IFCO, a manufacturer of reusable packaging containers (RPCs) for fresh products, has announced record environmental savings for 2023.  

During the year, customers using IFCO's SmartCycle circular business model have saved 658,279 tonnes (t) of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, 363,070t of solid waste, and 12,677 megalitres of water. 

Users also saved 45,196TJ of energy and 59,035t of product waste in the year. 

Life cycle assessment (LCA) studies have shown that IFCO's RPCs save up to 60% CO₂ emissions, 64% energy, and 80% water while reducing solid waste by 86% compared to single-use packaging.  

These studies, conducted by Franklin Associates in the US and the Fraunhofer Institute in the EU, provide a scientific quantification of the environmental benefits of using IFCO RPCs.  

Another study by the Fraunhofer Institute and the University of Bonn indicates a 96% reduction in food waste when using IFCO RPCs. 

During the year, IFCO awarded its 'Sustainability Certificates' to customers for the seventh consecutive year.  

The IFCO environmental, social and governance (ESG) 2023 report also reveals that the company is on track to achieve its 2025 ESG goals, which include securing 100% certified green electricity for all IFCO-operated Service Centres and attaining carbon neutrality in operations. 

IFCO has pledged to fully decarbonise and achieve net zero by 2040. 

IFCO CEO Michael Pooley said: "Thanks to our investments in high-tech facilities and digital solutions, we are making the IFCO SmartCycle pooling system even more efficient, which ultimately benefits our customers, our society and our planet.  

“For the seventh year in a row, we're delighted to award our customers with the IFCO Sustainability Certificates in recognition of their commitment and progress toward accelerating the shift to sustainable supply chains." 

In September 2023, IFCO announced the achievement of Cradle to Cradle Certified Silver recertification for its European Lift Lock RPCs.