IFCO, a provider of Reusable Packaging Containers (RPCs) for fresh grocery products, is celebrating its 30th anniversary.
In 1992, IFCO challenged linear economy norms by developing a unique share-reuse-recycle model based on the circular economy. Today, IFCO RPCs are used in more than 1.9 billion shipments of fresh produce every year, reducing waste throughout the supply chain and demonstrating the benefit of a consistent, strong commitment to sustainability.
IFCO was founded in Pullach, Germany, near Munich. Dedicated to optimizing the transportation of fresh groceries sustainably, IFCO applied the “share and reuse” pooling model to the fresh-grocery supply chain.
Since then, IFCO has provided sustainable packaging solutions for the transportation of fresh produce, baked goods, fish and meat. The most recent addition to IFCO’s range of RPCs is the Banana Lift Lock, which provides ventilation and protection to bananas, eliminating produce damage during transportation and improving ripening consistency.
Throughout IFCO’s 30-year journey, its reusable packaging solutions have enabled companies across the supply chain to maintain optimal food safety standards, significantly reduce single-use packaging waste and lower their carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions while maximizing operational efficiency. Compared to single-use packaging, RPCs cut CO2e emissions by up to 60 percent, energy consumption by 64 percent, water use by 80 percent and solid-waste generation by up to 86 percent.
In 2021 alone, using IFCO RPCs enabled savings equivalent to more than 616,000 tonnes of CO2e — the same effect as removing 333,000 cars from the road for a year. Customers using IFCO RPCs kept more than 55,000 tonnes of food from being wasted last year, equivalent to 92 million average meals.
Over the last 30 years, using IFCO RPCs enabled savings of over 3 million tonnes of waste in the fresh produce supply chain.
“We can make a really positive impact on the environment, and this inspires everyone working at IFCO,” said IFCO Systems CEO Michael Pooley. “With climate change, we face the greatest challenge of our generation and we are committed to being part of the solution.”
One of IFCO’s main targets in the coming years is supporting businesses in future-proofing their supply chains through digitalization. Not only will IFCO customers be able to track and trace their RPCs and the produce they carry, but they will also rely on IFCO’s digital platform for real-time supply chain insights.
For more information:
Daniela Carbone
IFCO
[email protected]
https://www.ifco.com/
