iGPS Program Completes Planting 100,000 Trees in California National Forest
Unique partnership between operator of world's first all-plastic rental service with embedded RFID tags and National Forest Foundation helps restore large areas of San Bernardino National Forest
ORLANDO, Fla. – May 6, 2009 – Intelligent Global Pooling Systems (iGPS Company LLC), operator of the world’s first all-plastic pallet rental service with embedded RFID (radio frequency identification) tags, announced today that as a result of its contributions to the National Forest Foundation, 100,000 trees have been planted in the San Bernardino National Forest in California, an area heavily damaged by forest fires.
In 2008, iGPS entered into a multi-year partnership with the National Forest Foundation (NFF) in which it pledged to make a contribution to the NFF each time iGPS rented a pallet over a 2 year period. In its first year of the agreement, iGPS’ contributions have fully funded the planting of 100,000 pine and fir seedlings, an effort now reaching completion. These trees will help to reforest an area of the San Bernardino National Forest that was severely damaged by wildfire two years ago. These newly planted trees will help to absorb atmospheric carbon during their lifetime while providing improved recreation opportunities, wildlife habitat, and fresh water resources for the many visitors and communities served by the San Bernardino National Forest.
“The more we learn about dangerous climate change, the more scientists point to deforestation as a principal cause. Every time our planet loses a tree it further damages our climate, our wildlife and our health,” said Bob Moore, CEO of iGPS. “As a company committed to the wellbeing of our planet, we are delighted to be working with the National Forest Foundation to help save our forests, a resource that scientists call “the Earth’s lungs.”
“We want to thank iGPS for its commitment to our nation’s forests. Thanks to their generosity and support, we are making a difference” said NFF President Bill Possiel.
In just 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 FM Approvals 4996 and UL 2335 (file no. R25482).
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.
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. Many of America’s top companies now ship on iGPS pallets, including QTG (Quaker Tropicana Gatorade), the Chicago-based division of PepsiCo, General Mills, Cott Corporation, Imperial Sugar, Martori Farms, Borders Melon Co. and other top-tier brands. iGPS (www.igps.net) is headquartered in Orlando, FL.
About the National Forest Foundation
Founded by Congress in 1991, the National Forest Foundation works to conserve, restore and enhance America’s 193-million-acre National Forest System. Through community-based strategies and public-private partnerships, the NFF enhances wildlife habitat, revitalizes wildfire-damaged landscapes, restores watersheds, and improves recreational resources for the benefit of all Americans. The NFF’s Friends of the Forest® program helps build awareness of the issues and values surrounding our National Forests through outreach and volunteer opportunities. To learn more, visit us at www.nationalforests.org.
