Ifco Tray Revolutionizes Supply Chain Efficiency

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A minimalistic setup with plastic utensils and a container on a light blue surface for eco-friendly themes.
Credit: pexels.com, A minimalistic setup with plastic utensils and a container on a light blue surface for eco-friendly themes.

The Ifco tray has revolutionized the way companies manage their supply chains. It's a game-changer for the food and beverage industry.

The Ifco tray is a reusable plastic container that's designed to be used multiple times, reducing waste and the need for single-use packaging. This has resulted in significant cost savings for companies.

Companies can save up to 70% on packaging costs by using Ifco trays. This is because they're able to reuse the trays multiple times, reducing the need for new packaging materials.

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Discover Benefits of IFCO RPCs

IFCO RPCs offer a significant reduction in packaging material, with some products requiring up to 50% less packaging than traditional containers.

These lightweight containers also result in lower transportation costs, as they are easier to handle and require less fuel to move.

The IFCO RPCs are designed to be reusable, which reduces waste and minimizes the environmental impact of packaging.

By reusing the containers, businesses can also reduce their packaging costs over time.

The IFCO RPCs are made from durable materials that can withstand multiple trips and handling, making them a reliable option for businesses.

Their compact design also makes them easy to store when not in use, taking up less space than traditional packaging materials.

Readers also liked: Ifco Pallets

Cost Savings and Efficiency

Close-Up Shot of Broccoli in a Plastic Container
Credit: pexels.com, Close-Up Shot of Broccoli in a Plastic Container

IFCO RPCs can hold up to 640 containers on a 40x30cm pallet, compared to 608 with other pooling solutions, resulting in fewer pallets per shipment and reduced emissions.

The efficient stacking design of IFCO RPCs allows for more containers per stack, making them a cost-effective option for businesses.

A small rim has been added to the base plates of IFCO Lift Lock RPCs to provide secure stackability and prevent containers from shifting during transport.

With IFCO RPCs, you can save time and labor by eliminating the need for box-cutters, unpacking, and repacking, as well as reducing cardboard waste.

Here are some of the key benefits of using a one-touch system with IFCO RPCs:

  • No box-cutters, unpacking or repacking, or cardboard waste
  • Superior ventilation means quicker cooling, a consistent temperature and longer shelf life
  • Empty RPCs are quickly folded and palletized, no bailing required

Product Protection and Handling

The rounded walls of the IFCO Fish Crates are more than just a stylish feature - they also provide exceptional product protection by reducing damage from friction. This is thanks to the natural curves of fruits and vegetables that can nestle securely inside the crates.

A knife, stacks of hundred-dollar bills, and a food tray on a white background create a compelling still life scene.
Credit: pexels.com, A knife, stacks of hundred-dollar bills, and a food tray on a white background create a compelling still life scene.

The slight curvature of the walls also contributes to a more modern design. The IFCO Fish Crates are designed to be reliable in temperature control through optimal ventilation.

All sizes of IFCO Fish Crates are compatible with each other, making them easy to stack and store. The interlocking features between the crates prevent the top tray from sliding when stacked, and the ergonomic handles make lifting and carrying a breeze.

Efficient Handling

The IFCO Fish Crates have interlocking features to stop the top tray from sliding when stacked, making it easier to handle and transport.

These features ensure that the crates remain stable even when stacked high, which is especially important when transporting perishable goods.

The ergonomic handles on the IFCO Fish Crates make lifting and carrying them a breeze, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.

This thoughtful design consideration makes a big difference in the daily lives of warehouse workers and delivery personnel.

In addition, the IFCO Lift Lock RPCs have a small rim added to the base plates to provide secure stackability, allowing for more containers to be stacked per pallet.

This results in fewer pallets per shipment, which can lead to significant cost savings and a reduction in emissions.

If this caught your attention, see: When Were Pallets Invented

Clean and Hygienic

A woman assists a customer with a reusable container at a zero waste store, promoting sustainable shopping.
Credit: pexels.com, A woman assists a customer with a reusable container at a zero waste store, promoting sustainable shopping.

Clean and hygienic practices are crucial for protecting products and preventing contamination.

IFCO Fish Crates are designed to meet high hygiene requirements, ensuring they are cleaned thoroughly in a process that includes washing, disinfecting, and drying.

Our products are subject to rigorous monitoring, with SmartGuardian technology tracking every step to guarantee exacting standards are met.

Independent auditors also conduct additional checks to verify that our cleaning process meets the highest standards.

Automation and Warehouse Management

IFCO reusable plastic containers are a game-changer for warehouse automation. They reduce handling during the entire supply chain and facilitate automated processes in the logistics center.

Palettes containing produce and groceries arrive at a logistics center from near and far, stacked high with IFCO RPCs. The palettes then enter the infeed, where the automated system reads the bar codes and identifies each sales unit.

Groceries are usually stored in refrigerated or cooled warehouses, making it essential to reduce human exposure to these conditions. IFCO RPCs maintain their shape because they are made of stable, moisture-resistant polypropylene.

Glass Bottles in a Container
Credit: pexels.com, Glass Bottles in a Container

Robots and conveyors sort the sales units, and the configuration on the bottom of the IFCO reusable packaging containers ensures smooth passage over rollers or conveyors. This is crucial for efficient handling and storage.

Commissioning orders and transporting individual sales units in IFCO RPCs to the outfeed becomes fast, cost-efficient, and precise. A high percentage of IFCO RPCs also means less packaging waste.

Lift Lock's product development aimed to make IFCO RPCs compatible with automated systems. The IFCO packaging applications team confers with clients and mechanical engineers to adjust automation processes to IFCO RPCs and vice versa.

The construction of conveyors, inclines, and transitions must be considered to ensure smooth flow of goods. IFCO containers also make less racket on metal conveyors, reducing noise and increasing efficiency.

The durable polypropylene composition of IFCO RPCs provides the right mix of flexibility and stability. This quality is particularly crucial for automated processes, where precise dimensions are essential.

The dimensions of IFCO RPCs must be extremely precise to ensure secure stacking and efficient handling. Even a one-millimeter difference in the footprint has an immense effect on the ability of automated systems to recognize packaging systems.

Shoppers Prefer RPCs at POS

Crop anonymous woman in latex gloves picking food in plastic container while shopping in grocery store
Credit: pexels.com, Crop anonymous woman in latex gloves picking food in plastic container while shopping in grocery store

Shoppers prefer IFCO RPCs at the Point of Sale (POS) because they perceived the food in RPCs as being fresher and of higher quality than the food in disposable packaging.

Shoppers in multiple countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom, agreed that RPCs are more hygienic.

They also saw RPCs as a more convenient option, which is likely why some shoppers were willing to pay more for their products.

In fact, some shoppers were so impressed with RPCs that they said they would rather shop from RPC displays than from traditional displays.

Sustainability and Environmental Impact

IFCO trays are a game-changer when it comes to sustainability. They produce up to 60% less CO2 compared to single-use packaging alternatives.

One of the main reasons IFCO trays are so eco-friendly is because they're reusable and recyclable. This means they can be shared and reused through the IFCO SmartCycle circular pooling system.

Molded Dough on a Tray with Baking Paper
Credit: pexels.com, Molded Dough on a Tray with Baking Paper

Using IFCO trays eliminates the need for expanded polystyrene (EPS) boxes and other single-use packaging. This is especially useful for transporting chilled and fresh fish and seafood.

IFCO trays also use 64% less energy and 80% less water than single-use packaging. This is a significant reduction and can make a big impact on our environment.

The best part? IFCO trays are nestable and stackable when empty, saving storage space and transport costs. This makes them a practical choice for businesses and individuals alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does IFCO make?

IFCO manufactures a wide range of reusable packaging containers (RPCs) in various sizes for safe transportation of perishable and non-perishable food products. Our RPCs are designed to be versatile and durable, serving as a reliable solution for the food industry.

Gretchen Gerhold

Writer

Gretchen Gerhold has established herself as a prolific writer, covering a diverse range of topics including logistics, trade, and economic development. Her articles on container terminals and the logistics sector in India provide deep insights into the complexities of modern supply chain management. Focusing on the state of Kerala, her work on the economy and transport in Kochi highlights the region's significant contributions to India's economic landscape.

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