Investigating the role of geometrical configurations of ventilated fresh produce packaging to improve the mechanical strength – Experimental and numerical approaches

Abstract

Abstract Ventilated paperboard packaging (VCP) is utilised particularly in the fresh fruit industry for handling, storage and distribution of fruit. These packages require venting to maintain adequate cooling within the package, however, the presence and configuration of the ventilation openings could compromise its strength. This study aimed at evaluating the performance of ventilated packages by considering the influence of different geometrical configurations of vents. The compression strength of four package designs, each for three vent area (2%, 4%, and 8%) and three corrugated paperboard grade (B-, C- and BC-flute boards) were quantified experimentally and results were compared with finite element simulations. A negative and almost linear relationship was found between compression strength and vent area. Packages with BC-flute and B-flute board grade had the greatest and lowest compression strength, respectively, with percentage reduction as high as 72% for 2% vent area, 65% for 4% vent area and 67% for 8% vent area. The study also demonstrated that the functionality of package vent hole design is tied strongly to the properties of the chosen board grade. The Edge and Standard vent package designs performed best compared to the Alt and Multi vent package designs. Numerical results and experimental results were in good agreement, within 10%. The width side of the package was more resistant to buckling while buckling originated from the centre of the length side of the package. From the contact FEA model, irrespective of the package design, maximum stress was observed to be concentrated at the corners of the package.