The Effect of Packaging Types on Fresh Peaches in the Direct ‐To‐Consumer Environment: Distribution Testing, Life Cycle Assessment and Economic Impact

This study evaluated different package types' sustainability, cost and protective capacity on peaches in the direct-to-consumer distribution environment. The vibration response of peaches in all package types is amplified in the same frequency region as the input from truck-trailer systems, and damage from shock events is correlated with the freedom of movement of the fruit within a package type. Foam netting is the package type best optimized for sustainability, cost and protection. ABSTRACTThe direct-to-consumer (D2C) shipping mode presents new opportunity for fresh peach sales in North America where demand over the past four decades has steadily declined. The hazards in this distribution mode are severe, and fresh peaches are fragile emphasizing the need for proper protection. A full analysis that not only encompasses the effects of the D2C distribution environment but also incorporates analyses of the environmental and economic impact of the packages utilized for transit of peaches is necessary. In this study, we use the metrics of peach grade, firmness, soluble solids concentration and percent softness before and after the distribution simulation to compare the protective performance of six DTC packaging systems. All six packages consist of a single layer corrugated box with varying primary packaging. A life cycle analysis of each package system is performed as well as an economic analysis on the packaged materials and cost to ship. We conclude that peach damage in shock...
Source: Packaging Technology and Science - Category: Food Science Authors: Tags: RESEARCH ARTICLE Source Type: research