A Study on Suitable Bulk Packaging for Fresh Agricultural Products

Abstract

This paper aims to investigate suitable packaging for large and bulky agricultural products and to suggest recommendations to enhance packaging-based types of products. Packaging of agricultural products plays a vital role in protecting products from damage and facilitating transportation activities. In Malaysia, regulations for packaging purposes have been outlined under the Grading, Packaging, and Labeling of Agricultural Products (GPL) Regulations enacted under Section 3(2) (c) of Act 141 for the target group, namely manufacturers, wholesalers, exporters, importers, and retailers. However, standard agricultural product packaging practices among these players are not only unable to provide maximum protection in terms of quality, hygiene, and durability, but have negative impacts on agricultural products. There is also a non-compliance issue for bulk packaging weights exceeding 30 kilograms, especially large-sized agricultural products. This research provides a comprehensive, up-to-date review of bulk packaging of fresh agricultural products from the point of view of materials use, cost, and packaging weight. A total of 189 respondents, represented by wholesalers and exporters, were selected. This study found that bulk packaging used by most wholesalers for large-sized fruits in the domestic market must comply with the weight outlined by the GPL regulations. However, all exporters follow the GPL and importing countries' rules. This study also found that Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Japan mainly used plastic baskets, wooden pallets, and corrugated cardboard boxes and packaging for fresh agricultural produce widely used for export activities. However, the type and packaging materials used varied according to the type of agricultural product.