KEASBEY, NJ — Wakefern Food Corp., one of the largest retailer-owned grocery cooperatives in the United States, is adopting the latest reusable plastic containers (RPCs) in its produce departments to improve quality, sustainability, and lower costs for customers.    

By partnering with companies such as IFCO and Tosca that specialize in RPCs, Wakefern can maximize supply chain efficiency through better product protection and temperature control. The containers also save time, space and money for shippers and allow for improved freshness with highly ventilated, foldable and sturdy designs. The RPCs also allow better storage and handling in warehouses through efficient stacking and integration with automated processes, reducing potential food loss and waste from conventional single-use packaging. 

“Adopting reusable RPCs is a win for our customers, our suppliers, the environment and Wakefern,” said Robert Zuehlke, manager of corporate social responsibility for Wakefern. “Wakefern is focused on engaging vendors whose products help drive a more sustainable future by reducing the environmental impacts of packaging, food waste, and greenhouse gas emissions.”  

When compared to single-use packaging RPCs are shown to generate less carbon dioxide and solid waste. They also require less energy and use less water than their single-use counterparts.