Innovative fruit packaging in bid to boost export, online sales
The packaging centre for the Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research (TPC) has come up with three new packages for fresh fruit – a box that keeps out the odour of durian, a corrugated box for transporting ripe mango and a smart label indicating the level of sulphur residue on packed longan fruit.
Dr Pattra Maneesin, director of the institute, said TPC had in collaboration with Safer Pac Thailand developed thermoform packaging that keeps durian fresh for a longer period and does not allow the stink to escape.
Safer Pac is now producing these boxes commercially under the trade name “Ozone Box”, which has been well-received by wholesalers, retailers as well as exporters.
“This packaging uses a holistic design and development concept, taking into account many factors. The box is clear so the fruit can be clearly seen, built using eco-friendly principles and strong without having to use thick plastic,” Pattra said.
The packaging for mango aims to make it possible to sell the fruit online, especially since there is an oversupply of Nam Dok Mai mango this year. The outstanding feature of this package is that it can store up to 5 kilograms and can be easily stacked up to 14 levels without damaging the fruit.
Meanwhile, the smart label used for longan can track the amount of sulphur residue left on the fruit after fumigation, giving consumers a chance to choose the best package.
These three new innovative packaging methods should help boost sales and bring Thai products up to international standards, Pattra said.
The Covid-19 crisis has affected the economy, especially Thailand’s export of agricultural products.
