Over 10 billion single-use boxes replaced with reusable packaging in global fresh grocery supply chains
IFCO, a global leader in reusable packaging containers (RPCs) for fresh food, today published its ESG Report 2025, marking the successful completion of its five-year sustainability strategy, Thriving in the Circular Economy. Over the last five years, IFCO has advanced every one of its 18 ESG goals, delivering measurable progress for the planet, people, partners, and customers while laying the groundwork for the next iteration of its sustainability objectives.
The ESG Report 2025 confirms IFCO’s position as a global leader in circular packaging and highlights the role of reuse in addressing some of the sector’s most pressing challenges. Since IFCO’s founding in 1992, it has dedicated itself to eliminating packaging and food waste in the fresh grocery supply chain, enhancing efficiencies across the value chain and sharing the resulting long-term value with stakeholders.
With operations in more than 50 countries and partnerships with 18,000 growers and 300 retailers, IFCO’s scale enables measurable impact from decarbonizing supply chains to reducing food waste. By combining innovation, strong governance, and its proven circular model, IFCO demonstrates how reusable packaging can deliver long-term value not only for customers but also for society and the environment.
Mike Pooley, CEO of IFCO, said, “The success of our ESG strategy shows how sustainability and strong business performance can go hand in hand. By embedding ESG into every decision, we’ve helped build a more resilient, customer-focused business. Our work is not just about driving strong business results, it is about creating real-world impact, including less waste, greater efficiency, and stronger communities wherever we operate.”
IFCO’s global contribution to evolving regulatory frameworks
In Europe, IFCO’s model directly supports compliance with the new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and food waste reduction targets under the revised Waste Framework Directive. This positions IFCO’s reusable packaging as an essential tool for meeting mandatory reuse goals. In the United States, where Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation is rapidly expanding at the state level, IFCO offers retailers and growers a cost-effective, compliance-ready alternative to disposable packaging. And globally, as markets from Latin America to Asia embrace circular supply chains, IFCO’s scale and proven track record make it a trusted partner for businesses seeking resilient, low-carbon packaging solutions.
Reflecting on the milestone, Iñigo Canalejo, Vice President of ESG and Strategic Marketing at IFCO, said: “Over the past five years, we have advanced our ESG journey and achieved most of our goals. More importantly, we’ve built a stronger, more sustainable business together with our people and partners. ESG is now truly embedded in everything we do, helping us thrive as a company while creating value for the planet and society.”
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