Schoeller Arca Systems

Which Market Segments?

The main ones are fruit production, vegetable production, horticulture and food processing.  For all of them, an important factor in decisions about secondary plastic or wooden packaging is the international distribution channel for the product. Will the fresh produce have to travel long distances and be stored and refrigerated for long periods before being consumed?  If so, this demands effective, hygienic and economical packaging that satisfies environmental and safety standards.

Fruitful Materials Handling

All kinds of plastic packaging are used in agriculture, from plastic boxes and trays, to the so-called big boxes for harvest or storage in bulk.  Other types of packaging are popular in this industry too, such as the one-way disposable tray, made of cardboard, wood or light plastic, and re-usable wooden boxes and trays.  In addition, pallets are also used for storage, handling, or shipping goods.  A pallet is the fundamental method of transporting, distributing and storing almost plastic and wooden packaging products.  They work well with a variety of plastic containers, to create a complete transit packaging system for fresh produce.

Minimising the space occupied by empty containers is an important consideration in reducing return shipping and storage costs.  Rapid cooling of produce after harvesting is also critical, in preserving freshness and extending shelf life for produce.  Finally, superior product protection – reduced damage and bruising is vital in the agriculture industry.  Schoeller Arca Systems produces a range of plastic packaging products that meet these requirements.
 

Price versus Performance

Although price is important with plastic packaging, it is not the only factor that comes into play. Each agent involved in the chain of distribution is looking for the best ratio between price and productivity, efficiency, speed, and quality. In agriculture in particular, the solutions used must be capable of protecting delicate and perishable produce while meeting legislative standards of hygiene and food safety.  A good example is the use of the plastic packaging solution, the Big Box in fruit harvest: in spite of its higher price (twice the cost of a wooden big box) it is taking the lead because of its lightness, good protection of fruit, and the fact that it doesn’t degrade.


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