Study: Reusable Crates Reduce Damages, Waste, and Costs
In farming and food processing, packaging isn’t just about transport—it’s about protecting fresh produce, reducing waste, and cutting costs. But when packaging fails, farmers lose crops, food processors deal with shrinkage, and distributors face supply chain inefficiencies.
A recent study by the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics (IML), commissioned by Stiftung Initiative Mehrweg (SIM), compared single-use crates to reusable plastic crates like harvest bins, agriculture containers, transport bins, and food processing bins. The results? Reusable crates significantly reduce packaging breakage, helping farmers, packers, and food distributors protect their products and lower costs.
Study: How Packaging Impacts Fresh Produce
Researchers tracked fresh fruits and vegetables from central warehouses to retail, measuring breakage rates and durability. The goal? To see which packaging—single-use crates or reusable bulk containers—held up best in real-world conditions.
The Results: Less Breakage, Less Waste
- At warehouses: Reusable crates and harvest bins proved far more durable than single-use options, reducing product loss and minimizing disruptions.
- At distribution centers: Reusable agriculture containers and food processing bins kept produce intact, preventing damage during handling and transport.
Why It Matters for Farmers and Food Processors
Broken crates don’t just mean lost packaging—they mean wasted produce, higher labor costs, and logistical headaches. For farmers, that’s fewer crops making it to market. For food processors and distributors, it’s inefficiencies that eat into profits.
Make the Switch: Save Money, Cut Waste
Switching to reusable harvest bins, agriculture containers, and transport bins can help you:
- Reduce food waste and shrinkage during transport and storage
- Lower long-term packaging costs compared to single-use crates
- Improve warehouse and logistics efficiency with stackable, durable containers
- Boost sustainability with reusable transport packaging
Bottom Line: Reusable Packaging Pays Off
The study confirms what many in agriculture already know: durable, reusable crates and bins aren’t just eco-friendly—they’re a better business investment. They reduce product loss, lower costs, and streamline food logistics.
Looking to upgrade your agricultural packaging? Consider switching to reusable harvest bins, transport bins, and agriculture containers for better efficiency, cost savings, and sustainability.
