Brazil is among the ten countries that waste the most food, with about 35% of production being wasted every year, according to data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
An alarming fact is that while worldwide 14% of the food produced is lost between harvest and the moment it reaches the stores, around here this number reaches 50%, according to the NGO Food Bank.
To help fresh food retailers reduce carbon emissions, the damage and loss of food during transport and the consequent disposal of waste in the soil, the companyHB Poolingcreated a system for sharing returnable boxes for the transport of perishable goods. Packaging is used throughout the food supply chain (producers, distributors and retailers, incentivizing the circular economy in the sector
Companies request the desired quantity of boxes for the transportation of perishable food through a system managed by HB itself. The boxes are delivered and, after being used they return to HB, where they are sanitized and redistributed to new users, creating, thus, a continuous cycle of sharing
Large retailers like GPA, Carrefour, Day and Natural from Earth are already using the reusable boxes from HB.In the last five years, the average annual growth of the company has been above 50%
–> Watch a video about how the cycle of use of reusable boxes works
According to HB, for being returnable, plastic packaging also eliminates the need for managing the disposal of thousands of single-use packages, resulting in an immediate reduction in operational and labor costs for retailers. Furthermore, allow for better occupancy on pallets and trucks, resulting in fewer trips and, consequently, cost savings and lower carbon dioxide emissions
HB's sustainable practice has already prevented 25 million tons of waste from the production of cellulose and cardboard (single-use boxes) from ending up in landfills or being disposed of in a way that is harmful to nature
Market still little explored
The market potential for reusable packaging solutions is significant. According to the CEO of HB Pooling, Ana Miranda, in Brazil, are busy, approximately, 7,3 billion kilograms of fruit, fruits, vegetables, and legumes (FLV) per year. Of these, the company estimates that only 12% are packaged in returnable containers
For this year, the projection of HB is optimistic. The company expects to double in size and is already prepared to increase its operation. "We will make available to the market one more",2 million reusable boxes, meeting the growing demand for efficient and sustainable logistics solutions in Brazil, reveals Ana. Currently, the HB has 2,3 million assets in circulation (all produced locally)
Based in Curitiba, HB is present in nine states and operates in 30 retail distribution centers and 14 supply centers for producers
Less food loss during transportation
Food loss occurs when there is a reduction in the quantity or quality of food before it is sold in markets and other establishments. It occurs for various reasons
In Brazil, the distribution of fresh food faces critical challenges related to losses and waste that impact everything from the profitability of producers and retailers to the final quality of products on the shelf and the environment as a whole.
Among the main causes of food loss are the inadequate packaging of products in containers (boxes, cardboard or wood) and excessive handling, both when loading them onto the truck and during the unloading process
"The use of appropriate packaging that minimizes handling of the load and possible physical damage is a relevant factor for preserving product quality and mitigating losses", assesses Ana
Benefits of Pooling
The service offered by HB is based on the concept of "pooling", still little known in Brazil, but already widely used in Europe
It is about the sharing of packaging for transportation, that allows several companies throughout the supply chain to use the same asset instead of each one buying and maintaining their own boxes for food transportation.
THEpoolingis considered a way to reduce environmental impact because it encourages the reuse and recycling of packaging, contributing to the reduction of natural resource consumption and the decrease in waste generation
"When using the system of"pooling, everyone wins: retailers reduce their costs and increase their efficiency; the end consumer has access to fresh food with maximum quality; and the environment suffers fewer impacts, resume Ana
Main benefits of using returnable boxes
Four times more resistant than cardboard boxes – still widely used in the transport of FLV -, the foldable boxes are made of 100% virgin and recyclable plastic. Because they are light, but, at the same time, firm, facilitate handling, loading and unloading of products, ensuring that the items arrive fresh and intact at their destination. Plastic boxes also do not absorb moisture like those made of wood or cardboard
According to HB, these are the five main benefits provided by replacing disposable packaging with reusable boxes
Circular Economythe reusable boxes are designed for continuous use in the supply chain, minimizing the need for disposable materials. At the end of its useful life, are recycled to create new assets, closing the loop and avoiding waste.
• Waste Reductionreduction of solid waste, what reduces the environmental impact and carbon footprint of the supply chain
Fewer trips, fuel consumption and 50% more deliveriesthe design of the boxes allows a greater number of them to be stacked in the same load, making better use of the internal space in vehicles. This results in a gain of up to 50% in deliveries, due to the decrease in travel and lower fuel consumption
Reduction of Food Wasteaccording to a study conducted by HB, when compared to other packaging, like cardboard, plastic boxes ensure up to 96% less damage to products during transport to retailers. This is because its design protects the products against external impacts and internal friction. Furthermore, it was found that they reduce waste in transportation by 35% due to proper ventilation for the content, allowing for better breathing of the FLV.
Less handling and possible damage at the point of salethe products arrive at the point of sale ready for display, without wasting time to unpack, unload and separate the products. They also do not require the need to transfer items from one box to another. All of this reduces the chances of damage during food handling.
–> Check it out herea video demonstrating how the entire HB pooling cycle works
