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iGPS Forms Partnership with the National Forest Foundation to Plant Trees and Help Restore Our Nation's Forests
iGPS Forms Partnership with the National Forest Foundation to Plant Trees and Help Restore Our Nation's Forests
Published 10-07-08
Submitted by iGPS Company LLC
ORLANDO, Fla., Oct. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Intelligent Global Pooling Systems (iGPS Company LLC), operator of the world's first all-plastic pallet pool with embedded RFID tags, announced today that it has entered into a partnership with the National Forest Foundation (NFF), the congressionally chartered nonprofit partner of the U.S. Forest Service. Under the partnership, iGPS will make a contribution to the NFF every time an iGPS pallet is rented over the next two years, a sum that will lead to the planting of at least 100,000 new seedlings in the U.S.
"Deforestation is one of the most ecologically-damaging phenomena occurring today, with devastating impacts on our climate, our wildlife and our health," said Bob Moore, chief executive officer of iGPS. "As a company built on sustainability and smart environmental practices, preservation and restoration of our nation's forests is an important issue for us. We are proud of our innovative plastic pallets and our partnership with NFF as we continue to take a leadership position in the supply chain and logistics industry."
The iGPS campaign will help restore many of our nation's forests including Southern California's San Bernardino National Forest, where a recent wildfire severely burned nearly 15,000 acres. Trees planted through the iGPS / NFF partnership will help absorb carbon and revitalize this landscape, which provides critical habitat for wildlife, fresh water resources, and outdoor recreation for millions of visitors.
Based in Missoula, Montana, the NFF addresses the challenges that face our 193 million acres of National Forests and Grasslands. To date, the NFF has leveraged more than $52 million in federal and private funding to enhance recreation trails, restore critical watersheds, improve wildlife habitat and engage communities in caring for our National Forests.
"Of all the hardwood logged in the United States, 40 percent is used for pallets which are frequently used only once and then landfilled. Wood pallets are heavy, bulky, and increase shipping costs and energy used in transportation," said NFF President Bill Possiel. "We are proud to work with iGPS to restore our forests and reduce demand for hardwood species, which sequester carbon and provide many other ecosystem benefits."
A recent independent life cycle analysis documented that iGPS’ all-plastic pallet is environmentally superior to the typical multi-use wood pallet on every recognized dimension. Shippers who make the switch from wood pallets to iGPS 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 multiuse wood pallets vs. iGPS all-plastic pallets can be found at www.igps.net.
In just two years, iGPS has revolutionized the way goods are being shipped throughout the U.S. supply chain. Its all-plastic pallet weighs 30% less than typical multi-use wood pallets, contains 4 RFID tags for tracking and tracing and is 100% recyclable. In addition, iGPS’ pallet meets or exceeds all GMA requirements and has received FM Approvals Standard 4996 and UL 2335 certification for fire retardance. Many of America’s top companies now ship on iGPS pallets, including QTG (Quaker Tropicana Gatorade), the Chicago-based division of PepsiCo, Cott, Dole Fresh Vegetables, Imperial Sugar, Pilgrim’s Pride, Martori Farms 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% 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., with offices in Dallas, New York and Bentonville, Arkansas.
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
About 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(R) 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.
