a positive impact on the community. The brand
continues to develop innovative solutions to improve the quality of life for its employees, collaborators, and customers, promoting responsible practices in its daily operations.
