With customers in more than 50 countries and more than 370 million reusable packaging containers (RPCs) in circulation worldwide, IFCO Systems GmbH is the world’s leading provider of crates for fresh products in the food sector. As a pioneer in the field of reusable containers, IFCO optimises global food supply chains, making them sustainable, efficient and safe. With the construction of the new logistics centre in Dannstadt-Schauernheim, the company is setting new benchmarks in relation to sustainability, climate protection, species conservation and environmentalism. In addition, by expanding its capacities, IFCO is also charting a course for further growth.
“In Dannstadt-Schauernheim, we are creating one of our most modern and technologically challenging logistics centres to date – one which serves as a shining example in the areas of climate protection, species conservation and environmentalism. I am delighted that we had such an experienced partner as Panattoni on board to help us with their expertise and technical know-how,” says Dirk Schaich, Director IFCO Supply Chain and Operation.
The build-to-suit facility was developed on a plot measuring 41,500 m2 in the Rhine-Neckar region and has a total usable space of 23,300 m2. This is divided into approx. 20,000 m2 of production, storage and technical space, approx. 1,100 m2 of office space and approx. 2,200 m2 of mezzanine space. Outside the building, the site also includes 6 lorry parking spaces and around 54 car parking spaces for IFCO. The A61 and A65 autobahns are less than 5 minutes’ drive away and thus ensure fast and reliable connections to the regional customer base.
Petra Dick-Walther, State Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Affairs for Rhineland-Palatinate, explains: “The fact that IFCO Systems GmbH is moving into the new logistics centre developed by Panattoni is a very clear sign of the competitiveness of Rhineland-Palatinate as a business location. The pioneering, innovative business model of IFCO allows for smooth and environmentally friendly transportation of goods and thus lays the groundwork for growth, employment and quality of life in the region.”
IFCO put great emphasis on sustainability in the construction of the new logistics centre.
As the developer, Panattoni achieved Gold certification for the new facility from the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB) and is implementing a comprehensive package of climate protection, species conservation and environmental measures for the provider of reusable packaging solutions. The roof of the new logistics centre features greened areas and a photovoltaic system, which supplies all the power for the facility. Meanwhile, the outdoor areas on the site include park-like recreation areas to promote employees’ wellbeing. In fact, far more bushes and trees were planted than was set out in the development plan. In addition, areas of wildflower meadow and a natural pond were created and a large number of nest boxes were installed for the local birds and insects. Eco-friendly permeable paving was also provided for the car parking spaces. In addition to underfloor heating in all office areas and a resource-conserving heat pump, the facility was also equipped with EV charging points. The building’s tiered green façade references the local landscape and helps to integrate the logistics centre into its surroundings.
Local Mayor Manuela Winkelmann had the following to say: “We are proud that a company such as IFCO – who shares our desire for environmentally sustainable construction and business – has moved into Dannstadt-Schauernheim. IFCO describes itself as a mindful and responsible company with a business model that protects our planet: sustainable, resilient and profitable. They were more than willing to implement the local community’s desire for an energy-efficient construction method (roof greening, photovoltaics, eco-friendly permeable paving, etc.) in order to create a modern building fit for the future.
We undertook this project with IFCO with the knowledge and conviction that it would benefit our community here in Dannstadt-Schauernheim. This was the only way to achieve a standard of building that was previously unseen in the area.
Preserving creation, shaping the future: Reconciling economics with ecology as best as possible and thereby considering the requirements of the environment and our local population – that is our political goal.”
“In Dannstadt-Schauernheim, we were able to provide IFCO with a facility that meets the most demanding of ecological requirements. For this purpose, we drew up and implemented a comprehensive package of climate protection, species conservation and environmental measures together with the local community and IFCO. We would like to thank all those involved for their coordination and collaboration based on trust and a sense of partnership," says Stefan Bohn, Managing Director at Panattoni Germany.
About IFCO:
IFCO is the world’s leading supplier of reusable packaging solutions for fresh products and serves customers in over 50 countries. The company has a global pool of more than 370 million reusable packaging containers (RPCs), which are used in 2 billion deliveries of fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, poultry, fishery products, eggs, bread and other products every year, transporting goods from producers to retailers. IFCO RPCs optimise food supply chains by maintaining products’ freshness and quality, cutting costs, reducing spoilage and being more eco-friendly than single-use packaging.
For more information, visit www.ifco.com
