Global reusable packaging solutions provider Ifco Systems has entered into a partnership with Sealed Air to ensure that all IFCO reusable plastic containers washed with the latter’s product, Diversey (detergents and disinfectants) follow an integral cleaning and sanitation programme.
Sealed Air is the leading provider of Diversey cleaning and hygiene solutions which is used by Ifco to clean its RPCs. It also monitors Ifco's cleaning process on-line globally.
With this move, Ifco is trying to implement the industry's most rigorous food safety programme. The company claims that it has implemented the best food safety practices in its 48 service centres across 19 countries.
Some of the practices implemented by the company include global detergent and equipment standards and guarantees, cleanliness and quality standards exceeding regulatory requirements, maintaining critical wash process parameter data with pallet level traceability, using Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) systems, third-party auditing in accordance with ISO, retailer and producer handling best practices, product withdrawal and recall procedures and continuous improvement programmes.
The company circulates close to 200 million RPCs and supplies the products primarily to the food industry.
Speaking about the initiative, Ifco CEO Wolfgang Orgeldinger said: "As the global leader in reusable plastic containers for the shipment of fresh products, Ifco is also a leader in food safety. Ifco employs the most rigorous and stringent standards in the selection of its cleaning agent and equipment suppliers in order to ensure top performance."
The compnay handles all RPC logistics, from distribution to cleaning to re-entry into the supply chain. After the products are used, they are folded, collected and shipped back to one of Ifco's service facilities, where they are sanitised and prepared for re-use.
