Tokyo, Japan, February 18th, 2026 – A newly released, independently conducted Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) has confirmed that IFCO reusable packaging containers (RPCs) used to transport fruit and vegetables in Japan provide significantly lower environmental impacts than single use cardboard boxes. The study was conducted by external LCA specialists at TCO2 Co., Ltd. using primary operational data and established Japanese datasets.
To guarantee scientific objectivity and methodological rigor, the assessment underwent a critical review coordinated by SuMPO (Sustainable Management Promotion Organization). The review was performed by independent academic experts from Chiba University, The University of Tokyo, and Wakayama University, who verified full compliance with ISO 14040:2006 and ISO 14044:2006.
The study findings demonstrate that IFCO RPCs clearly outperform single-use cardboard boxes across all major environmental indicators:
• 58% lower greenhouse gas emissions
• 93% less waste generation
• 59% less water consumption
• 47% lower energy consumption (....)