IFCO has published its ESG Report 2025, marking the completion of its five-year sustainability strategy, Thriving in the Circular Economy. The document details progress across all 18 ESG goals and reiterates the company’s focus on reuse to reduce packaging and food waste in fresh grocery supply chains. With operations in more than 50 countries and partnerships with 18,000 growers and 300 retailers, IFCO positions its circular packaging model as a lever for measurable impact, from decarbonizing logistics to improving material efficiency. The report underscores the integration of ESG into decision-making and sets the basis for the next phase of objectives. Mike Pooley, CEO of IFCO, said, "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."
Key results 2021-2025
- 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 at all IFCO sites.
- ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001 certifications achieved globally, underpinning governance.
- 7 new reusable products launched, including reusable pallets and fish crates.
- 440,000 RPCs donated to food banks globally.
- Record employee satisfaction and Investors in People accreditation.
Regulatory context
According to the report, IFCO’s model supports compliance with emerging frameworks. In Europe, it aligns with the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation and food waste reduction targets under the revised Waste Framework Directive, positioning reusable packaging to meet mandatory reuse goals. In the United States, where Extended Producer Responsibility legislation is expanding at state level, the company presents its offer as a cost-effective, compliance-ready alternative to disposable packaging. Globally, as markets in Latin America and Asia adopt circular supply chains, IFCO cites its scale and operating track record as a basis for partnerships aimed at resilient, lower-carbon packaging solutions.
FY2025 environmental impacts
During FY2025 (July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025), the SmartCycle circular model delivered further environmental benefits versus single-use packaging. IFCO reports that its RPCs reduce CO2e emissions by up to 62%, water use by up to 69%, and solid waste by up to 96% compared to single-use alternatives. Across all markets in FY2025, 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, equal to 22,079 Olympic-d swimming pools, and 68,706 tonnes of food waste avoided, equivalent to 110 million meals. Reflecting on the five-year program, Iñigo Canalejo, Vice President of ESG and Strategic Marketing at IFCO, said, "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."
Report access
The full ESG Report 2025 is available at: https://www.ifco.com/about-ifco/sustainability/esg-report-2025/
