The Co-operative strikes deal with CHEP

The Co-operative Group has signed a reusable plastic container (RPC) contract with pallet and container pooling specialist CHEP, allowing a potential volume of six million RPC movements annually.

The Co-operative will use the reusable containers to transport and display fruit and vegetables in all its stores across the UK, in a bid to reduce environmental concerns about disposable packaging.

The agreement with CHEP provides RPC pooling services for both domestic and international flows, and it follows a period of detailed negotiations relating to quality specifications required by The Co-op. As well as setting significant financial and operational goals with respect to its performance, The Co-op also has objectives relating to environmental activity, which the contract with CHEP will support.

“Our decision to select CHEP was based on its recognition in the marketplace and pan-European network, which are key attributes required to support our strategic growth plans,” said Mike Peters, category trading manager (produce) for The Co-op. “CHEP’s large pool of high-quality RPCs, the hygiene standards to which it operates and the operational efficiencies it will be able to deliver were influencing factors that set them apart from other packaging providers.

“CHEP RPC ready-to-display features will improve the presentation of the products, while optimising product handling and distribution processes. Besides, CHEP RPC reduces the environmental impact associated with the use of ‘single use’ packaging,” Peters added.

“We are delighted with The Co-operative’s decision to select the CHEP RPC pooling service,” said Trace Norton, senior vice-president, containers, CHRP Europe. “CHEP, with its long history, reputation and networking expertise, continues to strive to deliver a high-quality service and exceptional value to its customers.

“By opting to select CHEP equipment pooling, The Co-op has demonstrated its commitment to environmental sustainability. CHEP’s plastic containers can be re-used again and again, therefore eliminating the need for tonnes of ‘single use’ packaging to enter the UK waste stream each year,” he added.