IFCO, a global provider of reusable packaging solutions for fresh foods, has launched IFCO Digital, featuring its new Tracking-as-a-Service (TaaS) solution the company says is a key milestone in its digital transformation journey. The innovation has also earned IFCO the Smart Solution Award 2025 at the Supply Chain Awards in Germany.
Since 1992, IFCO has championed circular logistics with its SmartCycle pooling model, ensuring reusable packaging containers (RPCs) are collected, cleaned and redeployed for reuse. With the introduction of its digital services, IFCO says it is taking this model to the next level, combining real-time tracking, AI and advanced data analytics to make supply chains smarter, more transparent and more efficient.
IFCO says its Digital TaaS solution enhances transparency, traceability and sustainability across supply chains
In today’s global supply chains, companies face challenges such as misplaced or stolen assets, inefficient return logistics and limited visibility into shipment conditions. These issues drive up costs and disrupt operations, creating a need for smarter, connected and sustainable solutions, the company says.
The new IFCO Digital TaaS solution uses Bluetooth Low Energy and GPS technology to provide real-time visibility into the location, temperature and condition of reusable crates and pallets throughout the supply chain.
“Our digital solutions have already enabled us to track more than 1 billion trips of reusable packaging containers — a milestone that reflects the scale and maturity of IFCO’s digital transformation,” says Sebastian Grams, chief digital officer at IFCO. “With Tracking-as-a-Service, we’re taking this even further, turning data into actionable insights that make our customers’ supply chains more transparent, efficient and sustainable.”
IFCO says its Digital TaaS solution is plug-and-play, requiring no infrastructure investment on the customer side. All connectivity is enabled through smart trackers attached directly to IFCO’s reusable crates and pallets, eliminating the need for gates or fixed installations. This simplicity makes the system easy to scale, fast to deploy and highly cost-efficient, according to the company.
IFCO says TaaS offers customers actionable insights that help them:
· Reduce asset and produce losses through precise real-time tracking
· Optimize use and reverse logistics, improving operational efficiency
· Enhance quality assurance by monitoring temperature-sensitive goods throughout transport to avoid food waste
· Support sustainability and ESG goals by minimizing waste and lowering carbon dioxide emissions
Pilots are already underway in collaboration with growers, retailers and logistics partners across North America and Europe.
Smart Solution Award 2025
Recognizing excellence in digital and sustainable supply chain management, the Smart Solution Award 2025, presented by Logistik Heute and PwC Strategy&, highlights IFCO’s leadership in digital innovation and its commitment to developing scalable, sustainable solutions for the fresh supply chain industry, according to a news release.
IFCO says the recognition showcases how digitalization and circular business models can work hand in hand to make supply chains smarter, more efficient and environmentally responsible.
