Fresh fruits, veggies, and other perishables are abundantly produced in South Africa thanks to the country’s thriving agriculture sector. For these perishable goods, effective storage and transportation are essential since even small changes in temperature or accumulation of moisture can drastically reduce their shelf life.
This is where ventilated bulk bags can help with perishable food logistics. As a top producer and supplier of premium bulk bags in South Africa, Custom Bulk Bags is aware of the particular difficulties the perishable food sector faces.
We produce up to 3.5 million bulk bags per year and our products can safely hold between 500kg and two tonnes of material per bag. We offer several UN-certified designs and attachments, making our products fully customisable to meet your unique needs as farmers or perishable goods transporters.
The drawbacks of conventional perishable packaging
Perishable commodities have typically been transported and kept in plastic bags or sealed containers. Although these techniques provide shelter from the weather, they may also retain moisture that is expelled by the produce itself. This moisture speeds up spoiling by providing a haven for bacteria and mould.
In addition, produce that is sealed in containers may give off heat (produced by the slow natural decomposition of fresh goods) which speeds up the rate of deterioration. Having a ventilated packaging solution allows air to circulate around the goods, which preserves their freshness, especially when used in refrigerated trailers or cold rooms.
Why ventilated bulk bags work
Breathable bulk bags are designed to handle these issues in a simple way. The woven polypropylene fabric of these bags has ventilation channels that are positioned strategically. This promotes the following benefits by allowing airflow throughout the bag:
- Control of moisture – Adequate ventilation allows surplus moisture to escape, which stops condensation and the development of germs and mould.
- Temperature control – The airflow keeps the environment inside the bag colder and more uniform by dispersing heat produced by the product during respiration. This prolongs the shelf life of perishables by slowing down the ripening process.
- Better air circulation – Having enough circulation also prevents static air pockets that could trap ethylene gas. Certain fruits and vegetables naturally release ethylene, which can increase the deterioration of neighbouring produce that is kept in storage. This effect is reduced by ventilation, which encourages a healthier storage climate for all of your perishables.
When are ventilated bulk bags best used?
Ventilated bulk bags have many advantages in certain situations. We recommend choosing these packaging solutions if you plan to store and transport fruits, vegetables (including potatoes, onions and other root vegetables) or grains that can release heat and moisture during storage.
These bags are also ideal for short-term storage and should not be used for long periods of time. Although ventilated bulk bags are essential, the following elements should also be taken into account for the best perishable food logistics:
- Pre-cooling – Pre-cooling your goods before packing them delays the ripening process and makes ventilated bulk bags more effective. However, ensure that the cooling process does not add condensation or moisture to the produce.
- Correct handling – Throughout the supply chain, gentle handling techniques reduce bruising and damage to your perishables.
- Temperature control – In order to keep freshness intact during storage and transit, a constant cold temperature must be maintained. This requires refrigerated trailers and cold storage rooms.
At Custom Bulk Bags, we’re dedicated to offering creative and practical packaging solutions to South African companies in the perishable food sector. We provide a wide range of premium ventilated bulk bags that are made especially to prolong the life of your produce. For more information about our bulk bags or to get advice on the ideal design specifications, please contact us today.
___
Custom Bulk Bags is a leading South African manufacturer of woven polypropylene bags for various industries, such as mining, chemicals and food. We are able to produce over 3.5-million bulk bags per year, keeping our customers in stock at all times. Our bags adhere to the highest levels of quality as a result of our stringent in-house testing and quality control programmes.
Custom Bulk Bags holds ISO 9001 certification and we currently have a number of UN-certified designs. We are a Level 2 B-BBEE manufacturer and supplier and fall under the ownership structure of Deneb Investments Limited. For more information on our products, contact sales@custombulkbags.co.za. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram for our latest news and industry insights.
