Industry Challenge: Ventilation Gaps in Fresh Produce Logistics

In fresh produce supply chains, fruits and vegetables continue to respire after harvest. During transport and short-term storage, moisture evaporation and heat accumulation can create a humid micro-environment inside poorly ventilated containers. When solid-wall crates are used, restricted airflow may lead to condensation, localized heat buildup, and accelerated surface softening.

For distributors, wholesalers, and supermarket supply systems, this does not only affect product appearance. It may also increase sorting pressure, shrink shelf life during transit, and complicate replenishment workflows.

As a result, more agricultural and retail logistics operators are reassessing container structure — not just load capacity — when selecting transport packaging.

Structural Solution: Why Ventilated Foldable Plastic Crates Matter

A 600×400mm standard foldable plastic crate with ventilated side walls and perforated base design provides a structural response to airflow challenges.

Key structural parameters:

• External size: 600×400×220mm

• Internal size: 570×370×210mm

• Volume: 40L

• Single unit load capacity: ≤22kg

• Stacking capacity: ≤100kg

• Folding ratio: 5:1

• Folded height: 52mm

• Material: PP

The ventilated wall structure allows natural air circulation during transport, especially in farm-to-distribution and distribution-to-retail movements. Importantly, the ≤100kg stacking capacity indicates that the crate maintains structural stability even with perforated walls, supporting short-term warehouse stacking without compromising integrity.

Backhaul Efficiency: Folding Structure in Return Logistics

In fresh produce logistics, container performance is not limited to loaded transport. Empty return and storage efficiency are equally critical.

With a 5:1 folding ratio and a folded height of 52mm, this foldable plastic crate significantly reduces occupied volume when collapsed. In reusable transport systems (Returnable Transport Packaging, RTP), this structural feature supports:

• Reduced empty crate storage footprint

• Improved warehouse space utilization

• More efficient backhaul logistics

For agricultural exporters, regional distribution centers, and supermarket networks, managing empty container volume is a measurable operational concern. Folding capability directly supports this requirement without changing footprint standards.

Selection Guide: When Is a Ventilated Foldable Plastic Crate Suitable?

When evaluating whether a ventilated folding crate fits your supply chain, consider the following:

1. Product Characteristics

• Are you transporting fresh produce requiring airflow?

• Is moisture management during short transport cycles important?

2. Logistics Model

• Do you operate a reusable crate system?

• Is return transport volume a cost consideration?

3. Load and Stacking Requirements

• Does your unit load remain within ≤22kg per crate?

• Is stacking up to ≤100kg required in warehouse staging areas?

4. Standardization Needs

• Do you use a 600×400mm modular footprint?

• Is compatibility with standardized pallets or automated systems necessary?

The 600×400 format is widely adopted in European and international logistics systems, making it suitable for standardized supply chain operations.

Industry Perspective: Beyond Load Capacity

In modern fresh produce logistics, container selection is shifting from “maximum load capacity” toward structural efficiency — including ventilation performance, foldability, and system compatibility.

A ventilated foldable plastic crate made from PP material, with defined load parameters (≤22kg unit load, ≤100kg stacking) and a 5:1 folding ratio, provides a balanced structural solution for produce transport and return logistics management.

For supply chains prioritizing airflow control, reusable systems, and standardized footprint integration, ventilated collapsible crates represent a practical and structurally rational option.