According to the Brambles Group company, fresh produce stored in reusable transport containers from IFCO has a longer shelf life. A study by Dr Lippert Qualitätsmanagement commissioned by IFCO showed that fresh produce stored in IFCO RPCs (reusable plastic containers) kept for up to four days longer and remained visually fresh.
For the study, Dr Lippert simulated quality management, which emerged from the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Bonn, Realistic scenarios along the supply chain from producer to consumer for four products. The processes were analysed using the examples of melons, tomatoes, mushrooms and grapes.
Reusable transport containers were assessed on the basis of 19 criteria
The conditions were recreated as they would have been Transport, in the Trade and with the customer at home prevail. Depending on the product type, the tests lasted up to 19 days. A total of 19 Criteria, from stem health, pH value and product firmness to rotting condition and mould infestation as well as visual appearance.
The testers identified the following key advantages of reusable transport containers over disposable packaging Faster and more effective air circulation and a Better heat dissipation for the goods. The RPCs can also be stacked without damaging the food they contain. „There was a clear positive effect on product quality, which led to an increase in shelf life of up to four days,“ summarised tester Phillip Loer, crop scientist at Dr Lippert.
Individual results show a differentiated picture
The following picture emerged for the individual foodstuffs: The Tomato panicles were still visually perfect after seven days in the reusable transport container and were suitable for sale for a total of 15 days. Tomatoes in single-use packaging were only suitable for sale for twelve days.
Disposably packaged Melons showed mould growth after just four days. The melons in the RPCs, on the other hand, were still completely fit for sale after 13 days.
All mushrooms in the RPCs were still fit for sale after four days. Of the once-packed Mushrooms only 60 per cent managed this. After six days of testing in a refrigerated environment modelled on a salesroom, 91 per cent of the Grapes in reusable transport containers were still saleable, compared to 55 per cent of those in disposable packaging.
