"In Germany people have been working on this for a while now and IFCO has carried out pilot programs here in Germany, but the development has not yet been put through. There are so many sides that play a role, and it begins with the ripening of the product. With the current ripening technique the banana is protected against drying out in the cardboard box and the optimal humidity can be created in this box. In addition, bananas are less protected in plastic than in cardboard; plastic causes more damage to the fruit. Also, in the warehouses the cardboard banana boxes are sometimes thrown, this would have a negative effect on the plastic."
"I understand that the crate supplier would like to see this happen, but on a large scale, introducing the plastic crates will have a high price tag. I think it would be wise if people first did some research at specialized ripening companies to see what the consequences would be on the product itself. It would lead to huge inventory. A packaging price would also have to be paid. In addition, many bananas are still sold by wholesalers and market traders, I wonder if they are behind the plastic crates," says Hans. Almost all the banana companies are busy working with the plastic crates, but they are not solely using them yet, and there is a reason for that."
"Of course, the sustainability aspect is important, but there are more sides that contribute to sustainability, such as the plantations themselves. Personally, I believe it would be much more efficient to create one plastic banana pallet size for the entire industry, rather than creating all different sizes of wooden pallets. Remember also that banana boxes are rarely used only once, they have a second function at the grocery store, on the market or for other purposes."
Frits Popma reaction
For more information:
Hans Maagendans
Banafood Services GmbH
Carl-Kühne Straße 7
47638 Straelen
Tel: +49(0)2839 568910
info@banafood.eu
www.banafood.eu
Frits Popma
Popma Fruit Expertise
Hertesprong 41
4874 JA Etten Leur - Nederland
T: +31765032453
F: +31765035376
M: +31651188669
fpopma@westbrabant.net
www.popmafruitexpertise.nl