Ice Box Tabs
How Fruits and vegetables need to be packaged
Introduction
Packing fresh fruit and vegetables is one of the most important steps in the long and complicated journey from grower to consumer. Bags, boxes, baskets, baskets, cartons, containers, bulk containers and pallets are suitable for containers handling, transport and marketing of fresh produce. More than 1,500 different types of packages are used to produce in the U.S. and the number continues to rise As the industry introduces new packaging materials and concepts. Although the industry generally agrees that standardization of containers is a way to reduce costs, the trend in recent years has moved toward a wider range of package sizes to accommodate the diverse needs of wholesalers, consumers, buyers of food service and processing operations.
Packing and packaging materials contribute a significant cost to produce the industry, It is therefore important that packers, shippers, purchasers and consumers have a clear understanding of the wide range of packaging options available. This sheet information describes some of the many types of packaging as well as their functions, uses and limitations. Also included is a listing by product, container products common standard for the industry.
The role of containers or packages Produce Why?
A significant percentage of products buyer and consumer complaints can be traced to lack of containers, due to poor design or selection and inappropriate use. A properly designed container should produce contain, protect, and identify products, satisfying everyone from grower to consumer.
PACKING OF ITEMS
Recycling / biodegradability.
A growing number of U.S. markets and many export markets have restrictions on disposal of packaging materials. In the future Next, almost all production of recyclable or biodegradable, or both. Many of the largest buyers of fresh produce are also more concerned for environmental issues.
Variety.
The trend is toward greater use of bulk packages for processors and buyers in bulk and packets small consumers. Currently there are over 1,500 different sizes and styles to produce packages.
Sales quality graphics are increasingly Appeal.High is used to increase the attractiveness of sales. multi-color printing, distinguishing letters and logos are now common.
Life.
Modern produce packaging can be custom designed for each commodity to prolong life and reduce waste.
Containment
The container should include the product in convenient units for handling and distribution. The products must fit inside the container, with little space wasted. Small is obtained elements that are spherical or elongated (like potatoes, onions and apples) may be packaged efficiently using a variety pack of different shapes and sizes. However, many elements of products such as asparagus, berries or berries may require containers specially designed for that topic.
packages of products typically operated by hand are usually limited to 50 pounds. bulk packages of fork lifts can weigh up to 1,200 pounds.
Protection
The package must protect them from mechanical damage and poor environmental conditions during handling and distribution. To produce buyers, broken, dented, or resulting collapse usually indicate a lack of care in handling the content. Produce containers must be strong enough to resist damage during packaging, storage and transport the market.
Because almost all packages are palletized products, produce packaging must be of sufficient strength to resist crushing stacking low temperature, high humidity. Although the cost of packaging materials has increased considerably in recent years, poor quality, lightweight containers that easily damaged by handling or moisture are no longer tolerated by packers or buyers.
Produce destined for export markets requires containers to be extremely strong. produce-laden air may require special packaging, package size, and isolation. Marketers who export should consult with fresh goods companies on the requirements for special packaging. In addition, the USDA and various agencies of state exports may be able to provide information specific package.
The damage caused by the poor for environmental management and traffic control is a major cause of rejected product and the buyer low and consumer satisfaction. Fresh fruit and vegetables each commodity has its own requirements for temperature, humidity and gas composition of the environment.
containers for agricultural products should be to produce friendly – helping to maintain an environment optimal for longer life. This can include special materials to stop the loss of product water, insulation materials from the heat, or built plastic liners that maintain a favorable mix of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Identification
The package must identify and provide useful information about the product. It is customary (and may be required in some cases) to provide information such as product name, brand, size, grade, the variety, net weight, count, producer, transporter, and the country of origin. It is also increasingly common to find in the package, nutritional information recipes and other useful information targeted at consumers. In consumer marketing, pack-age appearance has become an important part of outlets.
Universal Product Codes (UPC or bar codes) can be included as part of the labeling. The UPC used in food industry consists of a ten-digit machine readable code. The first five digits are assigned to specific producer (packer or consignor) and the second five digits represent product-specific information such as product type and package size. Although no pricing information is included, UPC codes increasingly used by the packers, shippers, buyers and retailers Example of UPC as a quick and convenient method of inventory control and accounting costs. Efficient use of UPCs requires coordination with everyone who handled the package.
Types of Packaging Materials
Wood
Pallets literally form the basis on which to produce the bulk delivered fresh to consumers. Pallets were first used during World War II as an efficient way to move goods. Products industry uses about 190 of the 700 million pallets produced per year in the U.S.. About 40 percent of these are single-use pallets. Because many are of a non-standard size, the pallets are built as cheaply as possible and are deleted after one use. A Despite standardization efforts have been slowly underway for many years, efforts have been accelerated by pressure from environmental groups, in addition to rising cost of pallets and landfill fees of inflection.
Over the years, the range of 40 inches, the platform is 48 inches long has evolved as the unofficial standard size. Standardization encourages reuse, which has many benefits. Besides reducing costs, which can be used many times, pallet racks and pallet handling automated equipment is designed for standard size platforms. Standard pallet size make efficient use of trucks and van space and can accommodate heavier loads and more stress than lighter single-use pallets. Furthermore, the use of a size the SSP could substantially reduce pallet inventory and storage costs along with pallet repair and disposal costs. Adoption a standard platform throughout the produce industry and also help in the efforts towards the standardization of the containers.
In the 1950s, a alternative was introduced to the palette. It is a sheet of pallet size (Slipsheet) fibreboard or corrugated plastic (or a combination of these items) with a narrow lip along one or more sides. product packages are stacked directly on this sheet as if it were a paddle. Once the packages are in place, are moved by a qualified fork lift equipped with a thin metal sheet in place of forks.
Separators are considerably less expensive to buy pallets, stored, and maintain, as they can be reused many times, and reduce the tare weight of the load. However, they require the use of a special attachment with a fork lift in each handling point from packer to retailer.
Depending on the size of the products in combination, a single pallet can take from 20 to over 100 individual packages. Because these packages are often loosely stacked to allow air circulation, or they are bulky and difficult to stack evenly, they must be secured (start units) to prevent shifting during handling and transport. Although widely used, plastic straps and tapes may not have completely satisfactory results. Plastic or paper corner tabs should always be used to prevent crushing straps corners of packages.
Plastic stretch film also is widely used to ensure that occurs. A good movie should be stretched, conserve its elasticity and cling to the packages. Plastic film can be easily adjusted to loads of different sizes. Helps protect packages from moisture loss, makes the platform more secure against theft, and can be applied through automation part. However, plastic film severely restricts proper ventilation. A common alternative to stretch film is plastic netting, which is much best for the stabilization of some pallet loads, such as requiring forced air cooling. Used stretch film and plastic mesh can be difficult properly handle and recycle.
A very low cost and almost fully automated method for stabilizing pallet is the application of a small amount of special glue to the top of each package.
As the packages are stacked, the glue ensures all the boxes together. This glue has a low tensile strength cardboard packaging can be easily separated or place, but a high resistance to cutting to avoid slipping. The tail is not present or eliminate the problems of recycling.
Pallet bins. substantial container or.plywood wooden pallets of lumber are used mainly to move the products of the field or orchard to the packinghouse. Depending application, the capacity can vary from 12 to over 50 bushels. Although the height may vary, the length and width is generally the same as a standard pallet (48 inches by 40 inches). More efficient platform containers double-wide (48 inches by 80 inches) are increasingly common in some products operations.
Most pallet boxes are manufactured locally, so it is very important that they are consistent between batches of materials, construction, and especially size. By example, small differences in the overall dimensions of box pallets can add up to big problems when several hundred are stacked for cooling, ventilation, or storage. It is also important that suitably reinforced stress points.
The average life of a hardwood pallet bin that is out is approximately five years. When properly protected from the weather vane containers may have a lifespan of 10 years or more.
Uniform standards volunteers for wood pallets and other wooden containers are handled by the wooden pallet and container National Association, Washington, DC. Additionally, American Society of Agricultural Engineers, St. Joseph, Michigan, publishes standards for agricultural pallet boxes (ASAE S337.1).
Wire bound boxes. Although alternatives are available, wooden boxes bound metal widely used for snap beans, sweet corn and various other commodities that require cooling. wire cages where there is robust and rigid and have a very high stacking strength is essentially unaffected by water.
bound wire cages come in many different sizes of half a bushel of platform size-bin and have a lot of open space to facilitate cooling and ventilation. Although few are re- use wire cages housing can be concealed after use and sent back to the packing house (flat). In some areas, use containers may pose a major disposal problem. spiral binder boxes are generally not acceptable to the consumer packaging because of the difficulty in placing appropriate labeling.
Wooden boxes and shoes. wooden boxes, once extensively used for apples, stone fruits, and potatoes have been almost totally replaced by other types containers. Expenditure on the containers, a greater concern for the tare weight, and advances in materials handling have reduced their use to items Specialty few, such as tropical fruits expensive. The 15 -, 20 -, and wooden blocks of 25 pounds is still used for the bunch of grapes and some specialty crops are being gradually replaced by less expensive.
Baskets and baskets of wood. Wire baskets reinforced wood veneer baskets of different sizes were used once for a variety of crops from strawberries to sweet potatoes. They are durable and can be nested for efficient transport when empty. However, cost, disposal problems, and difficulty in efficient palletizing have limited their use to local farmer markets especially where they can be reused many times.
Corrugated Fiberboard
Corrugated fiberboard (often mistakenly called a ticket or card) is made of many different styles and weights. Because of the relativity of their low cost and versatility, it is the container to produce key material and likely to remain so in the near future. The power and functionality of corrugated fiber have improved in recent years.
Most corrugated fiberboard is from three or more layers of paperboard manufactured by the kraft process. To be considered cardboard, the paper should be of a thickness of 0.008 inches. The board grades are differentiated by weight (in pounds per 1,000 square feet) and thickness. Kraft paper made from unbleached pulp has a characteristic brown color and is exceptionally strong. In addition to virgin wood fiber, Kraft paper may have some portion of synthetic fibers for strength Additionally, the size (starch), and other materials for resistance to moisture and printing.
Most fiberboard contains some recycled fibers. The minimum amounts of recycled materials can be regulated by law and the percentage is expected to increase in the future. Tests have shown that cartons of completely recycled paper pulp are 75 percent of the stacking of containers of virgin fiber. The use of recycled fibers will inevitably lead to the use thick-walled containers.
double-faced corrugated fiber is the main form used to produce packaging. It is produced by sandwiching a layer of corrugated cardboard between inner and outer lining (facing) of paper board. The interior and exterior coating may be identical, or outer layer can be printed or coated to accept a better impression. The inner layer can be given a special coating to resist moisture. Heavy cargo containers such as corrugated silos that must have high strength for stacking can double or even triple-wall construction. fiber manufacturers corrugated box printing certificates in the bottom of containers to certify certain characteristics and limitations of force. There are two types of certification. The first certifies the minimum combined weight of both the interior and exterior walls and the corrugated fiberboard material is a minimum burst. The second test, certify minimum edge crush (ETC) of force. Edge crush strength is a much better indicator stacking force that is full of strength. For this reason, users of corrugated fiber containers must insist on certification TEC to compare the container stacking capacity different. Both certificates give a maximum size limit for packaging (sum of length, width and height) and the maximum gross weight of the contents.
Both low temperature and high humidity reduce the strength of fiberboard containers. Unless the container is specially treated, moisture from the surrounding air and content can reduce the strength of the container as much as 75 percent. New anti-moisture coatings (both wax and plastic) are now available to substantially reduce the effects of moisture.
fiber waxed cartons (the wax is about 20 percent fiber by weight) are used for many product items to be hydrocooler or ice. The main objection to the elimination of wax after the wax cardboard cartons of use can not be recycled and are increasingly denied in landfills. Several states and municipalities have recently charged wax cartons or rigid rules have been instituted new route. Industry sources suggest that the cards will eventually wax replaced by plastic or, more likely, the use of ice and will be replaced hydrocooling highly controlled by the cooling air pressure and temperature rigid and maintenance of moisture in many commodities.
In many applications of corrugated fiber containers, the strength of stacking of containers is a consideration lower. For example, canned food if the majority of its own weight when stacked. Fresh produce usually can not take much of the vertical load without any damage.
Therefore, one of the desired characteristics of the container is stacked corrugated fiber strength to protect the product from the milling. Due to their geometry, most of the strength of corrugated containers stacking is carried by the corners. For this reason, the hand holes and ventilation slots should not be placed near the corners containers of products and limited to no more than 5-7 percent of the lateral area.
Packages interlocking (cross stack) universally practiced to stabilize platforms. Cross stacking places the corner of a package of products to the lower half, thus reducing its stacking strength. To reduce the possibility of collapse, the first of several layers of each pallet should be stacked column (a package directly above the other). The upper layers can be stacked package cross as usual with very little loss of stability of the platform.
There are numerous styles of fiberboard corrugated containers. The two most widely used in industry products are one-piece, regular slotted container (RSC) and two-piece telescopic full container (FTC). The RSC is the most popular because it is simple and economic. However, the RSC has relatively low stacking strength and therefore should be used with products such as potatoes, which can lead to some of the stacking load. The FTC, in fact a container inside another, is used when a stronger cell-tion and swelling resistance necessary. A third type of container is the Bliss box, which is – constructed from three separate pieces of corrugated fiberboard.
Bliss box was developed to be used when the maximum stacking strength is required. The funds and covers the three types of containers can be closed by glue, staples, or interlocking slots.
Almost all containers corrugated fibreboard packaging are sent to and assembled on the floor of the packinghouse. To save space, installation is usually done just before use. Assembly may be by hand, machine, or a combination of both. The ease of assembly must be carefully investigated when considering a particular style of package.
In recent years, large, double wall or triple-wall corrugated fiberboard containers pallets are increasingly used as containers for a way to send bulk to processors and retailers. The cabbage, melons, potatoes, squash, and citrus fruits have been shipped successfully in these containers. The cost per pound of product containers is only quarter of the traditional size containers. Some bulk containers can be collapsed and reused.
For many years, labels were printed in thick paper and glued or stapled to the product package. The high cost of materials and labor has eliminated the practice. The ability to print the brand, size and degree information directly on the packaging is one of the greatest benefits of corrugated fiberboard containers. There are basically two methods used to print packaging corrugated fiber:
Printed Post. When the line is printed after the corrugated fiberboard has been formed, the process is known as post printing. printing is the method most used to print corrugated containers fiber because it is inexpensive and can be used for small series of press. Without But postprinting produce graphics with less detail and is generally confined to one or two colors.
Preprinted. High quality, full color graphics can be obtained the prepress linerboard before it is attached to the corrugated cardboard. Considering that the cost is about 15 percent more than the standard two containers of color, eye catching graphics quality makes it very useful for many situations. The visual quality of the package influences the perception of the product, because the first Buyer is printing the outside of the package. Produce managers especially as high-quality graphics that can be used in the super market shows floor.
Preprinted cards are reserved for the introduction of new products or new brands. The market investigation has shown that exporters may benefit from sophisticated graphics. The increase in the cost usually does not justify the use of mature products in a stable market, but this may change as the cost of these containers becomes more competitive.
Pulp containers. Containers made from recycled paper pulp and a starch binder are mainly used for packet small consumers of fresh produce. Pulp containers are available in a variety of shapes and sizes and are relatively cheap in standard sizes. Packaging Pulp can absorb surface moisture of the product which is a benefit for small fruit and berries that are easily damaged by water. also pasta containers are biodegradable, made from recycled and recyclable materials.
Paper and mesh bags. Consumer packages of potatoes and onions are about the only production of items now packed in paper bags. The more resistant mesh bag has a much broader use. In addition to the potatoes and onions, cabbage, turnips, citrus, and some specialty items are packed in mesh bags. Sweet corn can still be packaged in mesh bags in some markets. Besides its low cost, mesh has the advantage of air flow uninhibited. Good ventilation is particularly beneficial to the onions. Supermarket produce managers like mesh bags small sample because make them attractive to stimulate purchases.
However, the bags of any type have several serious drawbacks. While no large bags and small bags palletizing not efficiently fill space in containers corrugated fibreboard. Bags offer no protection against rough handling. mesh bags provide little protection from light or pollutants. In addition, products packaged in bags is correctly perceived by consumers is less than the best quality. Few consumers are willing to pay extra for products in bags.
Plastic Bags. Plastic bags (polyethylene) are the predominant material for fruit and vegetable packaging consumption. In addition to costs low materials, bagging vending machines to further reduce packaging costs. Film bags are clear, allowing easy inspection of content, and easily accept high quality graphics. Plastic tapes are available in a wide range of thicknesses and qualities and may be designed to control environmental gases into the bag. The film material "breathes" at a rate necessary to maintain the right mix of oxygen, carbon dioxide and water vapor in the bag. Since each item has its own unique production requirement for environmental gases, the atmosphere changed packaging material must be specially designed for each item. Research has shown that the shelf life of fresh produce is greatly extended by such packaging. The explosive growth of pre-cut product is due in part to the availability of modified atmosphere packaging.
Besides films engineering plastic, various patches and valves have been developed that hold low-cost ordinary plastic bags. These devices respond to temperature and control mix of environmental gases.
Shrink Wrap. One of the latest trends in the packaged produce is the product individually shrink. Shrink package has been successfully used to pack potatoes, sweet potatoes, apples, onions, sweet corn, cucumbers and a variety of tropical fruits. Shrink wrapped with foil engineering plastics can reduce shrinkage, protect them from disease, reducing the mechanical damage and provide a good surface for adhesive labels.
Rigid plastic containers. packets with a top and bottom heat, formed from one or two pieces of plastic that is known as clamshells. Clamshells are gaining popularity because they are cheap, versatile, provide excellent product protection, and present a very nice package consumption. Clamshells are more often used to package high-value consumer items such as produce small fruit, berries, mushrooms, etc., or items that are damaged easily grinding. Clamshells are widely used precut produce and prepared salads. corrugated containers molded polystyrene and polystyrene have test marketed as a substitute for waxed corrugated fibreboard. At present there are usually cost-competitive, but as environmental pressures grow, they can become more frequent. molded polystyrene containers heavy pallet have been adopted by a number of producers as a substitute for wooden pallet boxes. Although the Currently the cost is more than double wooden containers have a longer life, are easier to clean, are recyclable, no cavities when wet, do not harbor disease, and may be nested and folding.
As environmental pressures continue to grow, disposal and recycling of packaging materials of all kinds will become an important issue.
Common polyethylene may take 200 to 400 years to decay in a landfill. The addition starch 6 percent will reduce the time 20 years or less. companies are developing packaging materials based on starch substitutes polyethylene decomposes in a landfill as fast as ordinary paper.
The move to biodegradable packaging materials and plastic recyclables can be driven by costs in the long term, but legislation in the short term. Some authorities have proposed a total ban on plastics. In this case, the supermarket of the early 21st century may resemble food markets of the early 20th century.
Standardization of containers
Produce standard packages is interpreted differently by different groups. The wide variety of package sizes and material combinations is the result of market reaction to the demands of various segments of the industry products. For example, many buyers of large volumes of fresh produce are more concerned with the environment. They require less packaging and use materials more recyclable and biodegradable but also like to have many different sizes of packages for your convenience.
packers want to limit the variety of packages to be kept in stock, however, have driven the trend toward preprinted, individualized packages.
Shippers and carriers want standardized package sizes for pallets and can be better handled.
Produce buyers are not a homogeneous group. The buyers of supermarket chains buyers have different needs than food service. For food items normally sold in bulk packages processors want larger in size that can efficiently handle – to minimize unpacking time and reduce the cost of handling or disposing of used containers. Produce managers, by contrast, want individualized high quality graphics to attract retail buyers with displays in stores.
Select the appropriate container for fresh produce is seldom a matter of personal choice for the packer. For each product, the market has unofficial, but nevertheless rigid standards for packaging, so it is very risky to use a standard package. packaging technology, market acceptance and disposal regulations are constantly changing. When choosing a package for fruit and vegetables, packers must consult the market, and in some markets, standard packages may be required by law.
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