Rethinking Packaging for Fats and Oils: Why Reusable Solutions Make Sense 

For fats and oils manufacturers, packaging is more than a transport solution—it directly impacts cost, efficiency, product quality, and sustainability. Traditionally, rigid containers like Schutz IBCs have been the go-to, but as operational pressures increase, it’s the manufacturers across the fats and oils industry are evaluating whether they still serve the needs of modern supply chains. 

Reusable, foldable packaging offers a practical and cost-effective alternative. At Tosca, we work with some of the largest food manufacturers in Europe, helping them improve efficiency while meeting strict hygiene and sustainability standards. Here’s how. 

Reduce Transport Costs and Space Constraints 

Rigid containers take up significant space, particularly on return journeys. A standard truck can carry only around 26 rigid units. Foldable IBCs, by contrast, can fit up to 182 units on a single truck when returned empty. This dramatically reduces return transport costs and cuts down on emissions—an important consideration as sustainability reporting becomes more rigorous. 

No Capital Expenditure or Asset Management 

For companies used to purchasing and managing their own container fleets, switching to a reusable packaging model can unlock immediate operational benefits. There is no capital investment, no maintenance responsibility, and no need to manage washing, repairs or replacement cycles. Packaging is delivered clean, secure and ready to use, with full traceability and quality control handled externally. 

Better Product Recovery 

With many fats and oils being viscous or solidifying at room temperature, traditional containers can lead to significant product loss. Our reusable units are designed with a liner and squeeze roller system that enables up to 99% product recovery. This helps reduce waste and increases product yield—key for cost efficiency and sustainability. 

Secure and Hygienic by Design 

Food-grade hygiene is critical, especially for edible oils and fats. Some manufacturers currently invest heavily in washing their own containers to ensure compliance. By switching to a fully managed reusable system, this overhead is eliminated. Each unit is professionally cleaned and maintained to food safety standards, reducing the risk of contamination or customer complaints. 

To further support product integrity during transport and storage, our containers are equipped with a tamper-evident device, giving manufacturers added peace of mind that the contents remain secure from filling to delivery. 

Supporting Sustainability and Compliance 

As Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations tighten across Europe, single-use and hard-to-recycle packaging is under increasing scrutiny. Foldable, reusable IBCs eliminate the need for disposal and are part of a circular pooling model that helps reduce waste and carbon impact, while ensuring a consistent supply of fit-for-purpose containers. 

In parallel, the proposed Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is introducing ambitious targets for reuse. For certain packaging types, including transport, sales and grouped packaging, 40% must be reused by 2030, rising to 70% by 2040 through a managed return system. 

These regulations signal a significant shift away from single-use packaging. Manufacturers that adopt reusable solutions now will not only improve operational efficiency and sustainability but also be better positioned for long-term compliance and competitive advantage. 

A Smarter Packaging Approach for Oils and Fats 

Manufacturers in the fats and oils industry face growing demands to operate more efficiently, sustainably and reliably. Reusable packaging offers a practical way to meet those demands—lowering transport costs, reducing waste, and removing the complexity of container ownership. 

Traceability 

In fats and oils supply chains, visibility is critical to protect product integrity and maintain strict quality standards. With Tosca’s reusable bulk containers, every asset can uniquely identified and tracked throughout its lifecycle – from filling to return and sanitisation – helping manufacturers stay in control of assets and hygiene compliance. 

With Tosca Asset IQ, we can create the best traceability solution for you – whether that’s passive RFID or active smart tracking for  real-time monitoring, giving you the data you need to trace movements, support audits, and optimise planning. This ensures accountability across every stage of handling, reducing risk and safeguarding product quality 

To wrap up 

By rethinking packaging, fats and oils producers can unlock efficiency, protect product quality and future-proof their supply chains –  and with Tosca, they have a partner ready to support them every step of the way. 

To learn more about how this approach could benefit your operations, get in touch with Tosca.