Independent assessment reveals IFCO’s RPCs use significantly less water, energy, and produce less waste, strengthening the case for sustainable packaging in the fresh food supply chain

A recent life cycle assessment (LCA) study has reinforced the environmental advantages of IFCO’s reusable packaging containers (RPCs) over single-use packaging, highlighting substantial reductions in waste, energy, and water usage.

Commissioned by IFCO, a global leader in reusable packaging solutions, the independent study was conducted by the Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics (Fraunhofer IBP) and peer-reviewed to meet international standards.

The assessment confirms that IFCO’s RPCs significantly reduce the environmental footprint in fresh grocery supply chains, aligning with IFCO’s mission to promote a circular economy model.

IFCO’s approach to sustainability emphasizes the SmartCycle circular pooling model, a process designed to maximize the reuse and recycling of packaging materials within the fresh food supply chain.

Through this model, IFCO aims to empower industry stakeholders to adopt sustainable practices that minimize environmental impacts.

According to the findings, IFCO RPCs consume 69% less water, generate 96% less waste, consume 59% less energy, and emit up to 62% less CO₂ equivalent over their entire life cycle compared to single-use packaging. These reductions mark an improvement from IFCO’s 2018 LCA results, which previously indicated a 60% reduction in carbon emissions.

As stated in the report, comparative life cycle assessments like this one are central to IFCO’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Strategy. The ESG initiative, dubbed “Thriving in the Circular Economy,” relies on data-driven insights from LCAs to guide the company’s decarbonization strategies and milestones.

This includes ambitious goals of achieving net-zero emissions and zero-waste operations by 2040. These targets are outlined in the IFCO Roadmap to Net Zero, which sets science-based greenhouse gas reduction goals for 2031 and has been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

In addition to environmental savings, the LCA underscores the importance of scientifically verified data in reinforcing customer confidence.

Iñigo Canalejo, IFCO’s Vice President of ESG & Strategic Marketing, emphasized the value of providing verifiable sustainability data.

“This latest independent life cycle assessment confirms that our continuous improvements are delivering impactful, measurable results. With up to a 62% reduction in carbon emissions along with significant savings in water use, energy consumption, and waste, IFCO RPCs are essential in making the fresh grocery supply chain sustainable,”

The 2024 LCA not only updates the results of the 2018 study but also builds upon IFCO’s initial 2004 assessment, marking two decades of IFCO’s commitment to tracking and reducing environmental impacts.

Conducted in compliance with ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 standards, this assessment by Fraunhofer IBP ensures accurate comparisons by evaluating each packaging option from raw material extraction through to disposal.

The LCA underwent peer review by independent experts, enhancing its credibility and responding to an increased demand for transparency regarding the environmental impacts of products and services. This rigorous evaluation process allows IFCO to continuously optimize its RPC design and usage, strengthening its position as a sustainable packaging provider for fresh foods across more than 50 countries.

IFCO manages a global pool of over 395 million reusable containers, which are used for more than 2.2 billion shipments annually, transporting fresh produce, meat, seafood, and other perishable goods. The RPCs support a supply chain that prioritizes product freshness while also lowering costs, reducing food waste, and diminishing environmental impact.

This focus on reusability and waste reduction underscores IFCO’s commitment to sustainability, providing an alternative to single-use packaging that aligns with industry and consumer expectations for environmental responsibility.

For additional information on IFCO’s products and sustainability initiatives, visit IFCO’s website.