Provider of lighter, stronger, 100 percent recyclable all-plastic pallets strengthens its leadership in sustainable pallet pooling
ORLANDO, Fla. – March 3, 2009 – Intelligent Global Pooling Systems (iGPS Company LLC), operator of the world’s first all-plastic pool with embedded radio frequency identification (“RFID”) tags, announced today that it has become an official member of the EPA’s SmartWay Transport Partnership, a voluntary collaboration between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the transport industry that reduces greenhouse gases and other pollutants and improves fuel efficiency.
“Sustainability and concern for our environment are core underpinnings of iGPS, so joining the SmartWay Partnership makes total sense for us,” said Bob Moore, CEO of iGPS. “We make every effort to ship our pallets on carriers who also participate in the SmartWay Partnership by employing advanced practices that reduce fuel usage and emissions. This is a superb program, with real results, and we’re proud to be a part of it.”
Launched in February 2004, the SmartWay Transport Partnership’s goals are to reduce 33-66 million metric tons of carbon dioxide and up to 200,000 tons of nitrogen oxide per year by 2012 through improving fuel efficiency and overall environmental performance. Its 1,200 members consist of major freight shippers, trucking companies, railroads, and logistics companies.
In less than three years of operation, iGPS has revolutionized the way unitized loads are being shipped throughout the U.S. supply chain. Its state-of-the-art all-plastic pallet weighs 30 percent less than the typical multi-use wood pallet, contains 4 RFID tags for tracking and tracing and is 100 percent recyclable. iGPS pallets meet or exceed all GMA requirements and have received fire performance certification under UL 2335 (file no. R25482) and FM Approvals 4996.
A recent independent life cycle analysis documented that iGPS’ pallet is environmentally superior to the typical multi-use wood pallet on every regularly-measured dimension. Shippers who make the switch from wood pallets to iGPS save on transport costs and help reduce large quantities of greenhouse gas emissions, as well as curtail deforestation. More information on the life cycle analysis comparing the environmental impact of iGPS’ all-plastic pallets versus typical multi-use wood pallets, including a greenhouse gas savings calculator, can be found at www.igps.net.
Many of America’s top companies now ship on iGPS pallets, including QTG (Quaker Tropicana Gatorade), the Chicago-based division of PepsiCo, Cott Corporation, Imperial Sugar, Martori Farms, Borders Melon Co. and other top-tier brands.
About iGPS
iGPS is the world's first company to provide manufacturers and retailers with an all-plastic pallet pool with embedded RFID-tags. iGPS’s state-of-the-art pallets are 30 percent lighter than wood, which saves on transport costs, are easier to handle and eliminate protruding nails and splinters that cause workplace injuries and damaged equipment. In addition, embedded RFID tags enable shippers and receivers to track and trace shipments in real time. Launched in March 2006, the company is led by pallet and supply chain veterans with decades of experience. iGPS (www.igps.net) is headquartered in Orlando, FL.
Pegasus Capital Advisors, a private equity fund manager with offices in New York and Cos Cob, CT, retains a majority interest in iGPS. Founded in 1995, Pegasus provides capital to middle market companies across a wide range of industries, with particular focus on businesses that make a meaningful contribution to society by positively affecting the environment, contributing to sustainability and enabling healthy living. www.pcalp.com.
For information about the SmartWay Transport Partnership visit www.epa.gov/smartway.