iGPS contributions will result in the planting of over 100,000 new seedlings to further efforts to restore national forests
SAN BERNARDINO, CA – December 4, 2008 – Intelligent Global Pooling Systems (iGPS Company LLC), operator of the world’s first all-plastic pallet pool with embedded RFID tags, has kicked off its partnership with the National Forest Foundation (NFF) with a ceremonial tree planting in the San Bernardino National Forest. On November 17, representatives of the National Forest Service, the National Forest Foundation and the local Chamber of Commerce gathered with iGPS personnel to plant a dozen new seedlings, the first of at least 100,000 that will be planted over the next two years, thanks to funding from iGPS.
In prepared remarks, San Bernardino National Forest Supervisor Jeanne Wade Evans expressed the Forest Service’s appreciation for iGPS’ and the NFF’s support. “Partners like iGPS and the National Forest Foundation play an important part in the restoration of the San Bernardino National Forest. It’s this shared forest stewardship that is key to the management and restoration of our national forests. Planting new seedlings will help our wildlife, water systems and air quality and is important to future generations who are yet to enjoy our national forests.”
Representing iGPS at the ceremony was Vice President of Marketing, Gary Garkowski. “iGPS is based on a foundation of sustainability and we are extremely pleased to contribute to the work that the National Forest Foundation is doing. For many years, pallets were always made of wood and dependent upon wood consumption. iGPS represents a change in technology and innovation that can help reduce deforestation. We are proud to be helping in the restoration of our national forests.”
The iGPS campaign is helping to restore several of our nation’s forests including Southern California’s San Bernardino National Forest. 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.
“iGPS is a company that is growing rapidly and has invigorated this market with an innovative product,” added NFF President Bill Possiel. “iGPS didn’t have to step up to help the San Bernardino National Forest, but they did it because it is a company that is committed to environmental values and sustainability. We appreciate iGPS’ leadership and look forward to our continued partnership in helping this vital natural resource.”
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 versus 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® 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.
About San Bernardino National Forest
The San Bernardino National forest is made up of 671,686 acres and was designated a National Forest more than a hundred years ago. The forest is home to 440 wildlife species and thousands of plant species. Over 30 of these species of animals and plants are listed as threatened or endangered.
