IFCO is now providing reusable packaging for fruit and vegetables from Aldi Nord and Aldi Süd across Europe. The Resuable Packaging Containers (RPCs) are also part of a pooling system and are thus recycled after multiple use.
From a logistical point of view the flat design of the folded IFCO RPCs optimises the capacity of the shipments, which reduces costs and CO2-The carbon footprint of transporting empty RPCs is reduced, while the robust nature of the RPCs ensures more stable and protective palletising and transport of fresh produce.
In accordance with the principles of the circular economy and in order to minimise the environmental impact of the switch to IFCO To minimise waste, the companies worked together to ensure that the containers from the original Aldi Süd pool did not end up in the waste. Specifically old containers granulated, processed into new, robust IFCO RPCs and integrated into the IFCO SmartCycle Pooling System to close the loop and avoid waste.
„Our priority was to ensure that the switch to IFCO RPCs in the European branches of Aldi Nord and Aldi Süd was as sustainable as possible. This complex project was a success thanks to the close and innovative collaboration between the teams and our common goals. Together we have achieved a very positive result. We are proud of the customer-centred result, which sets the benchmark for the sustainability of circular models in food retail packaging.”
In particular, IFCO's share-reuse-reduce model, IFCO SmartCycle, supports economic operators in meeting the targets currently being discussed as part of the amendment to the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). This requires companies operating in the EU to, a certain proportion of reusable and recyclable packaging by 1 January 2030 to convert.
„Our circular model already complies with the expected EU standards. That's why we can help companies make the smooth transition to reusable, recyclable packaging quickly and at scale. Our established circular model offers ambitious sustainability gains.“
Inigo Canalejo, Vice President ESG and Strategic Marketing at IFCO
Source: IFCO
