Lecture 10: Packaging of Fruits and Veg Flashcards
what are functions of the handling unit?
- moves produce
- home storage unit
- offers produce in unit or group of units
__ and ___ are v imp in storage and transportation
container unitization and standardiztion
what is unitized handling used for?
to reduce handling costs and handling time
to promote efficient space utilization
what are 4 types of mechanical injuries
cut
compression
impact
vibration
what causes compression injury
- inadequate packaging and stacking
- overfilling and overstacking: due to produce wt within the package or stacked above
what causes impact injury?
sudden application of force to produce
- dropping produce from excessive heights
- impact shocks
what causes vibration or abrasion bruise?
- rubbing against produce or container surface
how can you prevent mechanical injuries?
- 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)
how can you protect from moisture loss?
- package, which minimizes transpiration
- sprinkle containers with water
- use moisture resistant packages
why are container vents important in packaging?
allows for:
- better penetration of treatments
- better cooling
however, it weakens strength
what are the main functions of packaging?
- prevent mechanical injuries
- protect from moisture loss
- provide sanitory env
- facilitate application of treatments
what are 3 categories ofcontainers?
- harvesting and field containers
- bulk packaging, shipping and storage containers
- retail and consumer packages
what do field containers types/sizes depend on?
commodity and handling practice
what are 4 types of shipping containers?
what are benefits of each?
- wooden
- corrugated paperboard: low wt, low cost, smooth (low mechanical injuries) but low strength
- mesh and multiwall: used for sturdy products that can take stack load
- plastic containers: stackable, moisture resistant
what are advantages of consumer packs?
- low shipping weight
- better presentation
- good for advertisments
- reduction of pdt spoilage and wastage
what are common materials used for consumer packs?
- cellophane: w/ holes, non-shrinkable
- polyethylene: must be perforated
- PVC: clarity, overwrap
- polystyrene: clarity
- polypropylene: tough film, must be perforated
- shrink films
what are backings?
tray that holds produce and are protected with sleeve of film or overwrap
what are composites?
cartons with clear plastic window (MAP)
what are main functional reqs of packages?
- 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
