Fresh Produce Prepackaging Practices in the United States

Excerpts from the report Preface: The study on which this report is based is part of a broad program of research aimed at expanding market outlets and reducing the costs of marketing farm products. This nationwide survey of fresh fruit and vegetable prepackaging was jointly planned and undertaken by the Produce Packaging Association, Cornell University, and the U. S. Department of Agriculture. The purpose was to provide basic information on operating and packaging practices and the status of the packaging industry. This report will serve as a guide: (1) To prepackagers in comparing their packaging practices with others in the industry; (2) to manufacturers of packaging materials in gaining a broader knowledge of what commodities are packaged, how they are packaged, the most frequently used types and sizes of consumer units, and general package requirements of the different commodities; and (3) to potential packagers in gaining an understanding of the basic elements involved in packaging the different commodities.