What packaging is costing growers — and why more are switching to reusables
Produce growers have a long list of challenges they’re trying to solve. Labor is harder to secure and retain. Input...
In this article
ATLANTA, March 5, 2019 — Tosca, an innovator in reusable transport packaging and supply chain solutions for perishables, announced today the results of a compression study which proves Tosca Reusable Plastic Containers (RPCs) are four times stronger than standard corrugated boxes. Clemson University was commissioned by Tosca to conduct the study to evaluate the strength of standard corrugated compared to Tosca’s RPCs.
The findings illustrate how the superior strength of Tosca’s transport packaging solutions for case ready meat provides better product protection and can lower transportation costs, which ultimately lead to greater cost savings throughout the perishables supply chain.
Technicians at Clemson’s Transport Package Testing Laboratory, a certified testing laboratory in accordance with the International Safe Transit Association (ISTA), conducted the study using ASTM D642 testing protocol, a standard test method for determining compressive resistance of shipping containers. Compressive resistance is used to evaluate the ability of shipping containers to successfully survive the compressive forces they are subjected to during transportation, distribution and storage.
The strength of RPCs is a critical factor in the perishables supply chain. A stronger container provides superior protection, reduces product damage, and increases the amount of product that can be loaded on each truck, since RPCs can be stacked higher with less risk of damage. This advantage in cube utilization also positively impacts loading efficiencies and overall transportation costs, saving retailers money.
The bottom line savings potential is significant. On a price per pound basis, every incremental improvement in product protection and waste reduction can add up quickly. Retailers are taking notice — two of the top five grocery retailers in the world have adopted Tosca’s RPC system with proven results.
“Standard corrugated boxes simply don’t withstand the rigors of packing, shipping, and handling,” said Eric Frank, president and CEO of Tosca. “We’ve always been confident that RPCs offer a better alternative to standard corrugated boxes based on our experience and results achieved by our customers. This research allows us to further quantify the strength of Tosca RPCs and help prove the significant impact RPCs can make throughout the supply chain.”
About Tosca
Tosca (www.toscaltd.com) is a leading provider of reusable packaging and supply chain solutions across a diverse range of markets including eggs, case-ready meat, poultry, produce, and cheese. Our proven RPC system is a smarter way to move fresh product safely from source to shelf, substantially reducing shrink and labor cost, maintaining product quality, and optimizing overall supply chain efficiency for retailers, growers, and suppliers. To learn more, visit www.toscaltd.com.
Related resources
Reusable crates
Reusable crates
Corrugated boxes vs. RPCs: What’s the best choice for food safety?
Packaging might not seem like a boardroom decision. But when it can make or break your food safety strategy, it...
Reusable packaging
How to reduce risks and boost food safety in the meat industry
Meat processors struggle to fill open positions and keep well-trained employees on staff. The numbers bear this out. Consider the...