Development of Consumer Packaging for Fresh Persimmons

Abstract

The consumer packages for fresh persimmons were developed according to the packaging requirements of the produce characteristics, produce developers, as well as market requirements with the aims of decreasing produce damage during transportation and improving sale promotion. The new die-cut style corrugated fibreboard boxes for containing eight persimmons were developed with inside dimensions of 310×175×60 mm. In addition, special partitions were placed inside to avoid produce shifting during transportation, together with ventilation holes help to prevent excess moisture content. The E flute - corrugated boards type DP310/CA125/KI125 were selected as packaging materials due to their low water absorption. The water absorption value was about 117 g/m² which was within the suitable ranges for fresh produce packaging. Foam net was used to wrap around each fruits to reduce impact and ensure tight packing of inside fruits during transportation. Besides its distinguish shape from the conventional packaging, all functional properties were also maintained e.g. containment, protection and sale promotion. The compression strength of the developed boxes was found to be 272 kgf providing enough strength to withstand occurring stress and pressure during storage, handling and transportation. In addition, the graphic design was developed in accordance with the structural design and consumer perceptions.