Transit and laboratory performance testing study for wooden crate, kaing, and returnable plastic container (RPC) used as transport packaging for tomatoes

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate and compare the protective capability of the wooden crate, kaing, and returnable plastic container (RPC) in terms of the number of damaged tomatoes after experiencing shock and vibration hazard present in the distribution environment. It also intended to conduct a cost analysis so as to determine which of the three packaging options would be the most economical to use. A laboratory performance testing, which was composed of drop and vibration tests, and a trundling test were done to carry out this study. Both the trundling and performance testing resulted to the RPC having the least amount of damaged tomato, followed by the kaing and wooden crate. Statistically, all three packaging materials resulted to a no significant difference, which means that all the three options perform the same in term of protecting its contents (tomatoes). The cost analysis then resulted to the RPC being more economical than the kaing and wooden crate. Having done the trundling, laboratory performance testing, and the cost analysis; it was shown that RPC, more than the wooden crate can be a great alternative to the kaing which is the most commonly used transport packaging for tomatoes from Leon to Iloilo City.