Product category:
General packaging materials, equipment and services
News Release from: IPL Packaging | Subject: Smartcrate 2416-14
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 08 February 2006
Collapsible Crate Provides Optimum Space
IPL Material Handling has launched its collapsible crate that is claimed to provide optimum space and ventilation for shipping romaine and iceberg lettuce.
IPL Material Handling has launched its collapsible crate that is claimed to provide optimum space and ventilation for shipping romaine and iceberg lettuce Developed in collaboration with Ready Pac, the Smartcrate 2416-14 is the largest hand-held collapsible crate that fits five items per layer on a GMA pallet, said the company
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 13 Apr 2004 at 8.00am (UK)
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IPL designed the crate with an imperial footprint of 24" x 16", rather than the more common metric footprint of 60cm x 40cm.
That enabled IPL to manufacture a crate that is three eighths of an inch longer and a quarter of an inch wider than other containers on the market.
The larger footprint also allows for a greater height of 13.75", further increasing container volume.
"The biggest issue with other collapsible containers that are based on the metric footprint is that they are too small for head lettuce," explained Eric Fredrickson, sales and marketing manager for IPL.
"The tight fit of the lettuce adds labour to the process and increases damage to the produce." Another primary benefit of the IPL Smartcrate is optimised ventilation.
The Smartcrate 2416-14, like other IPL Smartcrates, is designed to provide uniform ventilation throughout the container.
However, the ventilation in the Smartcrate 2416-14 is reduced and it is forced through the core of the lettuce, not around it, providing uniform cooling, whilst preventing drying of the produce.
Because the Smartcrate collapses flat, it also offers increased volume efficiency and higher return ratios, which help achieve savings on shipping routes, added the company.
"The Smartcrates have proven to provide a strong return on investment in closed loop applications, like shipping between growing and processing and packaging locations.
This new container for lettuce is an example of how IPL is optimising the benefits of the Smartcrate collapsible containers for niche applications," emphasised Fredrickson.
The Smartcrate 2416-14 also features a two-step assembly that makes it the quickest, most intuitive collapsible reusable plastic container, claimed IPL.
The two-step assembly requires little or no operator training and automatic assembly equipment is already available, added the company.
It also provides clamed high cube utilisation, allows cross stacking, with increased stacking strength and durability.
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