Assessing packaging in practice
In practice, many different situations are encountered in which various types of packaging play a role. Below you will find points of attention per type of packaging and examples of situations in which problems are identified. In addition to packaging for the consumer, also industrial packaging and materials in the chain, used to ensure that the transport of fresh products runs as smoothly and efficiently as possible, are described.
Cardboard boxes
Fresh produce must be packed in such a way as to protect the produce properly. Therefore strong protective packaging should be used. Different types of packaging are used depending on the produce but also on the market requirement. Fibreboard cartons are frequently being used. Waxed cartons are more suitable for storage and transport under conditions of high relative humidity.
Plastic trays (containers/crates)
Plastic trays (containers/crates) may withstand heavy load better than single-use packaging. They allow an easy and neat stacking, though this should be done with care. The trays can be packed with product in bulk or packed with smaller units such as punnets.
Packaging materials inside boxes and plastic trays
Several materials inside boxes and plastic containers are used to protect the product quality. Plastic film liners or bags are used to provide a better climate around the produce. Other materials, such as dividers between fruits prevents rubbing and movement, thus preventing bruising. In all cases, the materials used inside the package must be clean and of a quality such as to avoid causing any external or internal damage to the produce. The materials must be food grade, so not transfer non-food chemicals to the fresh produce.
Punnets
Plastic or cardboard punnets are used to hold, transport and sell fresh product. Examples are berries, raspberries and blackberries that are sensitive to bruises and are therefore best preserved in small sturdy packages. The products are packed into a variety of container types and sizes depending on market demand. Well-known is the punnet with a separate clip-on-lid, and the clamshell, a one-piece container consisting of two halves which can be closed. Punnets may also be closed by top-seal foil. Flowpack around open punnets is also used.
Plastic bags and shrink foil
Plastic bags and shrink foil provide protection against external impact damages and reduce the moisture loss of products. Shrink foil is in direct contact with the product and thus provides resistance against water transport through the products surface. In bags, the relative humidity around the products increase and thus reduces the water loss from products. Both bags and shrink foil can contain macro- or microperforations
Other packaging materials
A wide range of additional materials are available for packaging, adapted to the specific product. They protect the product from damage, are used to provide information, to keep multiple units together and to provide convenience to the customer. When used correctly, these materials help extend product shelf life and reduce losses.
Loaded pallets
Pallets are useful carriers of big loads. Pallets must be strong enough to allow storage under load. There are standard sized pallets (for example 80 x 120 cm) that fit standard sized boxes. The bottom of the pallet is designed to be used by forklift and pallet jack and to allow air circulation. The packaging on the pallets must be stacked neatly and stable and stabilized by (cardboard) corners and straps. The straps should be tight but not so tight that it deforms the boxes. Instead of straps also nets are being used or film wrap. However, film wrap should not be used around boxes that need ventilation.
Industrial packaging
Industrial packaging is used in phases in the chain before the product is packed in its final consumer packaging. Here we mention a number of examples with properties that must be taken into account in order to maintain the quality of the product.