Perfect protection, responsible
protection for your fruit in storage and in transit.
General
Description
These moulded fibre (molded fiber) inserts are called
liners or trays in some packhouses. They are used
to pack and display avocados and other fruit in
cartons or boxes. Made from recycled paper material
the inserts are scalloped around the edges and have
perforations to allow for increased air flow in
the carton and on the pallet stack. The combination
of vented cartons and Hawk inserts allows for enhanced
product cooling. (Note venting in the base of the
carton matches edge vents on the Ludowici insert).
This unique design was developed as a response to
research carried out at Massey University in New
Zealand. (This research was sponsored jointly by
the New Zealand and the Australian Avocado Councils).
Dimensions
Ludowici Packaging avocado inserts are available
in the following pocket counts:
12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 28, 30
Each
insert measures 330mm x 410mm. This size fits in
the "P84" box footprint used in New Zealand
and most parts of Australia and is suitable for
single layer and double layer packs. The weight
of each insert on despatch from our factory is 60
to 65 grams.
Ludowici Packaging inserts are suitable for use
in CA or conventional coolstores and will not deteriorate
in high humidity, warm environments. Each insert
has the pocket count embossed on it for ease of
identification at the packhouse.
Why
Moulded Fibre Inserts?
Moulded fibre inserts from Ludowici Packaging are preferred
to plastic because:
they are shock absorbing and
protect valuable fruit from bruising in transit
and in storage.
they are made from recycled
paper material and are themselves easily recycled
by supermarkets and other end users. The insert
and carton can be recycled together. This is an
advantage that Ludowici inserts have over plastic
components. Some export destinations now demand
that packaging is recyclable or it must be shipped
back to the country of origin.
they are price competitive.
Quality
During the manufacturing process at Ludowici factories,
key quality variables such as the weight and moisture
content of each insert are measured on-line and controlled
automatically. Quality data is automatically written
into computer storage. In addition, random but frequent
quality audits are carried out and extensive records
kept.
Use in the Packhouse The table below gives a general
indication of different inserts and the fruit size
packed in New Zealand for the Australian market:
Count 16: 325 grams + Count 25: 208 grams to 228 grams
Count 18: 290 grams to 324 grams Count 28: 184 grams
to 207 grams
Count 20: 257 grams to 289 grams Count30: 162 grams
to 205 grams
Count 23: 229 grams to 256 grams
Count 24: 206 grams to 256 grams
Bundles (125 inserts) and
pallets of Ludowici inserts are lightweight and
easy to handle. Avocados of various shapes and sizes
can be packed easily and rapidly in the packhouse.
Fruit
can be aligned on the insert in one direction or can
alternate by rows. The photo below shows avocados
aligned in one direction (carton on left) and alternating.
Best display in the carton is generally achieved with
the label visible on each fruit as shown in the photo
below right.
Avocados
Are a Great Fruit There are many different varieties
of avocado but most have a green or black skin when
mature and can be smooth or rough skinned. Oil content
of the fruit varies from 3% to 30% and weight per
fruit can vary from a few grams to 2.5 kilograms.
Fruit are still hard when mature,
ripening only after being picked. The ripening rate
after harvest is affected by the age of the fruit
and the temperature at which the fruit is held.
Early season mature fruit may ripen in 10 to 12
days at 20° C whereas fruit harvested late in
the season may ripen in 5 to 6 days.
The
avocado is unusual among fruit and vegetables in that
it contains fat. Most of this is in the form of mono-unsaturated
fatty acids and has a beneficial effect on health.
Avocados are an excellent source of food for young
children and babies because they contain vitamin E,
B1, B2, folate and B6, vitamin C, riboflavin, niacin
and potassium. They have a delicate flavour and a
creamy consistency ideal for baby food.
North and Central America account
for 60% of world avocado production. (Mexico is
the largest producing country in the world). Other
major growing areas are Africa, Asia and South America.
Common varieties include Hass, Fuerte, Ryan, Pinkerton,
Reid, Shepard, Hazzard and Wurtz.
Hawk
moulded fibre inserts are competitively priced, quality
assured and can be used to send fruit to markets around
the world with confidence.
