ifoodbag AB has gained extensive knowledge about the final mile cold logistics during the project period. By collecting, analyzing and documenting the requirements from a great number of potential customers in various segments, geographies and with different prerequisites, the product and system specifications has been developed.
ifoodbag bag prototypes of many different composite materials have been created and evaluated in relation to the diversified customer needs.
Based on the experience gained throughout the project, a new testing methodology has been created, with improved ability of simulating different real-life environments with consistent results. Furthermore, ifoodbag has built an in-house laboratory to minimise the use of subcontractors for increased flexibility at reduced cost.
ifoodbag AB has performed a vast number of trials to scrutinize and evaluate the performance of the ifoodbag system. Since carrier bag, passive coolants and iBox are the major components of the system, each one of them is used as a variable when evaluating the performance of the combined system. The evaluation has been done both for refrigerated and frozen food and for different customer types, in laboratory scale as well as in customer real life environment (in commercial pilot proof-of-concept trials). The results show that with an optimized combination of these three variables for each situation the performance of the system can reach a performance of up to 24 hours as set out. However, in general, the performance of the first zero series could not meet the high expectations from all the customers. Trial data from the first zero series suggested increased thermal resistance was needed to enhance the stand-alone performance. Based on the gathered information a new ifoodbag zero series has been handmade and tested with promising results. The final configuration of the gen2 system has not yet been locked, even though the results are well underway.
Cost-benefits analysis for end-customers indicates that by adopting the ifoodbag gen2 system, customers can benefit in supply chain management, financial, customer satisfaction, social appearance and/or - not the least important – contribute to the important fight against plastic.
A global IPR strategy has been developed and the results of the R&D work have regularly been incorporated in the extensive patent registration documentation. ifoodbag system, process and methodology are patent pending in more than 45 countries. Trademarks, design and domains are also being registered and protected.
A conscious brand marketing, regular communication activities and a keen interest from media has created a wide spread awareness of ifoodbag and its promising last-mile solution.
ifoodbag AB intends to continue its exclusive collaboration with global packaging company Mondi in the production of ifoodbag gen2 products. The production capacity for at least the first two years has been secured through this parternship. The production process and the supply chain has been analysed in the project and several improvements has been identified, cutting lead times and reducing cost and risk. A production process manual, a quality assurance and verification procedure has been prepared, as well as a customer usage manual in pictures and words.
In addition to the testing of thermal performance, the ifoodbag gen2 has passed tests for recyclability, quality and food safety management. ifoodbag AB has developed the testing protocol used to examine the recyclability of ifoodbag products together with its development partners. A 3rd party has validated that the production process meets regulatory requirements and applicable standards for food packaging.
