The German multinational IFCO has chosen Barcelona to propel the innovation of its reusable containers for fresh food transport. To this end, the company has opened a global digital hub at Pier 01 of Tech Barcelona, from which it will boost the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) in its products.
Advanced tools such as AI and IoT have arrived to generate impacts across all sectors and products, even in boxes for transporting food. Integrating them into IFCO's reusable transport containers will allow for improved traceability and transparency throughout the supply chain, which will enable its clients to optimize the use of containers, reduce environmental impact, and streamline logistics.
The hub in the Catalan capital will focus precisely on boosting the integration of these advanced digital tools into IFCO's containers. The center will start with a team of 25 technology professionals, with plans to double them to 50 during the coming year.
In addition to opening this hub at Pier 01, the company joins Tech Barcelona as a global partner, with the aim of positioning itself at the epicenter of the city's technological and digital ecosystem. "By partnering with Tech Barcelona, we are leveraging one of Europe's leading technological innovation centers, allowing us to advance our mission of providing sustainable solutions globally," said IFCO CEO Mike Pooley. The opening of the hub, according to him, represents a "strategic investment" for the company, founded in 1992 in Germany and now present in more than 50 countries.
Indeed, "Tech Barcelona's dynamic ecosystem aligns perfectly with the vision of a technological future for sustainable solutions in the supply chain" that IFCO advocates, according to its chief data officer, Sebastian Grams. From Tech Barcelona, Miquel Martí has stated that the company's incorporation as a global partner and its new hub will boost Barcelona's growth as a benchmark in technology applied to the circular economy.
In line with positioning the city internationally in areas like this, the CEO of the technology association has guaranteed that "Tech Barcelona will continue to be a gateway for international companies seeking to generate global impact from the city."