New Study Shows IFCO Reusable Plastic Containers Generate 31% Less CO2 Compared to Cardboard Boxes
22 April 2016 - 1:14AM
Business Wire
Shipping Fresh Produce in RPCs Reduces Environmental Impact
Across All Key Categories
IFCO today released the results of a new peer-reviewed life
cycle analysis (LCA) study comparing Reusable Plastic Containers
(RPCs) and corrugated cardboard containers used to package and
transport fresh produce from farms to retail locations. The results
show RPCs are more environmentally-sustainable than corrugated
boxes in seven key categories. The study concludes that, for the
same produce shipments, RPCs:
- Produce 31% lower CO2 emissions
- Produce 85% less solid waste
- Consume 65% less water
- Require 34% less energy
- Contribute significantly less
environmental pollution (72% lower eutrophication, 51% lower ozone
depletion and 48% lower acidification)
- Produce 6% less phytochemical smog,
however differences were not significant enough to make a
conclusive comparison
“IFCO has a strong commitment to preserving our natural
resources for future generations,” said Wolfgang Orgeldinger, CEO
of IFCO. “These results clearly show RPCs are the intelligent
choice of growers, retailers and food processors that share our
goal of an environmentally sustainable food production system.”
The LCA study was conducted by Franklin Associates (Franklin), a
nationally-recognized life cycle assessment and solid waste
management consulting firm, in accordance with ISO standards 14040
and 14044. Franklin looked at the sustainable attributes of RPCs,
display-ready corrugated fiber containers (DRCs) and
non-display-ready corrugated fiber containers (NDCs) used to
package, transport and display fresh produce. Results were
peer-reviewed by packaging and LCA experts at the School of
Packaging at Michigan State University and the University of
Michigan.
During the study, Franklin reviewed the environmental
performance factors for RPCs, DRCs and NDCs during use with a
varied sample of fresh produce commodities. The study reviewed the
entire lifecycle of each packaging system, from raw material
extraction to postconsumer disposal.
The study concluded, “In seven out of eight examined
environmental indicators (energy demand, global warming potential,
ozone depletion potential, water consumption, acidification,
eutrophication, solid waste generation), the IFCO RPCs, as defined
by this analysis, provide greater environmental savings for
delivering produce in North America than does the use of fiber
corrugated containers for these commodities.”
“IFCO evaluates its sustainability performance on an ongoing
basis so our customers and their consumers can have the confidence
that IFCO RPCs are the best choice when it comes to preserving our
planet for future generations through responsible business
practices,” concluded Mr. Orgeldinger.
To read the study, click here:
https://www.ifco.com/na/en/responsibility
About IFCO
IFCO is the leading global provider of reusable packaging
solutions, operating a pool of over 225 million Reusable Plastic
Containers (RPCs) in 37 countries. IFCO RPCs are used primarily to
transport fresh products from producers to leading grocery
retailers worldwide. IFCO's solutions help retailers and producers
reduce costs and increase sales by maximizing efficiency, product
protection, sustainability, and safety throughout their supply
chains. IFCO is a member of the Brambles family of companies. For
more information, visit www.ifco.com.
About Brambles
Brambles Limited (ASX:BXB) is a supply-chain logistics
company operating primarily through the CHEP and IFCO brands.
Brambles enhances performance for customers by helping them
transport goods through their supply chains more efficiently,
sustainably and safely. The Group's primary activity is the
provision of reusable unit-load equipment such as pallets, crates
and containers for shared use by multiple participants throughout
the supply chain, under a model known as "pooling". Brambles
primarily serves customers in the fast-moving consumer goods (e.g.
dry food, grocery, and health and personal care), fresh produce,
beverage, retail and general manufacturing industries, counting
many of the world's best-known brands among its customers. The
Group also operates specialist container logistics businesses
serving the automotive, aerospace and oil and gas sectors. Brambles
has its headquarters in Sydney, Australia, but operates in more
than 60 countries, with its largest operations in North America and
Western Europe. Brambles employs more than 14,000 people and owns
more than 500 million pallets, crates and containers through a
network of approximately 850 service centres. For further
information, please visit www.brambles.com.
About Franklin Associates
Franklin Associates has provided Life Cycle Assessment
(LCA) and Solid Waste Management consulting services since it was
founded in 1974 by William E. Franklin and Marjorie A. Franklin. We
have provided these services to clients in the public and private
sectors ever since. Franklin Associates' professional staff is made
up of engineers and physical scientists. In 2003, we
became Franklin Associates, A Division of ERG (Eastern
Research Group). This association provided a great deal of synergy
between the two firms, which had worked together for many years. We
take pride in providing objective, well documented results and
advice to our clients. The many clients who have used our services
repeatedly over the years give testimony to our integrity.
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IFCOHillary FemalVP - Global MarketingT: + 1 813 463 4124F: + 1
813 286 2070M: + 1 813 992 1470Hillary.Femal@ifco.comorDSM
Strategic CommunicationsSean McBride, 202 309
3050smcbride@dsmstrategic.com
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