Ecological reusable container concept

The use of reusable plastic containers (RPCs) has enabled savings of more than 551,000 tons of CO2 emissions in 2020, IFCO writes. This makes it one of the most sustainable logistics and packaging companies in the world. IFCO's award therefore demonstrates companies' commitment to protecting the environment and working together to create more sustainable supply chains, it added. The sustainability certificate was first awarded to retailers in Europe and North America in September 2018.

Evidence of the environmental commitment of retailers and producers

By addressing the increased demand for environmentally friendly products and processes, retailers and growers can differentiate themselves from the competition and increase their customers' loyalty, RPC supplier further writes. That's why IFCO awards its sustainability certificate as proof of retailers' and growers' commitment to the environment. As shareholders, in addition to customers, increasingly pay attention to sustainable business goals, IFCO's sustainability certificate is a strong proof of environmentally friendly behavior for both customers and shareholders.

"Many retailers and growers are working hard to make their supply chains more sustainable and reduce their environmental footprint. In recognition of these extensive efforts and to provide customers and shareholders with reliable evidence of the measures implemented, we award our sustainability certificate to retailers and producers. The certificate attests to the companies awarded that they are taking clear measures to make their supply chains more sustainable and thus protect the environment. It is crucial for business success to be able to demonstrate this commitment to customers and business partners," explains Michael Pooley, CEO of IFCO Systems.

Each customer, whether a retailer or producer, would receive a certificate showing the amount of carbon dioxide, water, energy, and solid and food waste avoided by using RPCs in their supply chain. These savings were based on the RPC provider's estimate of energy and resource reductions.

Positive environmental impact

According to IFCO, the company is constantly monitoring the environmental benefits of its "SmartCycle" logistics concept, which is based on the principle of "share and reuse" to reduce the environmental footprint of corporate supply chains. The provider's customers reportedly saved between 17 and 20 percent more water, energy and CO2 emissions, as well as solid and product waste, in 2020 than in 2017, when retailers first won the award. It said this is possible because all of the supplier's RPCs are reused 30 to 120 times throughout their lifetime. After each cycle, the RPCs would undergo a thorough cleaning and inspection process before being shipped out again. Damaged containers that could no longer be used would be 100 percent recycled and used to make new RPCs.

Several studies have shown that, compared to single-use packaging, the use of RPCs results in savings of CO2 (up to 60%), energy (64%), water (80%), solid waste (up to 86%) and damage to food (up to 96%), the media release says.

Source: IFCO