"IFCO RPCs have inherent attributes that make them the ideal choice for packaging, transporting, storing and displaying fresh food," said Wolfgang Orgeldinger, CEO of IFCO. "This impressive data confirms our shared and reusable business model benefits our customers and helps make the world a better place at the same time."

IFCO’s research showed its RPCs have been used for 9.5 billion trips since the company was founded. The use of those RPCs led to a labor & handling cost-savings of more than $1.1 billion, and a savings of more than $3.6 billion in reduced product damage rates when compared with the use of one-way packaging. In addition, the use of IFCO RPCs also generated a savings of $605 million from equipment, space and transport efficiencies.

Additional research shows:

RPCs are a more effective method for replenishing fresh produce versus cardboard boxes. The study showed RPCs are six times faster for apples and five times faster for peppers, confirming the critical role RPCs play in reducing labor costs.

IFCO RPCs have had a positive impact on the environment. Over the past 25 years, they have:

• Eliminated 3.4 billion kg of CO₂ emissions, the equivalent of removing nearly 500,000 cars from the roads.
• Prevented more than 951,000 metric tonnes of solid waste, enough to fill approximately 104,000 dump trucks.
• Reduced water consumption by 43 billion litres (11 billion gallons).
• Saved 317,982 metric tonnes of produce from damage and waste.

Throughout 2017, IFCO is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the company’s founding with a series of announcements, events and a donation of 25,000 € to food banks across Europe and North America.

"RPCs are the fastest type of fresh produce packaging because forward-thinking retailers and growers understand they are more efficient, cost-effective and sustainable. We look forward to working with our value chain partners for another 25 years and beyond to build a better supply chain," concluded Mr. Orgeldinger.