Abstract:

This paper evaluated various shipping packages (corrugated boxes and reusable plastic crates) on their protective performance based on bruising and heat transfer characteristics for shipping and handling mangoes. The effect of maturity stage on bruise susceptibility of mangoes was also studied. Mangoes were evaluated for bruise damage after subjecting to shipping and vibration tests. The results indicated that proper shipping containers and cushioning methods significantly reduces bruising in mangoes. Design features of shipping containers, such as physical protection and pre-cooling characteristics, should be considered when shipping mangoes. The methods from this study can be used for selecting proper packaging to reduce damage of mangoes and other sensitive tropical fruits during distribution. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Keywords: packaging; corrugated boxes; reusable; plastic containers; mangoes

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1002/pts.630

Affiliations: 1: Department of Packaging Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand 2: School of Packaging, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA