In the near future, almost all produce packaging will be recyclable or biodegradable, or both. A properly designed produce container should contain, protect, and identify the produce, satisfying everyone from grower to consumer.Ī growing number of US markets and many export markets have waste disposal restrictions for packaging materials. The Function of Packaging or Why Package Produce? Skip to The Function of Packaging or Why Package Produce?Ī significant percentage of produce buyer and consumer complaints may be traced to container failure because of poor design or inappropriate selection and use. Also included is a listing, by commodity, of the common produce containers standard to the industry.
This factsheet describes some of the many types of packaging, including their functions, uses, and limitations. Packing and packaging materials contribute a significant cost to the produce industry therefore it is important that packers, shippers, buyers, and consumers have a clear understanding of the wide range of packaging options available. Although the industry generally agrees that container standardization is one 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. More than 1,500 different types of packages are used for produce in the United States and the number continues to increase as the industry introduces new packaging materials and concepts. Bags, crates, hampers, baskets, cartons, bulk bins, and palletized containers are convenient containers for handling, transporting, and marketing fresh produce.
Packaging fresh fruits and vegetables is one of the more important steps in the long and complicated journey from grower to consumer.