Protective Packaging for Strawberry Season

Protective Packaging for Strawberry Season

Fresh strawberries; bright, sweet and juicy, they are an official sign of the arrival of summer. Whether you enjoy yours in an Eton Mess, with scones and cream or in their natural state, strawberry season is one of the many delights at this time of year.

The challenge with strawberries (and other soft fruits) is that once picked, they have a limited lifespan. Enjoying them at their best is dependent on efficient picking, packing and delivery processes.

If you remember fruit picking as a child, you may recall that the strawberries that made it into the box had to be eaten pretty quickly, otherwise they became mushy. Soft fruit farmers face the same challenge. With a limited growing season, they have to ensure they can maximise profits through careful picking and packing.

Our supermarkets typically sell strawberries in plastic containers, but consumers are demanding alternative packaging solutions. Corrugated cardboard could provide a protective packaging solution for soft fruit.

Benefits of Corrugated Cardboard Packaging

Sustainable Packaging

The first clear advantage of corrugated cardboard is that it is a sustainable packaging solution. Unlike plastic, cardboard can be created from a blend of virgin and recycled fibres. Single-use cardboard can be recycled and reused in other boxes within a fortnight, a very different story to single-use plastics.

Protective Packaging

Secondly, the layers that form corrugated cardboard offer cushioning protection. This reduces the chance of the strawberries being bruised and bashed in transit. Cardboard boxes are robust and can easily be stacked without impacting on the boxes stored beneath. The layers also provide insulation, which helps to keep the fruit cool and prevent them from becoming overripe.

Preserving Packaging

A study into the ‘Survival of Spoilage and Pathogenic Microorganisms on cardboard and plastic packaging materials’ also concludes that, when stored correctly, cardboard was more effective at reducing the risk of cross-contamination in food packaging. The evidence suggests that microbial cells are trapped within the cardboard fibres and are unable to survive without access to moisture or nutrients. Therefore cardboard packaging (combined with hygienic processes and humidity controls) was better at preserving the fruit.

One Delivery Only

Another reason that cardboard packaging is considered more hygienic is that it is only used once. The cardboard manufacturing process required high temperatures (in excess of 100 degrees) which kill off any bacteria or moulds. A new box will be clean. In contrast, plastic pallets are typically reused time and time again, which can allow bacteria and moulds to build up inside.

Bespoke Packaging Boxes

Corrugated cardboard boxes can be created in all manner of shapes and sizes. Individual trays can be created in a variety of dimensions to best suit the fruit and the customer. The cardboard can easily be printed as part of the manufacturing process and print doesn’t affect the recyclability of the box.

If you are keen to move away from plastics, in favour of sustainable packaging, Aylesbury Box Company can create bespoke boxes to meet your requirements.