In a world of unicorns,
be a zebra.
Unicorns are cool, but (sadly) not real. They’re all show, no go. All icing, no cake. All sizzle, no steak. You get the idea.
Zebras though? Resilient and spirited, they look out for one another even as they run toward the horizon. Plus, they are real.
Less sparkle, more substance – like zebras, we are after that too. That’s why we are passionate about being a thoughtful and responsible company that cares for our people with a business model that protects our planet. We are carving a sustainable, resilient and profitable path – with our head in the clouds, and feet on the ground.
And before you think zebras lack the sparkle of our mythical friends, let us remind you what a group of zebras are called – a dazzle. That’s right. Together, we shine brilliantly.
For us, sustainability is a way of living that influences everything we do. We don’t just create reusable packaging solutions, and then call it a day. Championing a resource-efficient, circular economy is a central priority for us. It has been for three decades.
Our commitment to designing innovative solutions that drive savings across the fresh grocery supply chain makes our reusable packaging solutions an easy choice. Operational efficiencies and environmental benefits – in one swoop. Our customers have reduced product damage by over 96% and reduced CO2 emissions by up to 60% since switching to our products and services based on our share-and-reuse supply chain model.
We are here to make a difference – join us in our mission to build a more equitable and sustainable future. Because, really, it’s time to stop looking at it as someone else’s problem to solve.
“Our innovative solutions are compatible with their requirements for a more responsible and sustainable supply chain – one that yields a higher quality of produce with a longer shelf life.”
For us, living our values means putting our purpose into action every day. It means finding new ways to thrive, to be a better, more responsible business.
That’s why we’ve put together an ambitious ESG strategy focusing on business, planet and society to set the new industry standard and provide a solid foundation for a thriving world.
We know our partners care about building a resilient future just as much as we do. That’s why we are fostering circularity, driving innovation and evolving the way we do business. Innovations such as our game-changing SmartCycle™ have enabled customers across the world to significantly reduce emissions and waste.
To build on our strong foundation, we aim to double the environmental benefits of our business model, implement best-in-class business policies, expand on our innovative line of products and share these benefits with our key stakeholders by 2025.
Share-Reuse-Recycle – this idea is at the heart of our circular economy model. When we pioneered the reusable packaging container (RPC) concept in 1992, we wanted to empower our partners to take the sustainable route. Compared to single-use packaging, the use of our RPCs generate up to 60% less CO2 emissions and 86% less solid waste, while using 64% less energy and 80% less water. And these are not just finger-in-the-air numbers, we´ve conducted certified third-party Life Cycle Assessments of our products that provide full transparency and science to our savings.
Eliminate waste, maximize efficiency – that’s always been our credo.
Now, it’s time to step up – and further increase those environmental savings. We are on a mission to be a net-zero business by 2040. By 2025 we will become carbon neutral in our operations, only use renewable electricity, and send zero waste to landfills. We are committed to being a circular and regenerative business.
up to 0% less CO2
0% less waste
0% less water
0% less energy
0% less food waste
People are at the core of our sustainability strategy – we know the value of developing strong, resilient communities so we show up in tangible ways for them.
We are committed to offering a safe, inclusive and rewarding environment for our people where they can fulfil their highest potential, by actively fostering a culture of diversity, empowerment and development. We believe a diverse workforce is critical to drive innovation. As part of our commitment towards making the fresh grocery supply chain sustainable, we also count on our partners to operate under the same levels of excellence as we do.
We believe access to food is a basic human right. That’s why we’ve partnered up with food relief, humanitarian and social organizations across the world to support those in need and help reduce food waste further.
Everything we do is about providing solutions that make fresh grocery supply chains better, safer and more sustainable.
IFCO’s sustainability goals
Thriving Business
Double environmental benefits of our solutions to customers fresh grocery supply chain
Thriving Planet
Become net-zero by 2040
Thriving Society
40% women in leadership roles by 2025
If you have any questions about sustainability at IFCO, write to our sustainability team.
Experience the super-sustainable life of our crates.
Efficient, reusable, shareable: There’s more than meets the eye to our crates! Each IFCO RPC type has special sustainability features that help to protect our environment, whether it’s their sturdy design that reduces product damage and, therefore, food waste or their resource-saving reusability. It all comes together in the IFCO SmartCycle™, a smart distribution loop that ensures green practices wherever our RPCs come into play. Get all the info about IFCO RPCs, packed to the brim with sustainability features, and let’s embrace environmental responsibility together!
