Tommy d.o.o. and Elog: Reusable packaging for more sustainable logistics and fresher products

Tommy d.o.o., through continuous investments in business development and the implementation of modern technological solutions, contributes to sustainability with a strong focus on environmental protection. Thanks to a well-thought-out strategy, flexible market adaptation, a customer-oriented approach, and continuous investment in quality and employees, Tommy has grown into one of the most important and stable business systems in Croatia.

As part of its sustainable business strategy, one of the key steps has been the collaboration with the company eLog and the use of reusable plastic packaging – RPC (Returnable Plastic Crates) – in the fresh produce segment. This packaging replaces traditional single-use cardboard boxes, significantly reducing waste, the need for recycling, and CO₂ emissions associated with the production and disposal of single-use materials.

RPC – packaging that preserves product freshness

In the fresh produce sector, preserving quality and ensuring safe transport are key factors for customer satisfaction. The freshness of fruits and vegetables is one of the core strengths of Tommy’s product range, built on close collaboration with local family farms (OPGs) and strong support for Croatian producers. More than 70% of the assortment is of domestic origin, further strengthening ties with the local community.

The use of reusable RPC packaging provides:

• better product protection: reduces the number of mechanical damages and spoilage during transport, resulting in less product loss and higher quality on store shelves.
• preservation of freshness: the closed-loop packaging system enables optimal storage conditions, which is key for extending freshness and ensuring food safety.
• standardization and traceability: standardized packaging increases efficiency in logistics and warehousing processes and facilitates product traceability

Benefits of Using RPC in Logistics

In 2024, Tommy opened a new logistics and distribution center in Dugopolje, further strengthening the development of its business system. The center was designed to meet the highest sustainability standards, with a focus on eco-friendly design and the installation of solar panels, which reduce energy consumption and operating costs. The energy-efficient solutions implemented in the center not only improve business performance but also actively reduce environmental impact, reaffirming Tommy’s commitment to sustainable and responsible operations.

Using RPC packaging in logistics offers a number of tangible benefits:

• Reduced transport costs: thanks to the stackability of empty crates, the number of return trips is minimized and vehicle utilization is optimized.
• Process automation: reusable packaging allows for easier integration into automated sorting and storage systems.
• Lower operational costs: less packaging waste means lower disposal costs and reduced labor time spent handling packaging.

Environmental Advantages of RPC Packaging

By switching from cardboard boxes to reusable RPC packaging, Tommy has achieved significant environmental benefits:

• Compared to cardboard boxes, using RPCs in the fruit and vegetable segment results in a 68% lower impact on global warming, which equals 478 metric tons of CO₂ or the equivalent of driving 3,677,777 km in a passenger car over one year, or saving 227 hectares of forest.
• Additionally, water usage has been reduced by 63%, or 149,283 cubic meters, compared to cardboard – equivalent to 2,488,051 average showers per year (the volume of 60 Olympic swimming pools).
• Using RPCs has led to a 45% reduction in fossil fuel consumption, saving 3,463 GJ of energy, which equals 96 m³ of fuel or the annual energy consumption of 244 households.

The use of eLog’s reusable packaging is part of Tommy’s broader sustainability strategy, which includes modernization of logistics processes, implementation of automation, use of renewable energy sources, and strong social responsibility.
These initiatives not only reduce the environmental footprint but also deliver long-term operational efficiency and strengthen relationships with local communities and producers.