Ifco, a provider of reusable packaging solutions for fresh food, reported significant environmental savings in 2024, citing increased adoption of its reusable packaging containers (RPCs). The company recorded 2.4 billion shipments of fresh grocery products, including fruit and vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, seafood, dairy, eggs, baked goods, and bananas, using RPCs worldwide.
According to Ifco, the use of its circular pooling system, the IFCO SmartCycle, resulted in measurable reductions in environmental impact. During 2024, the system reportedly contributed to saving 674,333 tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions, 54,308 megaliters of water, and 14,854 terajoules of energy. Additionally, 1.36 million metric tons of solid waste were avoided, and 66,015 tonnes of product waste were prevented. These figures were determined using third-party life cycle assessments (LCA) conducted in accordance with ISO 14040/14044 standards.
For the eighth consecutive year, Ifco plans to issue Sustainability Certificates to its customers, quantifying their individual contributions to reducing environmental impact through reusable packaging. These certificates aim to provide producers, growers, distributors, and retailers with documentation of their sustainability efforts in improving supply chain efficiency. The certificates will be presented at Fruit Logistica 2025.
In 2024, a new LCA study commissioned by Ifco and conducted by Fraunhofer IBP, reviewed under the direction of DEKRA, updated the environmental impact data of RPCs compared to single-use packaging. Since 2018, Ifco has reported a 10% reduction in the carbon footprint of its RPCs. The study found that RPCs now produce up to 62% fewer CO2 equivalent emissions than single-use packaging, an increase from the 60% reduction previously recorded.
Ifco introduced new packaging in 2024, including lightweight plastic pallets named Dora and Nestor, as well as the Marina Fish Crate, designed to enhance the transportation of seafood. The company also expanded its integrated tracking systems and digital technologies aimed at improving supply chain efficiency.
For more information:
IFCO
Tel: +27 21 001 4453
Email: ifcosouthafrica@ifco.com
www.ifco.com