The introduction of the PPWR presents significant challenges for food logistics. From 12 August 2026, producers will be required to present a formal EU declaration of conformity for every packaging placed on the European market. IFCO, a provider of reusable containers and reusable packaging solutions, supports retailers and producers in meeting the requirements of the EU regulation as well as the relevant food safety and chemical safety standards.
Since 1992, IFCO has relied on a business model based on sharing, reusing, and recycling. In Europe alone, the company recorded 1.9 billion cycles of its reusable containers in 2025. This model of circular reuse is an integral part of IFCO's operational practice. According to Mike Pooley, CEO of IFCO, the PPWR confirms a path the company has already embarked upon: replacing single-use packaging with reusable solutions. This strategy is supported by an already established infrastructure in fresh logistics.
Benefits of IFCO reusable containers
IFCO's reusable crates offer several benefits that go beyond mere PPWR compliance. For instance, the crates contain, on average, 39 percent recycled material, well above the 25 percent required by the PPWR. Furthermore, the crates comply with the EU's REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) regulation and are free from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). IFCO RPCs are also Cradle to Cradle Certified™ Full Scope Silver, confirming their performance across various sustainability categories.
Hygienic cleaning and food safety
To meet food safety and hygiene requirements, IFCO's reusable crates undergo a thorough cleaning and disinfection process after each cycle. This process is assured by established quality controls and verified by independent auditors, ensuring that no microbiological contaminants or pesticide residues are transferred to food.
Digital traceability
Another advantage of IFCO's system is digital traceability. The company's pooling model already meets the PPWR's requirements for reusable packaging systems today. Digital functions like Tracking-as-a-Service (TaaS) offer additional transparency and operational added value by monitoring and optimising the entire supply chain.
Iñigo Canalejo, Chief Sustainability Officer at IFCO, emphasises that the PPWR targets should be viewed as a catalyst for positive supply chain transformation. The strength of IFCO SmartCycle lies in its simplicity, combining reusable packaging, a circular-based infrastructure, traceability and scalability within one system.
Source: IFCO
