Periodic testing performed to a protocol designed by food safety, microbiology and toxicology experts from the University of California-Davis and Haley & Aldrich, and sponsored by the corrugated industry confirms corrugated containers used to transport fresh produce are safe and clean.
Stellenbosch University is acknowledged as a world leader in research on optimising packaging design for the fruit industry. Prof Linus Opara spoke to farmer’s weekly about the university’s achievements in this regard, as well as the latest trends in the field. He mentions using collapsible plastic containers instead of corrugated fibreboard cartons for packaging poses a challenge to logistics and creates health concerns.
The publication of third-party, peer-reviewed research in a recent edition of the Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part B supports the corrugated industry’s commitment to science and facts when communicating about packaging materials.
New scientific work explains why corrugated packaging outperforms returnable plastic containers (RPCs) when it comes to micro-biological contamination.
New scientific research indicates that corrugated packaging keeps fruit fresher and safer than reusable plastic crates (RPCs) and can significantly reduce contamination from transferred microorganisms.