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Plastic tray for apple packing

(197 products available)

About plastic tray for apple packing

Types of Plastic Tray for Apple Packing

Apple packing plastic trays can be found in different types today in the market. Each serves the special need of protecting and packing apples during shipment and storage. Some common types include.

Fruit Trays

These trays include the designs with cup-shaped depressions in the trays that hold apples firmly in place. Thus minimizing movement and the chances of bruising during transport. In fruit trays, ventilation is also provided which helps maintain freshness by allowing air circulation.

Thermoformed Trays

These trays are made using plastics that are molded to the shape of apples. These provide a tight fit and are very good in protecting apples from damage. They are however more expensive than most other options when it comes to price.

Blister Plastic Trays

A translucent plastic tray with a skin film sealed over the top is known as a blister tray and is used for vacuum packaging of individual or small packs of apples. This packaging type has a longer shelf life because it reduces the amount of oxygen that apples are exposed to.

Long Fruit Crate’s Trays

These trays are meant to fit into a plastic crate or bin. They are used for bulk transport of apples over longer distances. Their sturdy design offers a good balance between protection and efficient stacking capability.

Materials & Durability of Plastic Tray for Apple Packing

Material used for making apple packing trays is most important as it affects durability, cost, and environmental impact.

Polypropylene (PP)

Polypropylene is strong and rigid. Usually, they are transparent but with the option of being opaque. Their being resistant to water and chemicals makes them easy to clean and reuse. Polypropylene trays are thus very durable and are often used for packaging fruits.

Polyethylene (PE)

This material is flexible, strong, and resistant to water and chemicals. Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is used in producing blister trays. This is due to its flexibility so that it can easily be molded into different shapes. PE trays are moderately durable and often used for smaller-scale packaging.

Polystyrene (PS)

Polystyrene can be very effective in protecting apples during transportation thanks to its lightweight and shock-absorbing properties. It is this very quality that makes packing boxes for apples suitable for packing apples in. Their lightweight quality takes away much of the stress on the transport system.

Sustainable Materials

Trays made of cornstarch, paper, or bamboo are emerging as environmentally friendly options. While these may not be as durable as their plastic counterparts, ongoing advancements in bioplastics aim to improve their strength and reusability.

Design & Customization of Plastic Tray for Apple Packing

A well-designed and customized plastic tray apple packing tray is crucial for the following factors. They are crucial for the following factors of brand identity, product protection, and logistical efficiency. Some of the designs and customization options available include.

Injection Molding

Common design method in plastic manufacturing process in this process detailed molds are created for every tray design which ensures high precision and uniformity is the same. It is mostly used for producing large quantities of trays such as fruit crates because of its effectiveness.

Tray Dimensions and Capacity

Plastic trays can be designed in many sizes but should always be in the measure of an average apple size. They should be able to accommodate a specific number of apples usually in units of either 6 or 12 for retail packs or larger bulk packs.

Branding Options

Custom colors and logos can be printed on apple packing trays creating strong brand presence in the market. In embossing or silkscreen techniques logos are applied either on the surface or side of the trays in vibrant colors. This serves the purpose of reinforcing brand identity.

Stackability and Reusability

Apple packing trays are designed so that empty ones can fit into one another easily for economical storage spaces once the apples have been removed from them. Many trays are also designed to be sturdy enough to allow several uses before the trays need to be replaced.

Scenarios of Plastic Tray for Apple Packing

Apple packing trays are used in a wide range of industries involving the distribution, storage, and sale of this popular fruit. Some key scenarios include.

Commercial Apple Orchard Packaging

Orchards use packing trays to safely store picked apples ready for transportation to wholesalers or retailers. This minimizes the chances of bruising as well as preserves the quality of apples during transportation. In this case, packing trays are produced in large quantities using injection molding techniques.

Wholesale Distribution

Bulk apples from orchards are usually transported and stored in large containers such as bins or crates. Apple packing trays help maintain order within these larger packing materials by grouping apples in smaller, more manageable units.

Retail Packaging

Apple packing trays help grocery store shoppers buy fruit conveniently and with less waste or loss. The apples are securely packed within trays to survive transport from wholesalers to retailers and finally to consumers. Plastic trays made for this application are usually produced via thermoforming or injection molding.

Export Shipping

Apple packing trays are most importantly used when shipping apples by sea or air. They help cause less damage to apples during handling and longer transportation times. In this case, packing trays are produced in large quantities using injection molding techniques.

Cider and Processing Industry

Value-added products like apple cider or applesauce require packing trays to feed apples into processing machinery. They are equally important when maintaining apples' quality and safety before processing.

Storage Solutions for Home Use

Plastic containers are used at home to help organize apples during storage in pantries or kitchens. Apple packing trays go a long way in ensuring apples remain fresh longer by eliminating the wastage that occurs when apples are allowed to rot.

Considerations When Selecting Plastic Tray for Apple Packing

When choosing an apple packing plastic tray, several factors come into play. These include the trays' cost, ecological footprint, and other various operational factors. Here are some key considerations when selecting plastic trays.

Cost

As the cost of raw materials rises, manufacturers are forced to consider profitability. These include the various factors that come into play, such as the cost of the type of tray, its features, and its lifespan.

Ecological Impact

With everyone increasingly leaning towards sustainability, the kind of apple packing trays used can significantly impact the environmental standing of a business. There are compostable or recyclable packing trays available that help reduce the amount of waste produced.

Apple Tray Quality

The packing tray quality will, of course, influence the quality of the apples during transport. In assessing this quality, the tray material, design features such as ventilations, and durability against shock are some of the factors that need to be considered.

Operational Efficiency

When transporting packed apples, one must ensure that packing trays are stackable and easy to handle. For maximum efficiency during transport and storage, consider trays that are easy to pack and unpack and are stackable.

Regulatory Compliance

The use of certain types of plastics in food packaging is often regulated by governmental authorities in many countries. For example, certain food-grade plastic materials that are safe for contact with food must be used when making apple packing trays.

Customization Benefits

Custom apple packing trays can provide benefits such as better brand recognition and enhanced consumer appeal. Aesthetic and functional innovations which can include integrating handle design for ease of carrying can further help raise the competitive advantage.

Q&A

Q1. Can apple packing trays be reused?

Yes, many apple packing trays are designed for reuse. They are durable enough to withstand multiple cycles of packing and transporting apples. Customers also appreciate eco-friendly practices, so reusable trays fit sustainability goals.

Q2. What is the role of ventilation in packing trays?

Ventilation in packing trays is crucial for maintaining apple freshness during transport. Ventilation holes allow air to circulate, reducing moisture buildup and helping to slow down decay. This feature is particularly important for long-distance shipping or warm climates.

Q3. Can apple packing trays be customized for branding purposes?

Yes, customization apple packing trays for branding is possible and a great idea. Logos, colors, and even branded messages can be printed on the trays. It helps strengthen brand identity and increases product visibility in a competitive market.

Q4. Do packing trays comply with food safety regulations?

Packing trays are typically made from food-safe plastics that meet hygiene standards. This ensures apples remain uncontaminated during transport. Manufacturers also pay close attention to regulations to avoid legal issues and keep customers safe.

Q5. What are the benefits of stackable packing trays?

Stackable packing trays offer space-saving benefits for storage and transportation. They optimize available space in warehouses, trucks, and retail displays. Apple packing trays with compatible sizes can efficiently stack, enhancing the overall logistics process.