IFCO, a provider of reusable packaging solutions for fresh food, has reported that it achieved significant environmental savings for its customers in 2024.

The company revealed that its SmartCycle circular pooling system, used instead of single-use packaging, allowed its customers to save 674,333 tonnes (t) of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions.

The system also conserved 54,308 megalitres of water, saved 14,854 terajoules of energy, reduced 1,363,131t of solid waste, and prevented 66,015t of product waste.

Throughout 2024, IFCO's reusable packaging containers (RPCs) facilitated 2.4 billion shipments of various fresh grocery products globally.

IFCO employs third-party peer-reviewed life cycle assessment (LCA) studies, adhering to International Organization for Standardization 14040/14044 standards, to scientifically measure the environmental impact of its SmartCycle system.

In recognition of their environmental efforts, IFCO will present its customers with individual IFCO Sustainability Certificates.

These certificates accurately quantify each customer's contribution to the environmental savings realised through the use of the SmartCycle system.

In 2024, IFCO commissioned a new LCA study, conducted by Fraunhofer IBP and reviewed by DEKRA, updating the environmental impacts of reusable packaging and cardboard boxes across their life cycle.

Since 2018, IFCO has reduced the carbon footprint of its RPCs by an additional 10%.

Comparative LCAs are key to IFCO's environmental, social and governance strategy, supporting its goal to become a net-zero, zero-waste business by 2040 through effective decarbonisation levers and milestones.

Headquartered in the US, IFCO manages a global pool of more than 395 million RPCs, facilitating over 2.2 billion shipments of fresh produce, poultry, seafood, and other goods from suppliers to grocery retailers each year.

In June last year, IFCO introduced Marina, a reusable crate for the fish and seafood supply chain.