IFCO completes roll-out as the exclusive provider of RPCs and pooling services for ALDI Nord and ALDI SÜD across Europe
Global leader in Reusable Packaging Containers (RPCs), IFCO, recently announced the successful completion of the European introduction of IFCO RPCs for both ALDI Nord and ALDI SÜD. The process was finished promptly at the start of May 2023.
Aiming to reduce environmental harm and adhere to circular economic principles, IFCO collaborated with the discount retailers to ensure that ALDI SÜD’s original containers were reused and not discarded. The old units were recycled and transformed into new durable IFCO RPCs. They were then incorporated into the IFCO SmartCycle pooling system, thus completing a full cycle without waste.
“We’re proud of the customer-centric outcome, which sets sustainability benchmarks for circular models in packaging for the fresh grocery retail landscape.”
– Christoph Trixl
“Our priority was to ensure the switch to IFCO RPCs across the ALDI Nord and ALDI SÜD European operations would be as sustainable as possible,” stated Christoph Trixl, Vice President North and Central Europe at IFCO. “This complex project was a success thanks to the close and innovative collaboration between the teams and our shared objectives. Together, we have achieved a very positive result. We’re proud of the customer-centric outcome, which sets sustainability benchmarks for circular models in packaging for the fresh grocery retail landscape.”
The IFCO share-reuse-reduce model, branded as the IFCO SmartCycle, is aligned with the ongoing discussions related to the EU Regulation on Packaging and Packaging Waste (PPWR). This regulation, which calls for a switch to a specific percentage of reusable and recyclable packaging by January 1, 2030, is supported by IFCO’s initiatives.
Furthermore, IFCO’s circular approach backs a principal goal of PPWR, emphasizing the use of recycled waste in new packaging and cutting back on the consumption of primary natural resources during production. This objective is fulfilled as all IFCO RPCs are fully granulated at the end of their service life, creating new long-lasting RPCs.
“Our circular model already complies with the proposed EU standards, which is why we can support companies in making the smooth transition to reusable, recyclable packaging at speed and at scale,” confirmed Inigo Canalejo, Vice President ESG and Strategic Marketing at IFCO. Canalejo also praised the model’s ability to offer “ambitious sustainability gains.”
From the viewpoint of logistics, IFCO’s folded RPCs feature a flat design, optimizing shipping space and minimizing both the expenses and carbon emissions involved in transporting empty RPCs. Additionally, these robust RPCs offer enhanced stability, safeguarding the transportation of fresh produce.
Offering tailor-made packaging answers, IFCO’s solutions include the safe transportation of items such as baked goods, meat, and poultry, as well as specific ambient products. With a pioneering approach to digital technology, IFCO paves the way for an improved, data-driven outlook on fresh grocery supply chains, thereby fostering more transparent and sustainable operations.
Source: IFCO
Related Articles from IFCO
IFCO launches new high-tech service center
IFCO milestone: achieves 2 billion reusable packaging shipments
IFCO recognized by Sustainalytics as a 2023 ESG European Top-Rated Company