IFCO SYSTEMS has been named "Germany's innovation leader" by the F.A.Z. Institute. IFCO has won itself a top position in the category "conveying, packing, storing". The award emphasizes the innovative power of IFCO and its Reusable Plastic Container (RPC).
As part of the "Germany's innovation leader" study, 33,000 German companies were analyzed with regard to their innovative strength. The study is based on data from the European Patent Office. The study was carried out by Prognos on behalf of the F.A.Z.-Institut, with the cooperation of the IMWF Institute for Management and Economic Research.
More efficient supply chain
"Our goal is to continually optimize our products and services, to deliver a more efficient supply chain that will benefit everyone involved. We are very proud of being awarded this title, "Germany's innovation leader", by the F.A.Z. Institute," says Wolfgang Orgeldinger, CEO of IFCO SYSTEMS.
"In recent years, we have put a lot of emphasis on product development. This has resulted in innovative product groups such as our Lift Lock RPCs, which ensure easy and safe handling. Our innovations are there to reduce the environmental impact of our customers and to translate the benefits of RPCs into other industries besides fruits and vegetables, like the bakery and meat processing industry."
Innovation is based on patents
The study gives a unique overview of the innovative strength of some of the German companies. The study was based on analysis of all sorts of patents of German companies that have been registered worldwide within the last ten years. The part that was played by German inventors was also included in the analysis. German innovation leaders include those companies whose patents have been cited above average and who have significantly shaped their respective knowledge and technology fields. It also encompasses those companies who are constantly shaping technology with above-average inventions and work together with German inventors.
At the core of the evaluation of German innovation leaders are the following two metrics:
• Leadership: how much an invention affects other inventions.
• Innovation: how strongly an invention distinguishes itself from previous inventions.
Top ranking for IFCO
In total, IFCO has registered 1,130 patents in the last ten years. These form the basis for the top ranking of the company as Germany's innovation leader in the category "conveying, packing, storing". In terms of metrics leadership, IFCO ranks fifth in its category and it even holds second place in terms of innovation.
The IFCO patents include various models of Foldable Lift Lock RPCs for transporting meat, bread, fruits and vegetables. The Lift-Lock mechanism is the most consumer-friendly and ergonomic solution for opening and closing plastic containers. Other patents improve the ventilation of RPCs to extend the shelf life of fresh produce, therefore reducing food waste. The height of the crates in their folded state could also be reduced by patents to improve handling, increase supply chain efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions. By patenting and redesigning the bottom of the RPCs, IFCO has also been able to streamline picking processes in warehouses.
For more information: www.ifco.com