For many years, wooden boxes and crates were the standard for transporting fruits, vegetables and other food-grade products. However, the arrival of stricter hygiene and food safety regulations has driven an important change in the agricultural sector: wood is being replaced by plastic harvest crates, a more durable, hygienic and sustainable solution for handling fresh products.

In this article we explain what harvest crates are, what types exist and why they have become a key piece within the harvest, storage and food distribution chain.

What are harvest crates?

Harvest crates are plastic containers designed specifically for the harvesting, storage and processing of food. They are manufactured through a plastic injection process, using materials approved for food use, which ensures they are safe, resistant and lightweight.

Unlike traditional wooden boxes, harvest crates completely eliminate the use of nails and other metal elements, thus avoiding the risk of splinters that could damage or contaminate the product. In addition, their smooth, non-porous surface significantly reduces the possibility of a buildup of bacteria, insects or other contaminants.

Another important advantage is that they are made of 100% polypropylene, which makes them a recyclable material at the end of their service life, also providing an environmental benefit compared to single-use boxes.

Types of harvest crates

Within the agricultural industry, there are mainly two types of harvest crates, both made of the same food-safe injected plastic:

Ventilated harvest crates

This type of crate is designed with openings or vents in its walls, allowing air circulation inside the container. This is essential for the cooling process of freshly harvested fruits and vegetables, as it helps regulate the product’s temperature naturally.

Ventilated crates also make storage in controlled-atmosphere chambers easier, a system used especially to preserve apples and other products sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity. An example of this type of container is thePlastic Harvest Crate N2, which incorporates openwork in its walls to promote air circulation and keep the product fresh.

Solid-wall harvest crates

Solid-wall boxes are intended for food processing and agricultural, pharmaceutical, wine and industrial applications. They meet the necessary sanitary guidelines to ensure simple and effective cleaning.

Like the ventilated versions, they are resistant, splinter-free and lightweight, with non-porous surfaces that minimize wear and the possibility of contamination. In addition, they are available in multiple sizes, which makes it possible to adapt to different material-handling needs.

Benefits of using harvest crates

Temperature control

One of the greatest benefits of these crates is their ability to help control the product’s temperature. Their light color reflects sunlight, which reduces heat absorption and prevents the harvest from overheating during workdays under the sun. At the same time, they withstand low temperatures, so they also work well in processing plants and refrigerated storage.

Stacking insurance

Solid-wall harvest crates have a base designed with supports that allow them to be stacked safely, one on top of another, without damaging the product they contain. This feature helps optimize space during harvest, whether with or without a lid. ThePlastic Harvest Crate N3is a good example of this model, since its insertable design allows for additional space savings during transport.

Clamshell-type storage

When the use season ends, the crates can be stored compactly using the clamshell method: one crate is placed sideways inside the lower crate, and then another crate is flipped over it to fit together. In this way, considerable space is saved in the warehouse during periods of lower activity.

Other uses of harvest crates

Although their original design is intended for fruits and vegetables, harvest crates are also widely used for the transport and storage of other food products, such as fish and meat. In recent years, in addition, their use has grown notably within the aquaponics industry, thanks to their durability and ease of cleaning.

Available harvest crate models

If you’re looking to implement this system in your agricultural or industrial operation, there are specific models depending on the type of handling you need:

• ThePlastic Harvest Crate N2, with openwork to promote ventilation and keep the product fresh.
• ThePlastic Harvest Crate N3, with an insertable design, ideal for optimizing space during transport.

Harvest crates represent a necessary evolution over traditional wooden crates. Their hygienic design, durability and versatility make them a reliable solution for the harvesting, storage and transport of agricultural and food products in general. Whether ventilation is needed for cooling the product or a solid structure for industrial processes, there is a type of harvest crate suitable for every need in the sector.