fish containers are adequate both for fresh and frozen fish

Fish Containers Help Distributor Fulfill Cost Optimization and Environmental Requirements

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Fish is among the most sensitive foods from a storage and shipping point of view. For one of Logistic Packaging’s clients, a fish distributor, this aspect caused significant losses and costs. But, with the help of our fish containers, they managed to turn a fishy situation into a success story.

The Client’s Problem: Packaging Waste and Increasing Shipping Costs

The company is a distributor of both fresh and frozen fish. Their packaging consisted of disposable polystyrene containers. These containers were not stable in stack, and would often get damaged due to leaking fluids freezing in cold storage.

The high volume of packaging waste led to a few environmental penalties. Also, due to poor stackability, the containers took up a large trailer space. Thus, the company’s shipping costs were increasing. They were facing a lot of pressure from competitors who could afford to cut their profit margins and offer better prices to retailers and end consumers.

The Logistic Packaging Team Evaluates the Client’s Situation

After the initial discussion, Logistic Packaging deployed a specialist at the client’s premises. Our observations indicated several problems:

  • The empty and damaged packages took up a lot of warehouse space
  • These packages were not adapted for cold storage
  • The fish, both frozen and fresh, would be marked and crushed in places
  • The spillway often got clogged, leading to concerns related to the quality of the fish.

Also, polystyrene is not one of the approved materials for food contact. This exposed the client to further problems due to the possibility of chemicals leaking into the fish.

Our Solution: Specialized Fish Containers

After our consultant’s evaluation, we defined a solution that would solve all the client’s pain points. The ideal packaging for their application should have the following features:

  • Made of materials approved for food contact
  • Resistant to a wide range of temperatures, including cold storage
  • Sturdy build to allow creating a solid stack
  • Space-saving, to reduce the storage space
  • Provided with efficient drainage for liquids.

Thankfully, our catalog already contains a standard packaging material that meets all these requirements: our fish containers.

This specialized plastic stack-nest container is designed for optimal protection for fresh and frozen fish. It has smooth inner walls to protect the fish from marking and crushing. The containers have drainage and spillway to remove any liquid quickly.

Also, the fish containers can be printed with a barcode, QR code or other means of tracing the shipment. Moreover it is designed for safe handling, with:

  • Visible signs for the stacking or nesting position
  • Open handles on the short side
  • Dented bottom to allow stable stacking without marking the fish in the container below.

The Client Implements Our Recommendation

The client decided to purchase an initial batch of fish containers with a capacity of 20 l and a special compartment for ice. They tested the packaging for several shipments of fresh fish and monitored the feedback from all the stakeholders.

The positive response was almost immediate. The clients were happy with the condition of the new deliveries and the fact that they could simply nest the empty containers and put them back in the truck for return.

All the workers involved in handling the full and empty fish containers were happy with the ergonomics and the improved workflow. Finally, the company received a positive result on the environmental audit, and a commendation for their efforts to meet their obligations.

This determined the company to increase the variety of fishing containers, adding a larger model (75 l) for frozen fish and a small model (8 l) for local order shipping to restaurants and catering companies.

Logistic Packaging is more than a seller of returnable packaging solutions. We are a long-term partner that helps your company identify the best solutions for your logistics, allowing you to optimize costs and operations. Send us an email to discuss your packaging project with our specialists!