Revolutionizing fresh food logistics with launch of ultra-light, smart-tracking Nestor pallet

IFCO is set to unveil its latest addition to the reusable packaging portfolio, the Nestor plastic pallet, at the Fruit Attraction event in Madrid, occurring from 8 to 10 October 2024. The Nestor pallet, distinguished by its ultralight design and digital tracking capabilities, aims to enhance the efficiency of fresh food logistics. Weighing just 14kg, the Nestor pallet offers a significant reduction in weight compared to traditional wooden pallets, which typically weigh between 22-24kg. Its design includes wider feet, an interlocking system, and metal bar reinforcement, enabling it to support loads of up to 1,000kg while facilitating secure stacking and space optimization during transport.

Exclusive to IFCO's Pallet SmartCycle, a sustainable pooling system, Nestor incorporates advanced technologies such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), GPS, and QR codes to improve the traceability of fresh products throughout the supply chain. According to Marco Geremia, Sales Director of Plastic Pallet Europe at IFCO, the introduction of Nestor allows for the transportation of a significantly higher number of empty pallets per truck, thereby reducing transport requirements, CO2 emissions, and costs. Geremia also emphasized Nestor's compliance with ISO 8611 standards, ensuring its reliability for rack loading up to 1,000kg.

Inigo Canalejo, Vice President of ESG and Strategic Marketing at IFCO, highlighted the environmental benefits and durability of the Nestor pallet within the IFCO Pallet SmartCycle. The design not only minimizes the need for frequent inspections and repairs but also ensures the recycling of damaged pallets, contributing to the sustainability of the fresh grocery supply chain. With the launch of Nestor, IFCO expands its offering of durable pallet solutions tailored to meet the varied demands of the fresh grocery supply chain, including the previously introduced Dora pallet, designed for heavier loads and high-efficiency automated environments.

Source: IFCO