The non-porous pallets prevent absorption of liquids, adding an extra margin of food safety. Absorption of liquids can cause cross-contamination of foods and provide safe haven for certain insects.
The embedded radio frequency ID tags enable tracking of shipments throughout the supply chain. Also, because these 48-in x 40-in pallets weigh 48.5 pounds each (an estimated 30 percent lighter in weight than typical wooden pallets), they require less fuel usage during transport. This, in turn, helps reduce green house gas emissions.
Dole Fresh Fruit spokesman William Goldfield notes, “Our decision to incorporate iGPS pallets as part of our shipping network reflects Dole’s desire to continually provide our customers with added value. We see iGPS’ all-plastic pallets as an opportunity to strengthen our supply chain, especially with respect to Dole’s firm commitment to environmental responsibility, food safety, and worker protection.”
