A new study conducted by Franklin Associates has confirmed that IFCO reusable plastic containers (RPCs) are the sustainable choice for fresh produce packaging.
The updated report, Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Reusable Plastic Container and Display- and Non-Display-Ready Corrugated Containers Used for Fresh Produce Applications (LCA), revealed that IFCO RPCs offer better environmental savings for delivering fresh produce in North America, when compared to the use of single-use corrugated fiber containers.
Ther peer-reviewed report noted that RPCs outperform corrugated boxes in eight key environmental indicators.
The environmental impact of reusable plastic containers (RPC) and display ready corrugated fiber containers (DRCs) and non-display-ready corrugated fiber containers (NDCs) was reviewed for packaging apples, bell peppers, carrots, grapes, iceberg lettuce, onions, oranges, peaches/nectarines, tomatoes and strawberries.
According to the study, in all the eight environmental indicators that were examined, including energy demand, global warming potential, ozone depletion potential, water consumption, acidification, eutrophication, photochemical smog and solid waste generation, the IFCO RPCs showed greater environmental savings in delivering to North America than when fibre corrugated containers were used.
The RPCs from IFCO showed that they had a 31% less potential for global warming, produced 86% less solid waste, consumed 80% less water, needed 64% less energy and contributed significantly less in environmental pollution.
The study has been conducted in accordance with ISO standards 14040 and 14044. Franklin looked at the sustainable attributes of RPCs, display-ready corrugated fibre containers (DRCs) and non-display-ready corrugated fibre containers (NDCs) used to package, transport and display fresh produce.
IFCO North America president Daniel Walsh said the study shows that RPCs – across-the-board – are the most sustainable choice for fresh food packaging compared to corrugated boxes.
Walsh said: “IFCO has a strong commitment to the environment, and IFCO RPCs have developed a well-deserved reputation as a sustainable option for fresh produce packaging.
“This study shows that RPCs – across-the-board – are the most sustainable choice for fresh food packaging compared to corrugated boxes.”
Walsh concluded: “IFCO’s share and reuse business model is an important part of the drive toward a Circular Economy that results in zero emissions and zero waste. We will continue to advance the sustainability of our products and operations in the months and years ahead so that we can preserve the world’s natural resources for future generations.”
