RFID-enabled Pallets Aid Reforestation Efforts

ORLANDO, Fla.—Intelligent Global Pooling Systems (iGPS), operator of an all-plastic pallet pool with embedded RFID tags, has entered into a partnership with the National Forest Foundation (NFF), a congressionally chartered nonprofit partner of the U.S. Forest Service.

Under the partnership, iGPS will make a contribution to the NFF every time an iGPS pallet is rented over the next two years. iGPS estimates that the agreement will lead to the planting of at least 100,000 new seedlings in the U.S.

“Deforestation is one of the most ecologically-damaging phenomena occurring today, with devastating impacts on our climate, our wildlife and our health,” says Bob Moore, chief executive officer of iGPS. “As a company built on sustainability and smart environmental practices, the preservation and restoration of our nation’s forests is an important issue for us.”

“Of all the hardwood logged in the United States, 40% is used for pallets, which are frequently used only once and then landfilled,” says NFF President Bill Possiel. “Wood pallets are heavy and bulky, and increase shipping costs. We are proud to work with iGPS to restore our forests and reduce demand for hardwood species, which sequester carbon and provide many other ecosystem benefits.”

According to a press statement, a recent, independent life-cycle analysis documented that iGPS’ all-plastic pallet is environmentally superior to the typical multi-use wood pallet. Shippers who make the switch from wood pallets to iGPS help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and curtail deforestation.

An all-plastic pallet from iGPS weighs 30% less than typical multi-use wood pallets, contains four RFID tags for tracking and tracing and is 100% recyclable. In addition, iGPS pallets meet or exceed all GMA requirements and have received FM Approvals Standard 4996 and UL 2335 certification for fire retardance.

The iGPS-sponsored campaign will help restore many of the nation’s forests, including southern California’s San Bernardino National Forest, where a recent wildfire burned nearly 15,000 acres. Trees planted through the iGPS/NFF partnership will help absorb carbon and revitalize the landscape, which also provides wildlife habitat, fresh water resources, and outdoor recreation for millions of visitors, says a company spokesperson.