New plastic bin caters for delicate cargoes

A new 528h Jumbo Bin for use in the agriculture sector and general industry has just been launched. Manufactured by Mpact Plastic Containers, a subsidiary of paper and plastics packaging group Mpact, this shallow bin, with a height of 528 mm, complements the existing 748 mm standard height bin. The reduced internal height lends itself to the storage and transportation of more delicate products like stone fruit, avocados, tomatoes and sultanas that are prone to bruising. It can also be used for the transportation of highquality wine grapes. Loutjie De Jongh, managing director of Mpact Plastic Containers, says one of the key benefits of the product is its durability, which helps protect the contents right through to destination. “Our customers’ biggest fear is that their produce will arrive at its destination damaged,” says de Jongh, “They rely on durable, high-quality packaging to avoid this.” The fruit export market is highly competitive, and given the strict regulations imposed on South African imports into the EU, cost management is everything. “Players in the agricultural industry, particularly exporters, have to worry about unseasonal weather conditions, increasing fuel and transportation costs, exchange rate fluctuations and rising input costs on a daily basis. By improving and expanding Mpact’s range of fit-forpurpose plastic packaging we are able to deliver a greater degree of certainty to our customers’ businesses,” said De Jongh. The volume of the 528h bin is 478L, which is 60% of the full depth Jumbo Bin, she said. “The two bins are designed to stack and interwork completely, and are rated to the same maximum top load." New features include four way forklift entry, which allows for handling the bins from both directions, giving improved pack density on trucks and in certain racking systems. At the same time standard pallet jacks can be used, she added. “Our Jumbo Bin is a more reliable, sustainable and profitable plastic alternative than the wooden bin traditionally used in the agricultural industry,” adds De Jongh. The bins are available ex works Brits in the North West and Atlantis in the Western Cape.