IFCO, a global provider of reusable packaging solutions for fresh foods, announced the launch of IFCO Digital, featuring its new Tracking-as-a-Service platform — a key milestone in the company’s digital transformation. The innovation also earned IFCO the 2025 Smart Solution Award, recognizing its leadership in connected and sustainable supply chain management.
Since 1992, IFCO has promoted circular logistics through its SmartCycle pooling model, which ensures reusable packaging containers are collected, cleaned and redeployed for use. The launch of IFCO Digital takes that model further by combining real-time tracking, AI and advanced data analytics to make supply chains more transparent and efficient.
Global supply chains face persistent challenges, including misplaced or stolen assets, inefficient return logistics and limited visibility into shipment conditions — issues that drive up costs and disrupt operations.
IFCO’s new TaaS platform uses Bluetooth Low Energy and GPS technology to deliver real-time visibility into the location, temperature and condition of reusable crates and pallets throughout the supply chain.
Unlike other systems, IFCO’s TaaS is a plug-and-play solution that requires no customer-side infrastructure. Connectivity is enabled through smart trackers attached directly to IFCO crates and pallets, eliminating the need for gates or fixed installations. The design makes the system easy to scale, fast to deploy and cost-efficient.
With TaaS, customers can:
- Reduce asset and produce losses through precise, real-time tracking.
- Optimize utilization and reverse logistics to improve operational efficiency.
- Enhance quality assurance by monitoring temperature-sensitive goods to prevent food waste.
- Support sustainability and ESG goals by reducing waste and lowering CO₂ emissions.
Pilots are underway with growers, retailers and logistics partners across North America and Europe. These projects are validating the solution at scale and generating data to support a broader rollout in 2026.
IFCO’s digital transformation has been progressing for several years. More than 1 billion reusable packaging containers have already been digitally scanned as they passed through IFCO service centers in Europe — a milestone that underscores how deeply digital connectivity is embedded in the company’s operations.
“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,” said Dr. 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.”
The Smart Solution Award 2025, presented by Logistik Heute and PwC Strategy&, highlights IFCO’s leadership in digital innovation and its commitment to scalable, sustainable solutions for the fresh-food supply chain. It is one of Germany’s most recognized honors in logistics and supply chain management, awarded annually to solutions that set new benchmarks for efficiency, transparency and sustainability.
IFCO’s recognition underscores how digitalization and circular business models can work together to make supply chains smarter, more efficient and more environmentally responsible.