IFCO and CHEP Named as Critical Part of Kroger's 2020 Zero Waste Strategy
ATLANTA, GA – With a focus on fresh produce and the use of pooled pallets, bulk containers, and reusable plastic containers (RPCs), Kroger has named IFCO and CHEP in its 2016 Sustainability Report as key components to the retailer’s zero waste strategy.
“We are committed to providing our customers with sustainable solutions that help them make their supply chains more efficient and environmentally friendly,” said Juan Jose Freijo, Global Head of Sustainability for Brambles, the parent company of IFCO and CHEP. “Kroger is a valuable partner and we are pleased to contribute to their zero waste vision. Those companies working together on common goals will be the ones with the greatest impact on environmental sustainability.”
By the year 2020, Kroger plans to replace more single-use packaging and platforms with resusables in order to divert 90% or more of its facilities’ waste threshold from landfills, according to a recent press release. This guideline was set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
CHEP and IFCO’s supply chain solutions provide numerous environmental benefits for Kroger. The companies stated that Kroger’s utilization of CHEP pallets avoided more than one million pounds of solid waste which then eliminated 430 tons of carbon dioxide. This is equal to the growing more than 41,000 trees for 10 years, according to CHEP’s Sustainability Calculator.
“Kroger is committed to being a positive force for change when it comes to sustainable business practices, and CHEP and IFCO play an important role in our effort to meet our zero waste goals and continuously improve the sustainability of our supply chain,” said Suzanne Lindsay-Walker, Kroger Director of Sustainability.
IFCO’s RPC production uses 65% less water and 34% less energy than one-way packaging. Use of IFCO RPCs results in an 85% reduction of solid waste over single-use cardboard boxes, and a 31% percent reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, as stated by a Franklin Associates study from March 2016.
Kroger also stated that the use of RPCs specifically for its fresh produce, has both improved product quality and reduced waste by eliminating the need and use of more than 73,000 tons of waxed and corrugated boxes.
As stated by Kroger’s sustainability report, “Kroger partners with CHEP and IFCO, which both contribute to global sustainability through their ‘shared’ business models of pooled pallets, bulk containers and reusable plastic containers (RPCs). These packaging solutions bring both operational efficiencies and environmental benefits. Compared with one-way packaging, reusable platforms and containers offer a lower carbon footprint, reduced water consumption and less waste.”
All three companies, Kroger, CHEP, and IFCO, are members of the Consumer Goods Forum. Members of this organization have pledged to reducing food waste by half within retail and manufacturing operations by 2025, and simultaneously contribute to the United Nation’s 2030 food waste reduction goals.
“We look forward to continuing our partnership with Kroger and other retailers and manufacturers to reduce the environmental impact of the fast-moving consumer goods supply chain and to help preserve our natural resources for future generations,” finished Freijo.
As eyes are set industry-wide on sustainable initiatives, AndNowUKnow will continue to report as new announcements, contributions, and recognitions roll in.
