AU: Banana crate trials a win for the industry
Early estimates show a 10 to 15 per cent cost saving, while also reducing damage to the fruit when using crates compared with cartons.
In early 2015, more than 200 crates were used to pack bananas at a trial site in northern NSW, with wholesaler PW Chew managing transport, ripening and distribution. A combination of Lady Finger and Cavendish bananas were used in the trial. Fruit sizes ranged from 15kg XL, 13kg XL and 13kg large.
Pooled solutions provider, CHEP Australia, has been developing and trialing a reusable plastic crate in collaboration with the Australian banana industry over the past three years. The current design features smooth walls and a waved base to minimise damage to bananas, improved ventilation and a footprint to suit Australian pallets with six crates per layer.
The CHEP pooling system also allows for crates to be returned for washing – to a HACCP level if required – giving a hygienic solution for the industry and less overall wastage in cardboard.
The next phase in the trials of the plastic crates will be to conduct studies in northern Queensland to assess the crate performance over longer distances to the major capital cities.
The next round of trials will commence in September 2015. Any growers or supply chain companies interested in participating are invited to contact Nick Jones on +61 0426 955 754 or Business Development Manager, Gordon Sinclair on +61 0419 256 431.
For more information:
Dzintra Horder
Chep
Tel: +61 0405 711 786
www.chep.com