Brazil is among the ten countries that waste the most food, with about 35% of production being discarded every year, according to data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

An alarming fact is that while around the world 14% of produced food is lost between harvest and the moment it reaches stores, here that number reaches 50%, according to the NGO Food Bank.

To help fresh food retailers reduce carbon emissions, damage and food losses during transportation, and the consequent disposal of waste in the soil, the companyHB Poolingcreated a reusable crate sharing system for the transportation of perishable goods. Packaging is used throughout the entire food supply chain (producers, distributors, and retailers), promoting the circular economy in the sector.

The companies request the desired number of boxes for the transportation of perishable foods through a system managed by HB itself. The boxes are delivered and, after being used, return to HB, where they are sanitized and redistributed to new users, thus creating a continuous sharing cycle.

Large retailers such as GPA, Carrefour, Dia, and Natural da Terra are already using HB's reusable boxes.In the last five years, the company's average annual growth has been over 50%.

–> Watch a video about how the cycle of use of reusable boxes works

According to HB, because they are reusable, plastic packaging also eliminates the need for disposal management of thousands of single-use packages, resulting in an immediate reduction in operational and labor costs for retailers. Furthermore, they allow for better utilization of pallets and trucks, resulting in fewer trips and, consequently, cost savings and lower carbon dioxide emissions.

HB's sustainable practice has prevented 25 million tons of waste from pulp and cardboard production (single-use boxes) from ending up in landfills or being disposed of in an environmentally harmful way.

Market still little explored

The market potential for reusable packaging solutions is significant. According to HB Pooling's CEO, Ana Miranda, in Brazil, approximately 7.3 billion kilograms of fruits, vegetables, and greens (FV) are moved annually. Of these, the company estimates that only 12% are packaged in returnable containers.

For this year, HB's projection is optimistic. The company plans to double in size and is already prepared to expand its operations. "We will make an additional 1.2 million reusable boxes available to the market, meeting the growing demand for efficient and sustainable logistics solutions in Brazil," reveals Ana. Currently, HB has 2.3 million assets in circulation (all produced locally).

Headquartered in Curitiba, HB is present in nine states and operates in 30 retailer distribution centers and 14 producer supply centers.

Less food loss during transportation

Food loss occurs when there is a reduction in the quantity or quality of food before it reaches markets and other establishments. It occurs for various reasons.

In Brazil, the distribution of fresh foods 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 shelves and the environment as a whole.

Among the main causes of food loss are improper storage of products in containers (boxes, cardboard, or wood) and excessive handling, both when placing them in the truck and during the unloading process.

"The use of appropriate packaging that minimizes handling of the load and potential physical damage is a relevant factor for preserving product quality and mitigating losses," evaluates Ana.

Benefits of Pooling

The service offered by HB is based on the concept of "pooling," which is still little known in Brazil but already widely used in Europe.

It is about sharing packaging for transportation, which allows multiple companies across the supply chain to use the same asset instead of each one purchasing and maintaining their own boxes for food transportation.

THEpoolingIt is 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 of 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 foods of maximum quality; and the environment suffers fewer impacts," summarizes Ana.

Main benefits of using returnable boxes

Four times more resistant than cardboard boxes – still widely used in the transportation of FLV – foldable boxes are made of 100% virgin and recyclable plastic. Being lightweight yet firm at the same time, they facilitate handling, loading, and unloading of products, ensuring that items arrive fresh and intact at their destination. Plastic boxes also do not absorb moisture like wood or cardboard.

According to HB, these are the five main benefits provided by replacing disposable packaging with reusable boxes:

Circular EconomyReusable boxes are designed for continuous use in the supply chain, minimizing the need for disposable materials. At the end of their useful life, they are recycled to create new assets, closing the cycle and preventing waste.

• Waste Reductionreduction of solid waste, which reduces environmental impact and the carbon footprint of the supply chain.

• Fewer trips, fuel consumption, and 50% more deliveriesThe box design allows a greater number of them to be stacked in the same load, making better use of the internal space in the vehicles. This results in up to a 50% increase in deliveries due to reduced travel distances and lower fuel consumption.

Reduction of Food WasteAccording to a study conducted by HB, when compared to other packaging such as cardboard, plastic boxes ensure up to 96% fewer damages to products during transportation 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 contents, allowing better breathing of the FLV.

Less handling and possible damage at the point of saleThe products are already delivered to the point of sale ready for display, saving time on unpacking, unloading, and sorting the products. They also do not require the need to register a box from one 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.