IFCO, a global leader in reusable packaging containers (RPCs) for fresh food and drink packaging, has released its ESG Report 2025, celebrating the successful conclusion of its five-year sustainability strategy, Thriving in the Circular Economy. Over the past five years, IFCO has made significant strides toward achieving all 18 of its ESG objectives. This progress benefits the planet, communities, partners, and customers, while establishing a solid foundation for the next phase of its sustainability goals.
The ESG Report 2025 cements IFCO’s leadership in circular packaging, emphasizing the importance of reuse in tackling the industry’s most urgent challenges. Since its inception in 1992, IFCO has focused on eliminating packaging and food waste in the fresh grocery supply chain. This commitment promotes efficiency across the value chain, simultaneously sharing the long-term benefits with all stakeholders involved.
With operations spanning over 50 countries and partnerships with 18,000 growers and 300 retailers, IFCO’s extensive reach enables it to create a measurable impact—from decarbonizing supply chains to cutting food waste. By integrating innovation, robust governance, and a tried-and-true circular model, IFCO illustrates how reusable packaging can yield long-term advantages for customers, society, and the environment.
Mike Pooley, CEO of IFCO, stated, “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 aligns with the new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and food waste reduction initiatives outlined in the updated Waste Framework Directive. This positions IFCO’s reusable packaging as an essential component in achieving mandatory reuse targets. Meanwhile, in the United States, where Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation is rapidly gaining traction at the state level, IFCO provides retailers and growers with a cost-effective, compliance-ready alternative to single-use packaging. Across the globe, as markets from Latin America to Asia increasingly adopt circular supply chains, IFCO stands out as a reliable partner for businesses seeking various low-carbon packaging solutions.
Key results of IFCO’s 2025 sustainability strategy
• Over 10 billion single-use boxes eliminated since 2021.
• 3.2 million tonnes of customer CO2 emissions avoided.
• 93% landfill diversion rate.
• 37% reduction in emissions per crate.
• 10% reduction in water used per crate.
• 100% renewable electricity achieved across all IFCO sites.
• Global certifications ISO 9001, 14001, and 45001 achieved, affirming best-in-class governance.
• Seven new reusable products launched, including reusable pallets and fish crates.
• 440,000 RPCs donated to food banks worldwide, supporting local communities.
• Record employee satisfaction and recognized Investors in People accreditation.
Reflecting on this milestone, Iñigo Canalejo, Vice President of ESG and Strategic Marketing at IFCO, commented: “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.”
Impact of the IFCO SmartCycle in FY25
During FY2025 (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025), IFCO’s SmartCycle™ circular model continues to offer significant environmental benefits. Compared to single-use packaging, IFCO RPCs can reduce CO₂e emissions by up to 62%, water consumption by as much as 69%, and solid waste by up to 96%.
Throughout all markets, IFCO’s customers collectively achieved:
- 734,766 metric tonnes of CO₂e emissions saved—equivalent to circling the planet 149,341 times by car.
- 55,197 megaliters of water saved—enough to fill 22,079 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
- 68,706 tonnes of food waste avoided—equivalent to 110 million meals.
The complete IFCO ESG Report 2025 is available here: https://www.ifco.com/about-ifco/sustainability/esg-report-2025
