Fruit and vegetable transportation to be made more sustainable
Replacing rigid crates with collapsible ones cuts 20,000 truck trips.
Things are changing in the packaging world. Euro Pool System (EPS) is replacing its rigid crates with folding ones. This Dutch company focuses on reusable packaging in the European fresh produce chain. “Euro Pool System started off using rigid crates back in the 90s,” says Dirk Vercammen, Regional Director at EPS.
Euro Pool System (EPS) has initiated a transition from rigid to folding crates, with the aim of enhancing sustainability in fruit and vegetable transportation. The move to collapsible crates is expected to reduce the need for empty transport trips, making the supply chain more sustainable.
The folding crates also feature unique barcodes for efficient monitoring and optimization of transport flows. The transition aligns with EPS's commitment to a circular economy, emphasizing the importance of sustainability, particularly in the transportation sector. The initiative is anticipated to contribute to substantial reductions in air transportation and support a more eco-friendly approach to fruit and vegetable logistics.
The EPS blue crates, which have been the standard for fruit and vegetable transportation in Europe since 1992, are used by growers to transport their products to sellers. The crates are then washed and returned to the growers. In recent years, replacing cardboard or wooden crates has already improved the chain’s sustainability, and the shift to collapsible crates marks the next step in this sustainability journey.
From a supply chain perspective, collapsible crates are considered far more sustainable than rigid ones, requiring fewer trips, especially when transporting empty crates. This has led to the phasing out of rigid crate rentals, with collapsible crates taking their place. This transition is crucial for reducing air movement and making fruit and vegetable transportation more sustainable.
Some supermarkets have already adopted folding crates, with Belgian and Dutch wholesalers and other channels following suit by removing rigid crates from circulation and replacing them with collapsible ones. Despite the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, plans for this changeover have been initiated, with deep, rigid crates being removed from circulation as of February 1. Further plans to eliminate other rigid crates are in the pipeline for later in the year.
EPS places a strong emphasis on a circular economy, investing in new sanitizing machines for collapsible containers that consume less energy and water, with an improved drying process. The company observes an increasing demand for circularity and sustainability among clients, leading to the transition to folding crates. Once the transition is complete, trucks will need to take 20,000 to 30,000 fewer trips, contributing significantly to environmental sustainability.
The collapsible green containers each have a unique barcode, facilitating monitoring and optimization of transport flows. This technology enables automatic counting and sorting of crates during the cleaning process, saving time and money for end-users. The barcodes also prevent unlawful use of these crates.
Euro Pool System is focused on reusable packaging, and the move to folding crates aligns with its commitment to sustainability. The company anticipates a positive impact on the environment, particularly in the transportation sector, once the transition is complete. The folding crates are expected to streamline handling processes, with clients realizing the overall environmental value of these collapsible containers.
Hans van Noesel, Benelux Sales and Marketing Manager at Schiphorst Transport & Opslagtechniek, highlights the importance of good advice in choosing between rigid and collapsible crates. The decision depends on various factors, such as logistics system setup, hygienic considerations, and logistics system design. The Schiphorst folding crates, made entirely of plastic, offer a long life cycle, and the company aims to explore ideas for giving the crates a second life through selling second-hand crates or recycling them for reuse in new products. The plastic material itself is considered environmentally viable when used and processed properly, contributing positively to sustainability efforts.
In summary, Euro Pool System's transition to collapsible crates represents a significant step toward enhancing sustainability in fruit and vegetable transportation. The move aligns with circular economy principles, emphasizing the reduction of air movement, optimized transport flows, and increased environmental value. The company's commitment to reusable packaging and the adoption of innovative technologies, such as barcoding, further contribute to the overall positive impact on the supply chain's sustainability.
Euro Pool System
+31(0) 70 301 4134www.Europoolsystem.com Dirk.vercammen@europoolsystem.com
Schiphorst Transport- en OpslagtechniekT: +31 (0)570-622944www.schiphorstbv.nlsales@schiphorstbv.nl