Page 230 - DMGT523_LOGISTICS_AND_SUPPLY_CHAIN_MANAGEMENT

Unit 10: Packaging and Material Handling
Anand Thakur, Lovely Professional University

Unit 10: Packaging and Material Handling Notes

CONTENTS
Objectives
Introduction

10.1 Packaging Perspectives
10.2 Packaging for Material Handling Efficiency
10.2.1 Kinds of Packaging

10.3 Materials Handling
10.3.1 Handling Requirements
10.3.2 Handling Equipments
10.3.3 Automated Material Handling
10.4 Summary

10.5 Keywords
10.6 Review Questions
10.7 Further Readings

Objectives

After studying this unit, you will be able to:
 Understand the Packaging Perspectives
 Explain the Packaging for Material Handling Efficiency
 Discuss the Materials Handling

Introduction

If produce is packed for ease of handling, heavily waxed cartons, wooden crates or rigid plastic
containers are preferable to bags or open baskets, since bags and baskets provide no protection
to the produce when stacked. Sometimes locally constructed containers can be strengthened or
lined to provide added protection to produce. Waxed cartons, wooden crates and plastic
containers, while more expensive, are reusable and can stand up to the high relative humidity
found in the storage environment. Containers should not be filled either too loosely or too
tightly for best results. Loose products may vibrate against others and cause bruising, while
over packing results in compression bruising. Shredded newspaper is inexpensive and
lightweight filler for shipping containers.
For small-scale handlers interested in constructing their own cartons from corrugated fibreboard,
provide detailed information. Many types of agricultural fibres are suitable for paper making,
and handlers may find it economically sensible to include these operations in their post harvest
system.

Throughout the entire handling system, packaging can be both an aid and a hindrance to obtaining
maximum storage life and quality. Packages need to be vented yet be sturdy enough to prevent
collapse. Collapsed packages provide tattle or no protection, requiring the commodity inside to

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