GERMANY – Reusable packaging containers (RPCs) provider IFCO has announced achieving Cradle to Cradle (C2C) Certified Silver (Version 3.1) recertification for its European Lift Lock RPCs.
Cradle to Cradle Certified is the world’s most advanced science-based, multi-attribute certification program for designing, making and verifying materials and products that are safe, circular and responsibly made.
The Version 3.1 program evaluates products across five categories: material health, material reutilization, renewable energy and carbon management, water stewardship, and social fairness.
IFCO ESG and Strategic Marketing vice-president Inigo Canalejo said: “Achieving Cradle to Cradle Certified Silver recertification for our European Lift Lock RPCs is a proud moment for the IFCO team.
“It’s also an opportunity to recognize the commitment of our partners to reducing their carbon footprint and embracing our pioneering circular business model.”
Aside from this Silver recertification, the company received Gold in the assessment category of Material Reutilisation for its recently launched Banana Lift Lock RPC.
C2C co-founder Michael Braungart added: “IFCO has embraced the Cradle to Cradle mindset and taken the circular business model to heart, which I’m happy to say has led to C2C recertification of their European Lift Lock RPCs.
“IFCO can define its material streams as well as recover and recycle their containers, while all the time ensuring that no contaminations happen during the recycling process.”
Central to the granting of the Gold rating for Social Fairness is the assessment of IFCO’s commitment to developing and implementing appropriate controls, tools and management procedures to safeguard fundamental human rights.
Crucially, IFCO aligns its social responsibilities in the areas of labor, environment and anti-corruption with the key principles of the United Nations Global Compact.
In addition, IFCO has widened its support of food banks around the world and entered a long-term agreement with the European Food Banks Federation (FEBA) to become their official “RPC Partner.”
The overriding aim of Cradle to Cradle Certified is to improve the quality and circularity of products and their related processes so that they have a positive impact on the environment and people.
Crucially, a certification is only valid for two years, which is why the IFCO European line of Lift Lock RPCs recently completed the highly demanding recertification process.
A key criterion for recertification is the ability to demonstrate ongoing optimization strategies and continuous improvements to the product and processes.
