German reusable packaging company IFCO has added track-and-trace Bluetooth Low Energy tags and QR codes to create smart reusable fish crates.

Called Marina, the crate was designed in collaboration with the fishing industry. It brings more protection, efficiency and sustainability to the fresh fish and seafood supply chain. It enables real-time data collection, improving the cold chain management of fresh and chilled products along the entire fish and seafood supply chain, from ship to all points of sale.

Single-use expanded polystyrene (EPS) boxes can break down into microplastic pollution and contaminate the marine food chain and human health, so governments around the world are increasingly tightening regulations and introducing EPS bans. As a result, many producers, wholesalers and retailers in the fishing industry have made eliminating EPS boxes and switching to sustainable packaging a priority. The IFCO SmartCycle pooling system ensures the switch to Marina is simple, seamless and sustainable.

To secure long-term logistics efficiency and sustainability gains for the fishing industry, wholesalers and retailers, Marina is available exclusively through the IFCO SmartCycle (www.ifco.com/the-ifco-way/ifco-smartcycle) circular pooling system. This means the crates are reused up to 120 times, and the empty crates are easily returned, reused and, once they can no longer be used, sustainably recycled.

IFCO ensures the crates are washed according to international standards of food safety and hygiene and pooled for sharing and reuse. As required in the fishing industry, IFCO ensures a response time and delivery within 24 hours.

Nestable when empty, securely stackable when full, the crate saves space on ships and on shore, cutting carbon emissions in transport and improving handling conditions. Its uniform dimensions are compatible with existing supply chains, automated logistics systems and IFCO’s Dora plastic pallet (www.ifco.com/food-solutions/reusable-plastic-pallet).

“Marina is the result of intense collaboration across the fishing industry,” said Francesca Amadei, vice president at IFCO. “We’ve taken on board the unique demands of every step of the fresh fish and seafood supply chain in our R&D efforts. I’m excited that we’ve succeeded in developing a smarter, more protective and sustainable fish crate for the Mediterranean cross-border market.”

Track-and-trace Bluetooth Low Energy tags enable real-time data collection and analysis.

Double-wall isothermal construction provides insulation at controlled temperatures, keeping products fresh for longer. A tight-fitting lid, interlocking surfaces and easy-to-use strapping system ensure secure packing and stacking for transportation.

Smooth surfaces offer increased protection from damage and spoilage, cutting down on food loss and waste. All-round sustainable packaging replaces single-use EPS boxes that can easily break down and pollute the marine environment.

The Marina fish crate (www.ifco.com/food-solutions/fish-seafood-reusable-packaging-solution/marina-ifco-reusable-fish-crate) offers sustainable and efficient complete packaging. Like all IFCO reusable packaging containers, Marina uses fewer natural resources throughout its lifecycle than single-use packaging. And, unlike conventional fish boxes made from EPS that are typically sent to landfills or end up as marine pollution, Marina is 100% recycled at the end of a long service life into new products.

“We see it as our responsibility to improve the environmental sustainability of every category of the fresh grocery supply chain,” said Inigo Canalejo, vice president at IFCO. “Our Marina fish crate is smart, innovative packaging that will have a lasting positive impact on the fresh fish and seafood supply chain. We’re proud to have designed a sustainable and more efficient alternative to harmful expanded polystyrene containers.”

IFCO (www.ifco.com) is a provider of reusable packaging for fresh foods, empowering customers to participate in the circular economy in more than 50 countries. It operates a pool of over 380 million reusable packaging containers globally, which are used for two billion shipments of fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, bread, and other items from suppliers to grocery retailers every year.