SUSTAINABILITY

Sustainability

100 reuses

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Reusable plastic crates for food distribution is more sustainable and generate less environmental impact than single-use cardboard boxes because each container can be reused up to 100 times, with a life cycle of about 10-15 years. Once their useful life is over, they are 100% recycled.

The entire life cycle of the product is controlled, which guarantees that it will not be disposed of in an irresponsible and polluting way and that, when it deteriorates, it will be recycled with materials of the same origin and quality.

Life Cycle Assesment

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In 2009, a study by the University of Stuttgart commissioned by the Stiftung Initiative Mehrweg (SIM) on this distribution system in Europe endorsed the environmental advantages of reusable plastic packaging over single-use cartons.

In 2018, ARECO promoted the first comparative study of the different fruit and vegetable distribution options in Spain using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) carried out by the UNESCO Chair in Life Cycle and Climate Change (ESCI-UPF), directed by Professor Dr. Pere Fullana.

Research

  • 25% less environmental impact than single-use boxes.
  • Lower consumption of primary energy from renewable and non-renewable sources.
  • This system avoids 785 million kilos of CO2 emissions per year, 0.24% of the total direct emissions in Spain.
  • Plastic 100% monitored throughout its life cycle.