The latest news, trends, analysis, interviews and podcasts from the global food and beverage industry

The International Food Container Organization (IFCO) has unveiled its latest innovation, Marina, a digitally-enabled reusable crate for the seafood supply chain.

The solution features thick double-wall isothermal construction to keep fresh seafood chilled, and is equipped with a Bluetooth Low Energy tag and QR code for track-and-tracing systems. This enables the collection of real-time data insights, such as temperature inside the crate, at every stage of the supply chain.

Marina can carry up to six kg of fresh fish and seafood, designed for easy lifting, moving and stacking. Its tight-fitting lid and robust structure have been designed to ensure product quality and freshness, while interlocked surfaces and a strapping system have been included to allow secure packing and stacking for transportation.

It is nestable when empty and stackable when full, allowing for storage space and transport cost savings. The 100% recyclable solution can be reused up to 120 times, aiming to provide a sustainable alternative to single-use packaging and expanded polystyrene boxes.

IFCO said its innovation has been designed to meet high hygiene standards and prevent cross-contamination. The crates are cleaned in a process that includes washing, disinfecting and thorough drying, monitored by the company’s SmartGuardian technology and checked by independent auditors.

Marina is available to the Mediterranean cross-border market, exclusively through IFCO’s SmartCycle circular pooling model.

Inigo Canalejo, vice president for ESG and strategic marketing at IFCO, commented: “We see it as our responsibility to improve the environmental sustainability of every category of the fresh grocery supply chain. Our Marina Fish Crate is a smart, innovative packaging solution that will have a lasting positive impact on the fresh fish and seafood supply chain.”

Top image: © IFCO

#IFCO