Sprouts Farmers Market Expands Partnership with IFCO, Driving Sustainability through Reusable Packaging

Significant advancements have been made in the ongoing partnership between Sprouts Farmers Market, one of the fastest-growing specialty retailers in the US and IFCO, a global leader in Reusable Packaging Containers (RPCs). This collaboration underscores both companies’ commitment to sustainability and innovation in supply chain logistics.

The partnership commenced in December 2020 with a pilot program at Sprouts, focusing on the use of RPCs for fresh produce items packed in high-humidity environments. The aim was to assess the feasibility of replacing single-use corrugated and especially wax-corrugated boxes, which are notoriously difficult to recycle and expensive to dispose of. The pilot targeted recollections and the adaptability of Sprouts distribution centers and retail outlets to a new packaging solution. A successful trial indicated positive environmental impacts and operational efficiencies resulting in a nationwide expansion including all distribution centers and converting additional fresh produce items packing into RPCs.

Having expanded the trial to all Sprouts distribution centers across the US, Sprouts will continue to monitor quality, store team receptivity and environmental impact. “By expanding our use of IFCO’s reusable packaging solutions, we are taking steps in contributing to a circular economy where we’re reducing waste sent to landfill and increasing resource efficiency,” said Justin Kacer, Sustainability Manager from Sprouts.

“We are thrilled to be supporting Sprouts Farmers Market and their efforts to advance sustainable supply chain solutions,” said Jon Brooks, Vice President of Retail Sales for IFCO. “This partnership showcases the tangible benefits of reusable packaging.”

This strategic shift is set to drastically reduce landfill waste by eliminating the use of single-use shipping packaging. The expanded use of RPCs is expected to cut thousands of tons of packaging waste annually. Furthermore, the durable design of IFCO’s RPCs minimizes product damage during transport, thereby decreasing food waste and enhancing overall efficiency.

The use of IFCO RPCs will contribute to Sprout’s commitment to the environment and operating its business in a way that reduces its carbon footprint, limits natural resource use and diverts waste from landfills. Through the next 12 months, the use of IFCO RPCs is expected to help reduce an estimated:

• 600 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions
• 600,000 lbs. of solid waste
• 105,000 lbs. of food waste
• 33,000 GJ of saved energy
• 2.4 million gallons of water saved

This partnership between IFCO Systems and Sprouts Farmers Market sets a precedent for the grocery industry, showing how sustainability and business success can go hand in hand.