7.1.1.1 Moulded polystyrene Fish Box

7.1.1.1 Moulded polystyrene Fish Box

Moulded polystyrene fish boxes are commonly used for delivery of chilled fish and frozen fish. In a typical range the wall thickness varies with the box size, for example a 6 kg capacity box has a 15 mm thick wall, a 10 kg box a 19 m wall, a 25 kg box a 25 mm wall. The major disadvantages of polystyrene boxes are their lack of strength. This limits their size and use. They are easily damaged or broken by rough handling. Polystyrene is difficult to clean. Polystyrene boxes are difficult to re-use, and are normally non-returnable .

Use of Insulating Linings

Wooden or fiber board boxes can be insulated with polystyrene sheeting cut to the required dimensions. Alternatively waxed fiber board which has good water resistance can be used. The empty box can be shipped in a knocked down form. This is cheaper than using moulded polystyrene boxes.

Light-Weight Insulated Packaging

A recent development in light-weight insulated packaging makes use of the ability of metallised surfaces to reflect practically all (97%) radiant heat and so to reduce the thermal insulation thickness. The thermal guard packaging system consists of a metallised plastic bag in which the produce is packed, a bubble-pack insulating wrapper, provides the insulation. The thermal guard bag can be sealed airtight and can thus be used for frozen fish.

Returnable Versus Disposable Containers

The environmental pollution, authorities in many countries try to reduce the use of disposable containers. The returnable containers are the freight costs for returning empty containers, the logistics involved and the high investment in good quality containers. Using a ‘knock –down’ returnable container will reduce return freight costs. The returnable containers are to be preferred because in the long run these will then be cheaper and generate less trash.

Last modified: Saturday, 24 December 2011, 11:46 AM