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Choosing the Right Corrugated Box for Fresh Produce & Perishables

Feb 26 2025 Packaging & Design

Fresh produce, meat, poultry, and seafood all require specialized packaging to maintain quality from farm or sea to market. Whether you’re a farmer, fisher, packing house, or meat processor, choosing the right corrugated box impacts shelf life, transportation efficiency, and product integrity. Understanding moisture resistance, strength, and sustainability is key to selecting the best solution for your business.

Moisture-Resistant Packaging: Essential for Fresh & Frozen Goods

Perishable goods often face humidity, ice, or condensation during transit. Standard corrugated boxes may weaken when exposed to moisture, making wax-coated or alternative moisture-resistant options critical.

Industry-Specific Moisture Solutions:

Seafood & Fisheries: Boxes often require wax coatings or poly-coated alternatives to withstand melting ice. Eco-friendly wax-replacement coatings provide the same protection with better recyclability.
Meat & Poultry Processors: Frozen shipments need moisture barriers that prevent box breakdown in cold storage and transit.
Produce Suppliers: High-humidity environments call for water-resistant liners that prevent cartons from softening while in coolers or refrigerated trucks.

Custom Gaylord Bins with Wax Alternatives

For bulk storage and transport, large Gaylord bins with wax-free coatings provide a sustainable and durable alternative to traditional waxed bins. These are particularly useful for:

Meat processing plants needing sturdy, stackable bulk storage.
Packing houses handling high volumes of apples, potatoes, or squash.
Fishery operations where ice is used inside the bin for transport.

Corrugated Trays & HSC Boxes: Optimized for Fruits & Vegetables

Farmers and produce distributors rely on custom stackable trays and half-slotted containers (HSC boxes) for easy handling and storage. These options ensure produce stays secure and ventilated, extending freshness while making it convenient for grocery stores and markets to display items.

Best Packaging Options by Produce Type:

Soft fruits (berries, tomatoes, peaches) – Ventilated die-cut trays to prevent moisture buildup.
Root vegetables (potatoes, onions, carrots) – HSC boxes with tear-away tops for bulk storage.
Heavy items (pumpkins, melons, squash) – Quad-wall bins for superior strength and durability.
Leafy greens & herbs – Moisture-resistant coated trays to prevent wilting during transit.

Logistics & Storage Considerations: Matching Box Strength to Transit Needs

The journey from farm, fishing dock, or meat plant to the retailer affects packaging requirements. Corrugated boxes must handle stacking, long-haul transport, and climate fluctuations.

Long-distance trucking: Sturdy double-wall or laminated board prevents collapse under stacking pressure.
Rail shipping: Shock-absorbent custom ECT-rated board ensures stability over long transits.
Freezer storage: Cold-resistant liners and coatings protect against cracking and moisture damage.
Wet conditions: Water-resistant glues and coatings extend durability for outdoor markets or rainy seasons.

R&L Packaging: Custom Packaging for Every Perishable Industry

R&L Packaging specializes in tailored corrugated solutions for the produce, meat, poultry, and seafood industries. We offer:

Custom moisture-resistant board for freezer storage and wet environments.
Die-cut trays and HSC boxes designed for easy stacking and display.
Eco-friendly alternatives to wax-coated boxes.
Bulk Gaylord bins for high-volume produce and meat packing.
Low-volume orders so you can manage storage space efficiently.

Get a Quote Today!

Find the perfect packaging for your fresh or frozen goods with R&L Packaging. Let’s build a cost-effective, durable, and sustainable packaging solution for your business.

📩 Request a Quote Today: Contact Us or email Sales@RLPackaging.ca to get started!