Food processing is one of the most important aspects of the global supply chain. Food processing facilities make up around 15 percent of the value of shipments from all U.S. manufacturing plants. These companies are responsible for making sure everyone has access to food, whether it’s your local grocery store, community food bank or a large agricultural plant.
In order to keep the global supply of food going strong, these companies will use special food-grade containers to move their products to various retail outlets and organizations. Learn more about some of the best containers in the food processing industry and how they can help you improve the nature of your business.
Plastic Pallet Containers
You can’t visit a food processing plant without seeing plastic pallet containers. These tend to be the preferred choice when it comes to shipping and storing food. They are made with food-grade plastic, so you don’t have to worry about cross-contamination. If you reuse these containers, make sure you wash them out completely before putting them back into the supply chain.
Plastic pallet containers are lightweight, so you don’t have to pay as much in shipping. You can safely move your products to their destination without carrying around unnecessary weight. They come in all sizes and shapes, including those with lids, open slat containers, mesh containers and those with solid walls. From fresh produce to baked goods, you can find the right plastic pallet containers for your business.
SHOP PLASTIC PALLET CONTAINERS
Wire Baskets
Wire baskets are also a must when it comes to shipping and storing large quantities of solid items, such as produce, consumer goods and prepackaged items. These containers come with open walls, so you can keep an eye on your inventory every step of the way. They are not meant to store or hold loose items. They are mostly used to transport bulk items, such as boxes of cereal, toilet paper or dog food.
Industrial wire baskets are easy to use. Most wire baskets come with wheels so your team can quickly push them from one side of your facility to another. They don’t have to mess with lift trucks or expensive equipment, which can slow them down in the workplace. They also don’t have to worry about lifting items by hand, which will improve the ergonomics of your workplace.
Bulk Bags
You can’t move large quantities of raw agricultural goods without bulk bags. These massive plastic bags are used to move several tons of dry goods at once, typically with a lift truck or large crane. They are often used to store flour, oats, wheat and other types of grains.
It’s best to stay away from rigid containers when moving these kinds of products. The bags vary in size and shape based on the contents, so you can fit more inside the container. This also reduces the chances of the bag tipping over. Rigid containers can easily leak or topple over if there’s too much weight on one side.
Bulk bags are extremely lightweight without putting your products at risk. As long as you take the necessary precautions when filling and unloading your bags, the contents will arrive safe and sound. This also makes it easier to load raw products into a feed mill or food processor. You can dump hundreds of pounds of ingredients into the machine at once without injuring your employees or putting them in harm’s way.
IBC Totes
IBC totes are commonly used to transport and store raw ingredients, including grains and dry goods, as well as fluids such as water and other liquid ingredients. They come encased in metal wiring, so you don’t have to worry about the container springing a leak during transit. It also comes attached to a pallet, which makes them easier to handle. Your team can quickly load and unload these containers without searching for a pallet.
One of the best parts of using IBC totes in the food processing industry is the built-in tap. Just twist it open and you can pour out just the right amount. This will help you maintain quality assurance without wasting essential ingredients. It’s the safest way to retrieve and store fluids in the workplace.
If you’re in the food processing industry, these containers will help you do more with less. You can move more of your inventory in less time without putting your inventory at risk. Use these efficient food warehousing storage tips to make the most of every container.