The Technical Phase of the LIFECloover² Project Begins to Revolutionize Plastic Packaging Management in the Agri-food Sector
After a year marked by numerous events and climate-related challenges, the LIFECloover² Project has officially entered its technical phase. This new stage involves the manufacturing of reusable and recyclable polyolefin drums, jerrycans, and crates, aiming to transform the use of packaging in the agri-food sector through a sustainable, traceable, and certified approach.
The goal of LIFECloover² is to first implement a holistic, scalable, and certified circular economy system in Spain, and then replicate it in other European Union countries. This system will enable the reuse and recycling of rigid plastic containers—such as drums and crates—while ensuring compliance with the stringent food safety standards established by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
The launch of the technical phase comes after a particularly difficult period. On October 29, the project faced a major setback due to the DANA (Isolated Depression at High Levels) that severely impacted the Valencia region. Three of the project’s seven partners, all based in this area, were heavily affected by the extreme weather event, which left a devastating toll: 219 fatalities, 87 municipalities affected, over 48,000 businesses damaged, and economic losses exceeding €13.3 billion.
Despite these challenges, the project partners responded swiftly by activating the Risk Management Plan, reaffirming their strong commitment to the goals of LIFECloover². Their determination reflects a broader vision for a more sustainable, circular, and secure Europe in the field of plastic packaging for the agri-food industry.
The project has undergone several changes, and new developments will soon be revealed—changes that will undoubtedly strengthen both the progress and the outcomes of LIFECloover²
WE HAVE REACHED THE 4TH REUSE CYCLE OF INDUSTRIAL DRUMS!
We are pleased to announce that the industrial drums used in the LIFE CLOOVER² project have reached their 4th reuse cycle, achieving one of the key milestones of our circular economy model, which combines reuse with recycling.
These drums, made from virgin high-density polyethylene (HDPE) by our partner company Reyde S.A., were eco-designed from the outset with durability and multi-use capability in mind.
Since their initial distribution, the drums have followed a closed-loop process that includes:
- Filling with citrus waxes (for food drums) and detergents (for non-food drums) at AgroFresh Fuit Protection, S.A. facilities
- First use, followed by recovery and return.
- Washing and reconditioning, ensuring safety and full functionality in each new cycle.
- Identification and traceability, using coloured plastic cable ties that allow us to track the cumulative use of each container.
Each industrial drum has been identified with coloured plastic cable ties, an essential part of our visual traceability system. This system allows the immediate recognition of the number of accumulated uses for each container, ensuring proper management within the closed-loop circuit. Thanks to this colour-coded system, we can accurately track the individual journey of each drum, reinforcing transparency and logistical control.COLOURED PLASTIC CABLE TIES: THE LANGUAGE OF THE LOOP
In LIFE CLOOVER², traceability of reusable containers is a key pillar to ensure efficient and safe management. To achieve this, we have implemented a colour-coded plastic cable tie system, which allows quick identification of each container’s position within the reuse cycle.
Each colour represents a stage in the process — from the first use, through every reuse cycle, to its preparation for recycling.
This visual coding system simplifies logistical control, improves operational efficiency, and enables informed decision-making.
How does the system work?
Each container is marked with its own colour code, applied using cable ties as visual markers:
- In the case of drums, which go through multiple reuse cycles, a new coloured plastic cable tie is added with each use.
This sequence makes it easy to identify how many times a container has been reused. Additionally, new specific plastic cable ties will be assigned when these drums are manufactured using 50% or 80% recycled material.
colour-coded cable tie for food (FRU) and non-food (NRU) drums.
- On the other hand, Jerrycans, are not reused but are recycled and remanufactured. In each new production using recycled material, an identifying cable tie is added to indicate the percentage of recycled content used (50% or 80%), clearly distinguishing their composition.
A simple yet key tool
This cable tie system turns colours into a visual language within the loop, allowing the container’s history to be understood briefly. Thanks to this, we reinforce the system’s transparency and ensure clear, verifiable tracking of each unit in circulation.
THE PLASTIC CRATES LOOP ADVANCES WITH NEW DEVELOPMENTS
The closed-loop system for horticultural plastic crates has introduced new developments in the HDPE crate format.
LIFE CLOOVER² includes two types of plastic crates: lightweight ones made of PP and heavy-duty ones made of HDPE.
The lightweight PP crates (weighing 0.458 kg each) have already been manufactured, sent to the packer, and distributed to customers. A first usage cycle has been completed with the participation of Agropons S.L., one of the members of AMAFRUVA (Asociacion De Mayoristas Asentadores De Frutas Y Verduras De Valencia). The results are currently being analysed and will be reported soon.
The heavy-duty HDPE crates (weighing 1.0 kg each) after a change in supplier, have already been manufactured and have now been delivered to the packer to start their initial cycle.
Both types have been manufactured using virgin material and feature distinctive colours compared to the crates typically used in this sector (horticultural): blue for the lightweight PP crates and light brown for the heavy-duty HDPE crates.
Additionally, discussions are underway with companies in Andalusia to replicate the model in other autonomous communities besides the Valencian Community.
