Lecture 10: Packaging of Fruits and Veg

Question 1

what are functions of the handling unit?

Answer 1

• moves produce
• home storage unit
• offers produce in unit or group of units

Question 2

__ and ___ are v imp in storage and transportation

Answer 2

container unitization and standardiztion

Question 3

what is unitized handling used for?

Answer 3

to reduce handling costs and handling time

to promote efficient space utilization

Question 4

what are 4 types of mechanical injuries

Answer 4

cut
compression
impact
vibration

Question 5

what causes compression injury

Answer 5

• inadequate packaging and stacking

- overfilling and overstacking: due to produce wt within the package or stacked above

Question 6

what causes impact injury?

Answer 6

sudden application of force to produce

• dropping produce from excessive heights
• impact shocks

Question 7

what causes vibration or abrasion bruise?

Answer 7

• rubbing against produce or container surface

Question 8

how can you prevent mechanical injuries?

Answer 8

• good handling practices
• using smooth containers and equipment (no cuts)
• correct filling wt (no compression damage)
• use proper container with adequate strength to withstand weight
• wrap packages (no impact damage)
• restrict product movement with cushioning (no vibration damages)

Question 9

how can you protect from moisture loss?

Answer 9

• package, which minimizes transpiration
• sprinkle containers with water
• use moisture resistant packages

Question 10

why are container vents important in packaging?

Answer 10

allows for:

• better penetration of treatments
• better cooling

however, it weakens strength

Question 11

what are the main functions of packaging?

Answer 11

• prevent mechanical injuries
• protect from moisture loss
• provide sanitory env
• facilitate application of treatments

Question 12

what are 3 categories ofcontainers?

Answer 12

• harvesting and field containers
• bulk packaging, shipping and storage containers
• retail and consumer packages

Question 13

what do field containers types/sizes depend on?

Answer 13

commodity and handling practice

Question 14

what are 4 types of shipping containers?

what are benefits of each?

Answer 14

1. wooden
2. corrugated paperboard: low wt, low cost, smooth (low mechanical injuries) but low strength
3. mesh and multiwall: used for sturdy products that can take stack load
4. plastic containers: stackable, moisture resistant

Question 15

what are advantages of consumer packs?

Answer 15

• low shipping weight
• better presentation
• good for advertisments
• reduction of pdt spoilage and wastage

Question 16

what are common materials used for consumer packs?

Answer 16

• cellophane: w/ holes, non-shrinkable
• polyethylene: must be perforated
• PVC: clarity, overwrap
• polystyrene: clarity
• polypropylene: tough film, must be perforated
• shrink films

Question 17

what are backings?

Answer 17

tray that holds produce and are protected with sleeve of film or overwrap

Question 18

what are composites?

Answer 18

cartons with clear plastic window (MAP)

Question 19

what are main functional reqs of packages?

Answer 19

• adequate strength to more pdt
• resistance to moisture pick up
• protection from mechanical injury, moisture loss and light
• compatibility with handling and marketing reqs
• facilitation of temp management and treatments