GERMANY - Reusable Packaging Containers (RPCs) expert IFCO is doubling down on its sustainability commitments and expanding its pooling capacities. The provider recently announced that it has opened a new state-of-the-art service center in Dannstadt, Germany.

“This flagship service center underscores IFCO’s commitment to provide the most comprehensive, sustainable, and efficient reusable packaging which enables our customers to actively participate in the circular economy,” said Mike Pooley, Chief Executive Officer. “This is how we make the fresh grocery supply chain sustainable.”

Located in a central European transportation hub, the new service center sets impressive standards in terms of energy-efficiency, conservation, and sustainability measures. These are in line with IFCO’s goals to be carbon-neutral in operations by 2025 and to reach net-zero emissions across the whole business by 2040. The facility was also awarded the gold certification for green buildings from the German Sustainable Building Council.

The Dannstadt service center is one of the most modern and technologically sophisticated facilities of its kind in Europe, a press release stated. Equipped with an automated sorting and crate recognition system, the entire high-pressure wash and sanitization process is fully automated and designed to handle and sort all sizes and types of IFCO RPCs.

“The new facility will benefit customers on multiple levels,” Dirk Schaich, Director Supply Chain and Operations, said. “The Dannstadt area is one of the largest agricultural regions in Germany and is ideally positioned to optimize transport routes to serve our retail partners in the southwest of Germany. Additionally, by inspecting, repairing and sanitizing our RPCs in this state-of-the-art service center, we will serve our customers with reusable packaging in the most sustainable way.”

The site was designed and developed with the local community and natural ecosystem in mind. While fostering employee wellbeing, the park-like design, wildflower meadow, and natural pond offer a haven for native birds and local wildlife. In addition, the roof features greened areas and is fitted with a photovoltaic system that supplies power to the building, which is also equipped with modern underfloor heating and LED lighting.

For more on the new center, check out the press release here.

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