IFCO, the leading global provider of reusable packaging containers (RPCs) for fresh products, has recently unveiled its 2023 ESG report. The “Thriving through Circularity” report outlines the company’s accomplishments and strategies across three core areas: Thriving Business, Thriving Planet, and Thriving Society, since the baseline year of 2020.
Like previous reports, the IFCO ESG 2023 report adheres to global sustainability benchmarks, including the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) standards.
“We are absolutely determined to inspire our industry to reject harmful single-use packaging as a way to reduce waste, protect fresh products and combat climate change.”
CEO Michael Pooley expressed that he was “immensely proud” of the company’s progress on their ESG goals, emphasizing the importance of integrating sustainability into its operations and the broader fresh grocery supply chain.
“As we step up our activities, we continue to scale up our positive impact on the global fresh grocery supply chain, on our society and on our planet,” he said. “We are absolutely determined to inspire our industry to reject harmful single-use packaging as a way to reduce waste, protect fresh products and combat climate change.
“But we are not finished yet. By continuously striving to improve the IFCO SmartCycle, our sustainable circular pooling system for reusable packaging containers, we want to bring more partners along with us. Together, we will ensure that future generations get to live on a thriving planet.”
IFCO ESG strategy: Key achievements in 2023
The report indicates that IFCO’s RPCs are used in over two billion shipments annually, significantly reducing waste and carbon emissions across the supply chain. According to IFCO, the carbon dioxide savings from using its RPCs in the global fresh grocery supply chain surpass the total Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions of the company’s global operations.
Other milestones include:
- Thriving Business: IFCO replaced two billion single-use packaging units with its RPCs and was recognized as the Sustainalytics 2023 ESG Regional Top-Rated company in Europe.
- Thriving Planet: The average recycled content in each RPC increased to 40%, and the company achieved a 12% reduction in overall Scope 3 emissions and a 6% decrease in freshwater usage per RPC. IFCO also renewed its Cradle to Cradle Certified Silver certification for its European Lift Lock RPCs.
- Supply Chain Collaboration: IFCO’s partnerships have led to notable efficiencies, including reduced road transportation in the UK, optimized RPC pooling for Italian producers, and adopting alternative fuel sources in the US.
Advancing circular economy principles
IFCO markets reusable, 100% recyclable RPCs designed for extended use. Inigo Canalejo, vice president, ESG and strategic marketing at IFCO, spoke about the company’s initiatives to promote a circular economy.
“Our RPCs already perform to high sustainability standards,” she said. “That’s not enough. We are investing in measures that will bring us closer to becoming a net zero, zero waste business that is firmly rooted in the principles of the circular economy. The IFCO ESG 2023 Report confirms that we are making progress and are on track to achieve our ambitious goals.”
