IFCO, a global leader in reusable packaging solutions for fresh produce, has been named Business Service Partner of the Year at the FPC Fresh Awards 2025. The award recognises IFCO’s outstanding commitment to supporting the UK fresh produce industry through its circular pooling system of reusable packaging containers (RPCs).
Nigel Jenney, Chief Executive of the Fresh Produce Consortium, commented:
“IFCO’s innovative circular model demonstrates exactly what our industry needs – practical, scalable solutions that deliver both commercial and environmental gains. Their partnership approach and measurable impact across the supply chain make them a truly deserving winner of this year’s Business Service Partner of the Year Award. It’s a shining example of how collaboration and innovation can work hand in hand to drive sustainability within the UK fresh produce sector.”
IFCO provides a UK-wide service for a circular economy
Operating from six automated service centres across the UK, IFCO supplies sanitised, food-safe RPCs to growers for packing fresh produce. Once used, the containers are collected from retailers, inspected, cleaned, and returned to circulation. At the end of their long service life, they are recycled into new RPCs of the same high quality and performance.
At the heart of this approach is the SmartCycle™, IFCO’s fully managed pooling system that goes far beyond crate rental. Each RPC is designed for durability, foldability, and up to 120 reuse cycles, helping growers and retailers cut costs, improve efficiency, and advance on their ambitious sustainability goals.
In 2024, IFCO’s SmartCycle delivered measurable environmental benefits across the UK fresh produce supply chain, including 105.9 million kg of CO₂ emissions avoided, 247.9 million kg of solid waste eliminated, 10 million m³ of water saved, and 10.6 million kg less product damage. These savings are equivalent to taking more than 76,000 cars off UK roads for a year or conserving enough water for 252 million five-minute showers.
Industry partners highlight the value of IFCO’s approach. At leading UK retailer Asda, Gavin Town, Senior Manager National Fleet, says: “Our partnership with IFCO reflects our shared commitment to building a more sustainable supply chain. The efficiency and environmental benefits of IFCO’s solutions are crucial to our operational strategy. Their trays have also revolutionised our produce department, making merchandising easier and enhancing the overall customer quality perception.”
Chris Taylor, Managing Director IFCO UK, adds: “This award reflects the trust our growers, retailers, and supply chain partners place in us, and the results we achieve together in efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainability.”
About the FPC Fresh Awards
The FPC Fresh Awards are organised by the Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC), the recognised voice of the UK fresh produce industry. The awards celebrate excellence across growers, retailers, supply chain providers, and individual leaders. The 2025 awards ceremony took place on 26 September at JW Marriott Grosvenor House, London.