reusable plastic crates are adequate for all types of food products

Reusable Plastic Crates – Top Retailers’ Choice for Keeping Food on the Move

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In a world where the demand for food is constantly increasing, supply chains are tested in ways never imagined decades ago. Food comes both from local producers, but also from overseas. And, no matter what, every food delivery must meet the highest standards of safety, hygiene and protection. These are the reasons why top retailers and their distributors choose reusable plastic crates as their preferred packaging solution.

Reusable Plastic Crates Fit Every Packing and Shipping Need

When we say reusable plastic crates we think of an entire family of products, each designed to solve a specific need:

Practically, for any type of food product, the Logistic Packaging experts can recommend the ideal type of reusable plastic crates.

Why Are Reusable Plastic Crates So in Demand?

With so many packaging options available – some of them cheaper than reusable plastic crates – why do most companies choose these packages? One of the things these companies learned the hard way is how expensive cheap packages are. They are notoriously unreliable and unhygienic.

Also, many of them – especially corrugated cardboard boxes – are good for one trip only. With reusable plastic crates, you get years or repeated use cycles and the peace of mind that your products are safely packages for shipping.

Some of the most important benefits of switching to reusable plastic crates are:

1.  Superior Hygiene

Compared to other packaging materials, reusable plastic crates are made of virgin HDPE. This material does not absorb liquids and is resistant to:

  • Oils
  • Fats
  • Other organic substances.

Also, it is approved for direct contact with foods, as it does not leak chemicals. Therefore, these crates are the ideal choice for shipping food products hygienically. The risk of cross-contamination is reduced to a minimum, because the crates can be easily sanitized using a simple wash cycle.

2. Better Use of Trailer Space

Reusable plastic crates form solid stacks, allowing food distributors to fill trailers both in depth and in height. Cardboard boxes and wooden pallets are not so easy to stack – plus they have a low static load capacity.

Given the fact that companies need to optimize costs in any way they can, shipping more products per trailer is a smart way of saving money. But it is only possible if you use sturdy packages that can be safely stacked.

3. Improved Protection for Products in Transit

All types of foods are extremely fragile. Bottled milk can break and spill. Cheese and fish can dent and crush. Fresh fruit and vegetables can be left with marks which reduce their appeal to customers.

Also, any kind of mechanical shock is also likely to compromise the safety for human consumption. This is why most damaged food products are written off. The few which are still safe to eat are heavily discounted.

When you ship food products in reusable plastic crates, these issues will not occur. These nestable and foldable small containers have a strong build and can withstand various mechanical shocks – even when store employees drop them by mistake. Retailers estimate that they’ve reduced shrink by 16% overall by choosing returnable plastic boxes and up to 50% for very fragile goods, such as eggs and soft fruit.

4. Reduced Handling

Reusable plastic crates can be used in the entire supply chain. Warehouse workers can load the crates and store employees can take them off the trailer and directly to the store aisles.

These packages are not only sturdy, but they also have a professional, clean look, making them suitable for store display.

5. Reusable Plastic Crates Are Sustainable

Reusable plastic packages are 100% recyclable, and the do get recycled at the end of their lifespan – which lasts for at least 4-5 years. By contrast, wooden and cardboard packaging has a short lifespan and usually ends up in the landfill.

The team of experts at Logistic Packaging is ready to help your company find the best reusable plastic crates for your products. Send us an email to start discussing your packaging products with us!