IFCO scales reusable produce crates with Whole Foods across US supply chain

IFCO is extending its reusable plastic container (RPC) programme with Whole Foods Market from root vegetables to a broader range of fresh produce in the US supply chain, replacing single-use corrugated boxes. Since the cooperation began in 2022, RPC use in the Whole Foods supply chain has grown by more than 1,000%, cumulatively avoiding nearly 4 million pounds (about 1,814 tonnes) of cardboard waste. Store, supplier and rotation numbers were not disclosed.

Why this mattersEach produce line Whole Foods moves into IFCO crates takes corrugated box volume away from suppliers serving US fresh-produce growers.

• IFCO and Whole Foods Market began working together on reusable packaging for fresh produce in 2022, then piloted it for root vegetables
• RPC usage in the Whole Foods supply chain has grown more than 1,000% cumulatively since the cooperation began
• Cumulative cardboard waste avoided reaches nearly 4 million pounds (about 1,814 tonnes)
• The expansion extends conversion from root vegetables to a broader range of fresh produce
• A 2024 pilot at Whole Foods' Cheshire, Connecticut distribution centre avoided nearly 155,000 pounds of cardboard in its first 90 days, with about 620,000 pounds a year expected
• IFCO containers are collected, cleaned, disinfected and redistributed, and are recycled into new containers at end of life

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