New Study Supports IFCO Reusable Plastic Containers Reduce Environmental Impact
TAMPA, FL – With sustainability being top of mind for both the produce industry and its consumer base, IFCO announced today the results of a new peer-reviewed study comparing the environmental impact of reusable plastic containers (RPCs) against corrugated cardboard packaging used to package and transport produce. The study found RPCs are more ecologically sustainable in seven of eight key categories.
“IFCO has a strong commitment to preserving our natural resources for future generations,” said IFCO North America President Daniel Walsh in a press release. “These results clearly show RPCs are the intelligent choice of growers, retailers, and food processors that share our goal of an environmentally sustainable food production system.”
Conducted by Franklin Associates and peer-reviewed by experts at the School of Packaging at Michigan State University and the University of Michigan, the entire lifecycle of each packaging type was reviewed from raw material extraction to post-consumer disposal.
Results showed that for the same produce shipments, RPCs:
- Produce 31 percent lower CO2 emissions
- Produce 85 percent less solid waste
- Consume 65 percent less water
- Require 34 percent less energy
The study also stated that RPCs contribute significantly less environmental pollution, specifically:
- 72 percent lower eutrophication
- 51 percent lower ozone depletion
- 48 percent lower acidification
The study concluded, “In seven out of eight examined environmental indicators (energy demand, global warming potential, ozone depletion potential, water consumption, acidification, eutrophication, solid waste generation), the IFCO RPCs, as defined by this analysis, provide greater environmental savings for delivering produce in North America than does the use of fiber corrugated containers for these commodities.”
IFCO said it continuously evaluates its sustainability performance as part of its commitment to preserve the planet for future generations. “IFCO evaluates its sustainability performance on an ongoing basis so our customers and their consumers can have the confidence that IFCO RPCs are the best choice when it comes to preserving our planet for future generations through responsible business practices,” Walsh concluded.
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