MUNICH – IFCO, the world’s leading provider of Reusable Packaging Containers (RPCs), recently launched Dora, a new reusable plastic pallet, across its European operations. The pallet is purpose-designed for RPC compatibility and is available through IFCO’s circular model pooling system. According to IFCO, Dora fits seamlessly into existing fresh grocery supply chain operations, which secures long-term higher logistics efficiency and sustainability gains for suppliers and retailers alike. It features a unidirectional pallet base.
Benefits of the Dora Reusable Plastic Pallet
- Light, durable, hygienic and sustainable
- Reusable many times more than wooden pallets, infinitely 100% recyclable
- Purpose-built for IFCO RPCs, but plays nicely with all kinds of packaged goods
- Standardized pallet footprint makes Dora perfect for automation
- Pooled by IFCO, ensuring superior pallet services
- Anti-slip surfaces and runners on three skids to improve ease and safety of operation, particularly in warehouse stacking
- Steel reinforcements along the longer sides, rating Dora for dynamic loads up to 1,250kg
- Uniform dimensions of 1,200 x 800 x 150 mm in line with conventional Euro pallets, making it compatible with current processes and existing automated logistics systems
- GRAI codes help identify bottlenecks, boost supply chain transparency, and improve trackability and traceability of fresh products along the entire supply chain
By way of explanation, the GRAI (Global Returnable Asset Identifier) is a standard code used to uniquely identify returnable assets in the supply chain, such as reusable containers, pallets, and crates. It’s part of the GS1 system of standards, which is widely used for global supply chain management and efficiency.
The GRAI enables businesses to track and manage these assets efficiently. It helps reduce losses, optimize usage, and improve the overall management of these returnable items. The code typically includes a GS1 Company Prefix, an Asset Type, and a Check Digit to ensure accuracy. This system is integral in industries where returnable assets are a significant part of the operations, such as logistics, manufacturing, and retail.
Michael Pooley, CEO at IFCO, emphasized the many advantages of IFCO’s Dora Plastic Pallet. “As Dora is fully integrated into our pooling system, our customers benefit from our comprehensive services and highly consistent pallet quality and dimensions,” he said. “They, therefore, avoid the time-consuming issues typically associated with conventional pallet exchange systems,” says Pooley. “For the same reasons, our reusable plastic pallets are the ideal base in automated logistics systems. The result is a smoother, faster supply chain flow.”
Dora Plastic Pallet Designed with Hygiene in Mind
Made from 100% high-quality high-density polyethylene (HDPE), Dora is robust and durable as well as moisture-resistant and washable, making it the considerably more sustainable and hygienic choice for transporting fresh products. The Dora Plastic Pallet has a smooth surface and rounded edges. Consequently, there is no danger of splinters, nails or other defects endangering workers or damaging fresh products. In contrast to wood pallets, which have an average damage rate of 25%, the rate for the IFCO plastic pallet is less than 1%. Any damaged or broken IFCO plastic pallets are fully recycled within the IFCO pooling system. Dora can also be reused up to 10 times more than conventional wood pallets, according to IFCO.
Inigo Canalejo, Vice President ESG and Strategic Marketing at IFCO, is especially proud of the circular model behind the brand-new IFCO Plastic Pallet. “By bringing our circular business model to the world of pallets, we are modernizing a long-neglected part of the fresh grocery supply chain,” he said. “We’re proud to be disrupting the status quo. It’s high time for a superior, sustainable and cost-competitive solution. Our Dora Plastic Pallet is built to last.”
To learn more about the new IFCO Plastic Pallet Dora, please visit https://www.ifco.com/food-solutions/reusable-plastic-pallet/.
More on IFCO
IFCO is the leading global provider of reusable packaging solutions for fresh foods, serving customers in 50+ countries. IFCO operates a pool of over 380 million Reusable Packaging Containers (RPCs) globally, which are used for 2 billion shipments of fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, bread, and other items from suppliers to grocery retailers every year. IFCO RPCs ensure a better fresh food supply chain by protecting freshness and quality and lowering costs, food waste and environmental impact compared to single-use packaging.
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Rick LeBlanc, EMBA, is the founder and editor of Reusable Packaging News (subscribe to the free newsletter) and editor of Western Pallet Magazine. A supply chain journalist with more than 30 years of experience, he specializes in pallets, reusable packaging, material handling and related operations. Rick is co-author of Pallets: A North American Perspective and Pallets & Progress: A Collected History of Pallets and Palletized Handling 1922–1945. He is also an advisory board member of the Virginia Tech Center for Packaging and Unit Load Design. Read Rick’s full bio.
