New produce containers arrive in better shape

By Staff -- Modern Materials Handling, 10/1/2000

The results of a field trial conducted this summer by The Fibre Box Association (FBA) and grocery retailer A & P to test the performance of FBA's new common footprint containers show significant improvements in their arrival condition at both the distribution center (DC) and the store.

A total of 126 full pallets of produce were built and then shipped 1,200 miles from five packing facilities in Florida to A & P's DC in Detroit, Mich. over a period of 3 days.

Once at the DC, the pallets were unloaded, repacked into typical mixed loads, and shipped out to an area retail store. All of the containers arrived at both the DC and the store in excellent condition, with no visible damage, says a spokesman for the association.

Advantages of the containers include mixed load interstackability, display readiness, and optimal pallet fill. Additionally, custom designs can be created and graphics can be printed on the recyclable corrugated boxes.

Last month, a final standard, based on the field trial, was widely circulated.

For more information about the containers, contact Jim Nolan, FBA, at 847-364-9600.