Foldable crates reduce waste and improve cold storage performance

Il Visone, a prominent grape producer under Italy’s Agricoper group, has joined forces with packaging solutions provider Tosca to tackle key supply chain challenges and improve sustainability efforts. By implementing Tosca’s reusable plastic crates, the company has enhanced the handling, transport, and storage of fresh grapes — cutting down on waste and operational inefficiencies while ensuring produce quality.

Tackling transport issues while protecting freshness

Ensuring grapes remain fresh from harvest through to distribution requires dependable logistics and storage solutions. Il Visone previously faced difficulties using standard packaging materials such as cardboard and thin plastic containers, which frequently failed in cold storage. These weaknesses caused pallet instability, product damage, and inefficiencies throughout the supply chain. Additionally, the use of rigid, non-collapsible crates made storage and transportation more costly and space-intensive.

To solve these issues, Il Visone adopted Tosca’s durable and reusable plastic crates — a shift that offered both performance reliability and environmental benefits.

Smarter packaging for a stronger supply chain

Tosca’s crates are foldable, ventilated, and stackable — features designed to improve airflow, preserve freshness, and increase transport capacity. The improved airflow system ensures that grapes stay fresh during the peak export season, from August to November. Their sturdy structure helps reduce pallet failures, improving safety and minimizing product loss. When empty, the crates can be easily folded, saving space and lowering return logistics costs.

The switch also streamlined field-to-packing operations. Foldable crates cut down on back-and-forth transport, boosting efficiency and reducing emissions. Tosca also custom-branded the crates for Il Visone, adding traceability and brand visibility throughout the supply chain.

Environmental benefits through reusability

The partnership supports Il Visone’s broader sustainability strategy by replacing single-use containers with long-lasting, washable, and reusable alternatives. This transition not only reduces packaging waste but also helps prevent food loss by better protecting grapes during transit. The space-saving design means fewer trips are needed, cutting carbon emissions. On top of that, Il Visone uses an in-house cleaning system to sanitize the crates, avoiding the need for external washing services.

Expanding the collaboration

Il Visone’s work with Tosca goes beyond grape crates. The company also uses Tosca’s plastic pallets for internal transport and Tosca’s wood-look crates in retail outlets like CRAI. Discussions are underway to explore the use of additional products — such as Low Bins — as part of a rental model to further streamline operations.

A spokesperson from Il Visone noted that Tosca’s reusable crates have helped simplify their processes and improved efficiency at every step. He added that the durability, smart design, and service have made them a key partner in their supply chain.

As Il Visone continues to scale its operations, the partnership with Tosca stands as a model of how practical innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand in fresh produce logistics.

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