RPC and pallet providers pursue innovations and improvements

As the use of reusable plastic containers and pallets continues to grow in the produce industry, so do the efforts of providers to make their products even more efficient, cost effective and sustainable.

They're developing, for example, pallets and containers with devices and sensors embedded that transmit real-time data on location and condition, said Tim Debus, president and CEO of the Reusable Packaging Association, Washington, D.C.

“Retail users of these smart and connected products can improve inventory sourcing and replenishment, quality monitoring and assurance, and responsive actions to meet consumer or regulatory information needs,” he said.

Expanded automation in retail distribution facilities is another trend that can optimize the robotic handling and flow of goods, he said.

Tampa, Fla.-based IFCO Systems US LLC has made tangible progress across most areas of its environmental, social and governance strategy, said Iñigo Canalejo, vice president of ESG and strategic marketing.

“On the environmental side, our new crates have over 40% recycled content, and we are close to reaching our zero-waste target,” he said.

IFCO also has launched new reusable products, such as its Marina fish crate in Europe that helps customers replace single-use packaging.

“Addressing our most material issues through our comprehensive ESG program also helps us and our customers mitigate ESG-related risks,” he said.

IFCO's 2024 Sustainalytics low-risk ESG rating of 10.7, which ranks IFCO in the Top 500 companies worldwide, is a good testament of that, he said.

Alpharetta, Ga.-based CHEP U.S. has a product innovation arm that consistently explores new concepts and materials to expand its smart and sustainable product offerings, said Drew Merrill, senior vice president of sales, marketing and customer experience.

The company's signature blue wood-block pallet is recognized for its durable design and uses only 100% sustainably sourced timber, he said.

There's also a half-pallet designed specifically for promotion and merchandising at retail. And when CHEP saw the need for reusable shipping containers, the company developed pooled intermediate bulk containers — or IBCs — and formed its Pallecon business unit.

“Over the past few decades, Pallecon has grown to be a global leader, with the widest range of bulk containers, liners, accessories and service options in the industry,” Merrill said.

Industry leaders say there's good reason to switch to reusable pallets and containers.

“Reusable transport packaging products like pallets and reusable plastic containers bring a managed systems approach to the distribution of goods that offer value-creating opportunities for retailers,” Debus said.

Design attributes based on durability rather than disposability can improve unit load stability and efficiency, protect product and enhance quality control and worker handling, he said.

From a sustainability perspective, IFCO customers find the environmental benefits of reusable packaging most appealing, Canalejo said.

“We are able to scientifically measure and quantify the CO2, waste, water and energy savings generated from switching from single use packaging to reusables,” he said.

Working with IFCO helps many customers achieve their own sustainability targets aimed at reducing CO2 emissions and the generation of waste in their supply chain, Canalejo said.

CHEP's Merrill said a pooled program can help transform a business by encouraging teams to think differently about their operations.

“Speaking from the CHEP lens, reusables not only provide functional products that our customers trust but also enable us to deliver incremental customer value through solutions that drive cost-savings, sustainability and network efficiency,” he said.

In addition, “Part of the total value inherent to a reusable program is the fact that the owner of the assets orchestrating the pooled system is incentivized to continuously invest in their assets — everything from enhancing product quality and performance to leveraging technology to develop smart assets or new digital solutions,” Merrill said.