You are receiving this pop-up because this is the first time you are visiting our site. If you keep getting this message, please enable cookies in your browser.
You are using software which is blocking our advertisements (adblocker).
As we provide the news for free, we are relying on revenues from our banners. So please disable your adblocker and reload the page to continue using this site. Thanks!
You are receiving this pop-up because this is the first time you are visiting our site. If you keep getting this message, please enable cookies in your browser.
Innovative packaging guaranteeing hygiene and shelf-life
EPS is the acronym of Expanded Polystyrene and is the latest frontier in the fresh produce pacakging sector. Its characteristics make the transport and storage of produce simpler in the most prohibitive conditions. It also absorbs shocks and maintains temperature, so it is an exceptionally good product, logistics-wise.
In addition, it is suitable for contact with food, so it's perfect to package fresh produce.
This new crate was produced by SCF Packaging, a company with a 30 year experience in the production of EPS. Alessandro Scurria, general manager, explains the characteristics and benefits of this material.
Alessandro Scurria, General Manager of SCf Packaging
"Our crates are available in the most popular formats and protect fruit and vegetables from a variety of factors such as thermal and mechanical shocks. They also maintain humidity levels stable."
Crates are available in the 30x20 30x40 30x50 and 40x60 formats and have rounded corners to avoid cutting the fruit.
In addition, 3.5 or 5 cm openings can be made on the sides depending on the visibility desired. Crates with or without holes on the sides or bottom are also available to increase or diminish air circulation.
All models are stackable with a no-shifting system and equipped with handles.
"Our crates are suitable for prolonged storage in units. They are sturdy but very light and fully recyclable, as they do not contain additional materials, meaning they are ecologically sustainable."
The innovative printing processes make these crates particularly elegant, as they can be customised with customer brands at no extra cost. Ink is non-toxic and does not penetrate, leaving the product unaltered.
Above and below: examples of packaging customisation
In addition to making crates more elegant, this solution strengthens the brand and makes the produce more recognisable.
The interview
All the facilities part of the Siciliferro group, of which SCR Packaging is part, comply with UNI EN ISO 9001:2008 regulations and the UNI EN ISO 14001:2004 certification.
The industrial process
PS pearls are pre-expanded using 90°C steam, which expands them 2050 times their initial volume. During this process, a closed-cell structure forms inside the pearls, essential for thermal insulation.
The degree of expansion depends essentially on the length of the thermal treatment and determines the apparent volume of the product as well as its physical characteristics.
Pre-expanded pearls must remain in ventilated silos for a certain period of time. During cooling, expanding agent and steam residue condensate within the single cells. The depression created is therefore annulled by the air inside the cells, making them stable enough for the following stages.
Pre-expanded stabilised pearls can then be used to make products according to the characteristics required.