IFCO, a prominent player in the reusable packaging containers market, has introduced Marina, a smart reusable fish crate that promises to revolutionize the fresh fish and seafood supply chain. Designed in close collaboration with key stakeholders in the fishing industry and retailing, Marina brings enhanced protection, efficiency, and sustainability to the transportation of fresh and chilled seafood products.
One of the standout features of the Marina Fish Crate is its integration of track-and-trace Bluetooth Low Energy tags and QR codes. This innovative technology enables real-time data collection and analysis, allowing for improved cold chain management throughout the entire supply chain, from the moment the fish is caught on the ship to its arrival at various points of sale. By providing valuable insights into the condition and location of the seafood products, Marina empowers stakeholders to make informed decisions and optimize their operations.
The launch of Marina comes at a time when governments around the world are tightening regulations and introducing bans on single-use expanded polystyrene boxes. These conventional containers have been identified as a significant source of microplastic pollution, contaminating the marine food chain and posing risks to human health. In response to these concerns, many producers, wholesalers, and retailers in the fishing industry have prioritized the elimination of EPS boxes and the transition to sustainable packaging solutions. IFCO's SmartCycle pooling system ensures that the switch to Marina is seamless, efficient, and environmentally friendly.
To maximize the long-term logistics efficiency and sustainability gains for the fishing industry, wholesalers, and retailers, Marina is exclusively available through the IFCO SmartCycle circular pooling system. This system ensures that the IFCO Fish Crates are efficiently reused up to 120 times, and once they reach the end of their usable life, they are sustainably recycled. IFCO takes great care to wash the reusable fish crates according to international standards of food safety and hygiene, ensuring that they are clean and ready for reuse. Additionally, IFCO guarantees a response time and delivery within 24 hours, meeting the stringent requirements of the fishing industry.
Marina's design is not only sustainable but also optimized for automated logistics and the specific needs of the fishing industry. The crates are nestable when empty and securely stackable when full, saving valuable space on ships and on shore. This space-saving feature contributes to reduced carbon emissions during transportation and improved handling conditions. Moreover, the uniform dimensions of the Marina Fish Crate are compatible with existing supply chains, automated logistics systems, and the IFCO Plastic Pallet Dora, ensuring seamless integration into current operations.
Francesca Amadei, Vice President Southern Europe at IFCO, expressed her excitement about the launch of Marina, stating, "Marina is the result of intense collaboration across the fishing industry. 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."
Marina boasts a range of innovative features that provide superior protection for fresh fish and seafood. The double-wall isothermal construction ensures excellent insulation at controlled temperatures, keeping products fresh for longer. The tight-fitting lid, interlocking surfaces, and easy-to-use strapping system guarantee secure packing and stacking during transportation. The smooth surfaces of the crate offer increased protection from damage and spoilage, reducing food loss and waste. Furthermore, Marina is an all-round sustainable packaging solution, being robust, reusable, and 100% recyclable, effectively replacing single-use EPS boxes that can easily break down and pollute the marine environment.
Inigo Canalejo, Vice President ESG and Strategic Marketing at IFCO, emphasized the long-term benefits of Marina for the fishing industry and the planet, stating, "We see it as our responsibility to improve the environmental sustainability of every category of the fresh grocery supply chain. Our Marina Fish Crate is a smart, innovative packaging solution 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."
