Packaging Flashcards
What are the 3 categories of handling container sizes?
consumer unit (0.25-10lbs) shipping containers (up to 100lbs) bulk (up to 1000lbs)
Why are containers important in storage/transport? (2)
less cost/time
maximize space utilization
what are the measurements of a standard pallet?
100x120cm
What are common sizes of shipping containers? which size(s) maximizes pallet space?
These sizes are suggested by:
40x30cm
50x30cm (best)
50x40cm (best)
60x40cm
OECD (organization of economic cooperation & development)
Why do some container sizes leave space between when stacked on pallet?
good for cold storage, allow for air circulation
4 types of mechanical injury to produce:
cut
compression
impact
vibration
What could cause cut/punctures, and why is this an issue?
nails, sharp/rough edges puncture produce skin
(harvest/transport)
damage quality, microbial spoilage, discolored
What is compression damage? What causes compression damage?
squeezing produce
due to weight, stacking
overstacking, overfilling, underfilling
Why could underfilling lead to compression damage?
lead to package collapse
What causes impact injury?
sudden force: dropping, dropping objects on top, jerky movements (bumping)
vibration or abrasion is caused by _____ and is common during _____.
produce rubbing against each other or container surface
transport
What can be done to prevent movement of stacked packages during transport? Why is this important?
shrouding (cover with plastic)
keep stack neat, prevent toppling and package collapse, damage to produce
What are some consequences of mechanical injury? (7)
discoloration (inside/out) appearance quality loss lowered market value spread of infection increased respiration chemical/enzymatic activity increase accelerated spoilage
Ways to prevent/control mechanical injuries: (10)
good handling practices CUTS: smooth container/equipment COMPRESSION: correct filling weight (prevent over/underfilling) proper container strength (withstand weight) proper container material (moisture resistant) IMPACT: reduce drop height cushion individual wrappings VIBRATION: restrain to prevent movement partitions/wrappings
Why is packaging important for produce?
- act as handling unit
- protect from damage
- prevent moisture loss
- sanitation
- allows for various treatments (cooling, fumigation, ethylene, etc)
what types of packaging minimizes moisture loss?
plastic, box liners, wax coatings, water resistant materials
Why are packages/produce sometimes sprinkled with water?
appearance of freshness
higher humidity
cooling
What is quarantine treatment?
fumigation of produce (especially before shipping internationally) to prevent pests from invading
What feature of packaging is important to allow for produce treatments? What must be considered?
large container vents: allow for penetration (but weaker package)
strength vs effectiveness
What are other lesser functions of packaging?
prevent stealing
marketing tool
consumer communication/identification
product promotion, branding
3 classifications of containers:
field/harvesting
bulk/shipping/storage
retail/consumer
What are various types of field containers?
bags, boxes, baskets/bucket/pails, bins, crates, consumer packs (directly)
most common container type is: ____.
selected based on:
shipping containers
functional basis
main issue with wooden shipping containers:
rough materials (nails, wood) -> can cause injury
4 materials for shipping containers:
wood
corrugated paperboard
mesh & multiwall paperbags
plastic
advantages/disadvantages for paperboard packages:
good: lightweight, low cost, minimal injury (smooth), can coat for moisture resistance
bad: low strength/stackability (can improve with internal dividers)
advantages of consumer packaging:
less shipping weght better presentation branding/promotion fast checkout (bar codes) less wastage/spoilage
types of consumer packaging:
film bags (cellophane, PE, PVC, PS, PP, shrink film) backings composite boxes bags
___ and ___ plastic packaging has excellent clarity
PVC, PS
What plastic packaging must have perforations? Why?
cellophane, PE, PP
poor gas barriers
functional requirements of produce packaging:
- strength for transport, storage, stacking
- resistance to moisture
- offer protection/prevent moisture loss, block light (certain types
- meet standardized requirements for size/weight
- allow for produce processing (fumigation, cooling, etc)
