Intelligent Global Pooling Systems (iGPS Company) announced July 6 that its lightweight, discretely traceable and 100 percent recyclable plastic pallet has received Food Equipment Certification from NSF International. This certification demonstrates that iGPS' pallet complies with the highest established food protection and sanitation requirements for materials, design, fabrication and construction of food handling and processing equipment.
"This NSF/ANSI Standard 2 certification is another significant validation of the superior design and construction of the iGPS pallet, making it the world's only rental pallet to have achieved this certification," said Bob Moore, chairman and CEO of iGPS. "In short, our pallet's smooth, non-absorbent and permanently sealed design makes it ideal for use around food."
To receive this NSF certification, food-related equipment is required to be designed to prevent the harborage of pests and the accumulation of dirt and debris, as well as to permit easy inspection, maintenance, servicing and cleaning. NSF's Food Equipment Certification Program includes rigorous testing, certification and production facility audits to verify compliance with these certification requirements. Annual audits of the production facility are also part of the certification process.
"NSF International examines the materials that come in contact with food and reviews the construction design against the standard requirements to ensure cleanability and prevent the harborage of bacteria," said Joe Phillips, general manager of the Food Equipment Program at NSF International. "The NSF Certification Mark on iGPS' pallet confirms that NSF has assessed and certified its conformity against these requirements," Phillips added.
About iGPS
iGPS operates the world's first pallet rental service providing shippers and receivers with all-plastic pallets with embedded RFID tags. iGPS' state-of-the-art pallets are 30 percent lighter than wood, which saves on transport costs and helps reduce greenhouse gases. Its pallets are also more hygienic, easier to handle and, because they eliminate protruding nails and splinters, reduce workplace injuries and damaged equipment. Embedded RFID tags enable shippers and receivers to track and trace shipments. And iGPS pallets are 100 percent recyclable. Launched in March 2006, the company has created nearly 2,000 new green jobs in the U.S. and is led by pallet and supply chain veterans with decades of experience. iGPS is headquartered in Orlando, Fla., and has offices in Dallas and in Bentonville, Ark.
About NSF International
NSF International, an independent, not-for-profit organization, certifies products and writes standards for food, water and consumer goods to minimize adverse health effects and protect the environment (www.nsf.org). Founded in 1944, NSF is committed to protecting human health and safety worldwide and operates in more than 120 countries. NSF is a World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Food and Water Safety and Indoor Environment.
NSF has led the development of most American national food equipment standards. NSF's Food Equipment Certification Program is based on these standards and is a voluntary conformity assessment program that includes testing, certification and production facility audits to verify compliance. NSF International's evaluation examines the materials, which come in contact with food and reviewing the construction design against the standard requirements to ensure cleanability and prevent the harborage of bacteria. Annual audits of the production facility are also part of the certification process.
