Phoenix, Arizona-based Sprouts Farmers Market and Tampa, Florida-based IFCO, a provider of reusable packaging solutions for fresh foods, report that they have made significant advancements in their ongoing partnership.
The arrangement began in December 2020 with a pilot program at Sprouts that focused on the use of reusable packaging containers (RPCs) for fresh produce items packed in high-humidity environments. The aim was to assess the feasibility of replacing single-use corrugated and wax-corrugated boxes, which are difficult to recycle and expensive to dispose of.
The pilot targeted recollections and the adaptability of Sprouts distribution centers and retail outlets to a new packaging solution. A successful trial indicated positive environmental impacts and operational efficiencies, resulting in a nationwide expansion that included all distribution centers and converted additional fresh produce items packing into RPCs.
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Having expanded the trial to all Sprouts distribution centers across the U.S., Sprouts will continue to monitor quality, store team receptivity and environmental impact.
“By expanding our use of IFCO’s reusable packaging solutions, we are taking steps in contributing to a circular economy where we’re reducing waste sent to landfill and increasing resource efficiency,” said Justin Kacer, sustainability manager from Sprouts.
The strategic shift is set to reduce landfill waste by eliminating the use of single-use shipping packaging. The expanded use of RPCs is expected to cut thousands of tons of packaging waste annually. Furthermore, the durable design of IFCO’s RPCs minimizes product damage during transport, thereby decreasing food waste and enhancing overall efficiency.
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