Partnership promotes eco-friendly practices by reducing waste, cutting carbon emissions, and enhancing supply chain efficiency in the hospitality sector.

IFCO, a global leader in reusable packaging solutions, has entered a transformative partnership with Gastrofresh, a premier supplier of fresh products to the hospitality and gastronomy sectors in South Tyrol, northern Italy.

This collaboration enables Gastrofresh to achieve significant sustainability milestones, including reduced carbon emissions, minimized food waste, and efficient logistics.

The partnership aligns with growing demands for eco-friendly practices in the hospitality industry through IFCO’s reusable packaging containers (RPCs) and its innovative SmartCycle circular model.

The transition to IFCO’s RPCs represents a pivotal step for Gastrofresh, a company renowned for delivering high-quality fresh products on tight daily schedules. By adopting reusable packaging, Gastrofresh ensures timely deliveries while safeguarding its products’ freshness and minimizing its supply chain’s environmental impact.

According to a press release, the partnership has already demonstrated its ability to replace single-use packaging, streamline operations, and significantly lower carbon emissions.

Lukas Huber, Head of Purchase at Gastrofresh, highlighted the swift adaptation to IFCO’s packaging model, stating: “With IFCO’s support, our customers quickly adapted to the reusable packaging model. This project sparked a lot of curiosity internally and a lot of interest from our customers. We immediately saw great savings in packaging volumes and waste. This is an exciting project for us because it makes us even more sustainable.”

The collaboration allows IFCO to expand its reach into the hospitality, gastronomy, and catering sectors, marking an important diversification for the company.

Stefano Zagato, Business Development Manager of IFCO Italy, expressed pride in the partnership, remarking: “This agreement allows IFCO to expand into the hospitality, restaurant and catering sectors with a serious and reliable partner. It represents another significant step forward in IFCO’s diversification process, and increases our reach into new markets beyond large retail distribution.”

The environmental benefits of this partnership are notable. According to Life Cycle Assessment studies conducted by third-party reviewers, Gastrofresh’s adoption of IFCO’s reusable containers is expected to deliver substantial annual savings, including:

• A reduction of 174,000 kilograms of CO2 emissions, equivalent to removing 126 cars from the road.
• Avoidance of 97,800 kilograms of solid waste, comparable to the waste generated by 70,687 individuals.
• Savings of 12,159 gigajoules of energy, enough to power 6,400 light bulbs.
• Preservation of 3,400 cubic meters of water, equivalent to more than 85,000 showers.
• Prevention of 15,900 kilograms of food waste, equivalent to over 26,500 meals.

Backed by these metrics, IFCO annually provides its customers with Sustainability Certificates that highlight their environmental achievements, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable business practices.

For Gastrofresh, this partnership aligns seamlessly with its emphasis on sustainability and regional sourcing. By leveraging short transport routes and close cooperation with local producers, the company maintains its reputation as a trusted supplier to hotels and restaurants across South Tyrol.

This innovative partnership underscores the potential for reusable packaging solutions to revolutionize sectors traditionally reliant on single-use materials. As IFCO continues to champion the circular economy, its collaboration with Gastrofresh sets a benchmark for sustainability and efficiency within the hospitality industry.

About IFCO:
Operating in over 50 countries, IFCO manages a pool of more than 395 million reusable packaging containers (RPCs) used in over 2.2 billion shipments annually. Its solutions enhance food freshness, reduce costs, and minimize environmental impact. For more information, visit www.ifco.com or follow IFCO on LinkedIn @IFCO SYSTEMS.

About Gastrofresh:
Gastrofresh GmbH, based in Atzwang, South Tyrol, has supplied high-quality fresh products to the gastronomy and hospitality sectors for over two decades. With a focus on regional goods and strict quality control, Gastrofresh delivers excellence in meat, fish, fruits, and vegetables. For more information, visit Gastrofresh.it or follow Gastrofresh on LinkedIn @Gastrofresh.