Introduction
Packaging fruits and vegetables is one of the more important steps in this complicated journey from grower to consumer. Bags, hampers, baskets, cartons, bulk bins, and palletized containers are convenient containers for handling, transporting, and marketing fresh produce.
More than 1,500 different types of packages are used to produce U.S. and the continues to increase as the industry introduces new packaging materials and concept.
Although industry generally agrees that container standardization is one of the way to reduce cost, the trend in recent years has moved toward a wider range of package sizes to accommodate the diverse needs of wholesalers, consumers, food service buyers, and processing operations.
Packing materials contribute a significant cost to the produce industry; therefore it is important that packers, buyers, and consumers have a clear understanding of the wide range of packaging options available. This fact sheet describes some of many types of packaging, including their functions and limitations. Also included is a list, by commodity, of the common containers standard to the industry.
The Function of Packaging, or Why package produce?
A significant percentage of produce buyer and consumer complaints may trace to container failure because of poor design or inappropriate selection. A properly designed produce container should contain, protect, and identify the produce, satisfying everyone from grower to consumer. PACKAGING POINTS
Recallability / Biodegradability.
A growing number of US.
Markets and many export markets have waste disposal restrictions for packaging materials. In the future, almost produce all packaging will be recyclable or biodegradable, or both. Many of the largest buyers of fresh produce are also concerned about environmental issues.
Variety:
The trend is toward greater use of bulk packages and wholesale buyers and smaller packages for consumers.
There are now more than 1,500 different sizes and styles to produce packages.
Sales appeal:
High quality graphics are increasingly being used to boost sales appeal. Multicolor printing, distinctive lettering, and logos are now common.
Shelf Life:
Modern produce packaging can be custom engineered for each commodity to extend shelf life. Containment The container must enclose the produce in convenient units for handling and distribution.
The produce should fit well inside the container, with little wasted space. Small produce items that are spherical or oblong such as potatoes, onions, and apples. However, many produce items such as asparagus, berries, or soft fruit may require containers specially designed for that item. Packages of produce commonly handled by hand are usually limited to 50 pounds. Bulk packages moved by fork lifts may weigh as much as 1,200 pounds.
Protection:
The package must protect the produce from mechanical damage and poor environmental conditions during handling and distribution.
To produce buyers, torn, dented, or collapsed produce packages usually indicate lack of care in handling the contents.
Produce containers must be sturdy enough to resist damage during packages, storage, and transportation to market. Because almost all produce packages are palletized, produce containers should have sufficient stacking strength to resist crushing in a low temperature, high humidity environment. Although the cost of all packages materials has escalated sharply in recent years, poor quality, lightweight containers that are easily damaged by handling or moisture are no longer tolerated by packers or buyers.
Produce destined for export markets requires that containers to be extra sturdy.
Air-freighted produce may require special packing, package sizes, and insulation. Marketers who export fresh produce should consult with freight companies about any special packaging requirements.
The USDA and various state export agencies may be able to provide specific packaging information. Damage resulting from poor environmental control during handling and transit is one of the leading causes of rejected produce and low buyer and consumer satisfaction.
Each fresh fruits and vegetables commodity has its own requirements for temperature, humidity, and environmental gas composition.
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