From:The Packer

Photo by IFCO

Wal-Mart U.S. has signed a deal with IFCO to use these wood-grain reusable plastic containers for wet and dry produce.

Wal-Mart U.S. and IFCO North America are partnering to give fresh produce more protection and produce managers more flexibility for in-store displays with a new generation of wood grain reusable plastic containers.

“The new wood grain RPC will provide superior merchandising opportunities for Wal-Mart with its natural wood grain look, combined with exceptional features such as supply chain efficiency, excellent stability and cooling functionality, and delivering superior quality produce,” according to an Oct. 22 news release.

Initially Wal-Mart will use the new IFCO containers for packing and shipping dry produce, including apples, potatoes, onions and citrus fruits, according to the release. The agreement calls for the containers to be used for wet and dry produce commodities.

One of the advantages of the new containers, according to the release, is that produce can be packed, shipped and displayed without being handled repeatedly, thus reducing damage. The containers can also be sanitized for increased food safety.

“IFCO uses state-of-the-art, globally standardized sanitation processes, equipment, and detergents in our RPC wash process, and collaborates with suppliers to develop efficient and effective technical solutions,” according to the release.

“As an example, IFCO’s detergent and disinfectant supplier, Sealed Air, guarantees the cleanliness of IFCO RPCs washed using its Diversey products.”

Dorn Wenninger, vice president of produce for Wal-Mart U.S. said in the release that the switch to the new containers is part of the retailer’s commitment to providing consumers with the best fresh produce possible.

“IFCO is one of Wal-Mart’s most important partners and is a natural fit to help us meet our ambitious fresh produce goals in 2015 and beyond,” Wenninger said in the release. “No other RPC company can match IFCO’s scale and experience, and we look forward to working together to enhance the in-store experience for Wal-Mart shoppers.”

Earlier this year Wal-Mart signed a deal with Polymer Logistics for wood-grain style RPCs. That agreement is still in effect said Susie Cuevas, director of sales.

"Polymer Logistics is proud to be Wal-Mart’s first pooler of wood-grain RPCs and our partnership continues as we begin shipping our containers to Wal-Mart’s suppliers for their first wave of store conversions," Cuevas said Oct. 23.

"The RPC volume for a large retailer is huge, and IFCO’s entry into wood-grain RPCs is independent of our ongoing and healthy partnership with Walmart."