ST. LOUIS, MO - Benefits abound for Schnuck Markets as the retailer has teamed up with IFCO to make its grocery chain more sustainable. By utilizing reusable plastic crates (RPCs), the retailer has been able to cut costs and save time for its associates, thereby optimizing its operations.

"As the pioneer in sustainable packaging solutions for fresh products, IFCO brought the expertise to the table that we needed to transform our operations in fresh produce with a focus on sustainability," said Mike Tipton, Vice President of Produce and Floral at Schnuck Markets. "And they did this in the most cost-efficient way without disrupting our day-to-day operations. By partnering with IFCO, we now have a cost-effective packaging solution that eliminates waste and ​supports our teammates​. ​The IFCO innovative circular model secures sustainability wins, while helping us provide the freshest produce possible to our customers."

Schnucks was driven to collaborate with IFCO by not only its dedication to sustainability, but its desire to provide great customer service, a release explained. In using RPCs from IFCO, the retailer has freed up time for its associates that can be given back to its customers in over 100 stores across the Midwest.

While Schnuck Markets already offered regional fresh products to cut down on energy usage while conserving natural resources and minimizing waste, the grocer is now utilizing RPCs to transform how it approaches packaging.

"Never underestimate the role of packaging in creating a sustainable fresh grocery supply chain," says Jonathan Brooks, Vice President, Retail Sales North America at IFCO. "With a circular model for packaging, you can boost sustainability and address multiple common supply chain inefficiencies at the same time. In fact, when done right, increased sustainability for retailers is cost-effective. Our partnership with Schnucks confirms there’s a better, more sustainable, and cost-efficient way."

The cost-efficiency benefits of using RPCs are compelling for the retail sector as the "one-touch" system means that producers pack the fresh products into the RPCs on the farm, and then, at the retail, the RPC is placed directly on display. As there’s no handling or stacking of products at the POS, the one-touch system also reduces the possibility of product damage.

To understand more of the unique benefits of RPCs and Schnuck Markets' partnership with IFCO, click here.

As the focus on sustainability heightens, AndNowUKnow will deliver updates.

Schnuck Markets IFCO