1. Packaging of Tomato

2. Introduction Packaging of Tomato India is the second largest producer of fruits and vegetables. It will have significance only when fruits and vegetables reach the consumer in fresh and palatable condition at a reasonable price. Due to heavy post harvest losses, a considerable gap between production and availability of fruits and vegetables to consumers. Post-harvest losses are occurring in the period between harvesting and consumption. An urgent need to adopt proper post harvest management practices by adopting improved packaging, handling and efficient transportation methods.

3. Packaging is required to keep fruits, vegetables and root crops in good condition until it is soled and consumed. Packaging serves as an efficient handling unit to carry produce from field to consumer. The package should also protect the produce against rotting. Packages must protect against possible damage. Packaging of Tomato Introduction

4. Definition of Food Packaging Food packaging is defined as a mean or system by which a fresh produce or processed product will reach from the production centre to the ultimate consumer in safe and sound condition at an affordable price Packaging of Tomato

5. Functions of Packaging Material Two main functions of packaging are: 1.To assemble the produce into convenient units for handling. 2.To protect the produce during distribution, storage and marketing. Packaging of Tomato

6. Serves as an efficient handling unit Protects from mechanical damage Protects against moisture loss Provides clean and sanitary storage To prevent pilferage Provides sales and service motivation Reduces cost of transport and marketing Packaging materials used to serve the following purposes Packaging of Tomato

7. Packaging Materials for Fresh Produce 1. Basket made of woven strips of leaves, bamboo, plastic etc. 2. Sacks: flexible, made of plastic or jute. i)Bags: small size sack ii)Nets: sacks made of open mesh 3. Wooden crates 4. Fibreboard boxes i)Solid fibreboard boxes ii)Corrugated fibreboard boxes 5. Plastic crates 6. Biodegradable plastics 7. New innovations in packaging of fruits, vegetables and root crops 8. Pallet boxes and shipping containers Packaging of Tomato

8. Packaging Materials for Process Products Packaging for processed products is of several types: 1. Glass containers 2. Metal cans 3. Aluminium foil 4. Plastic materials 5. Collapsible containers 6. Composite containers Packaging of Tomato

9. Cushioning Materials and Wrap Cushioning material used for packaging fruits and vegetables are dry grass, paddy straw, leaves, saw dust, paper shreds etc It should dissipate the heat of respiration of the produce It should be free from infection and should be physiologically inactive Moulded pulp tray, honeycomb portion, cell pack are used replacing the cushioning material Cassia leaves are most effective in reducing physiological loss in weight (PLW), spoilage, retaining fruit colour and chemical quality Packaging of Tomato

10. Cushioning Materials and Wrap One of the newest trends in produce packaging is the shrink- wrapping of individual produce items Shrink-wrapping with an engineered plastic wrap can reduce shrinkage, protect the produce from disease, reduce mechanical damage and provide a good surface for stick-on labels Packaging of Tomato

11. Packing Containers should not be filled either too loosely or too tightly for best results Loose products may vibrate against each other and cause bruising While over-packing results in compression bruising Proper filling along with cushioning can minimize rubbing damage Packaging of Tomato

12. Tomatoes are usually packed in bamboo basket Wooden boxes are also used of different size and shape in case of long distance transportation Corrugated fiberboard boxes are also used for tomato packaging Some Innovative packaging is also used for fresh tomatoes Tomatoes are taken in plastic crates for local market Packaging of Tomato

13. Special Care in Packaging All freshly harvested produce are living entities They respire till their senescence The packaging must be provided with enough vents The produce can respire appropriately and remains fresh and alive Packaging of Tomato

14. Packaging of Tomato in Corrugated Carton Boxes Tomatoes Tray Packaging Tomato Packaging Source (all photos): : http://www.ulmapackaging.com/packaging-solutions/fresh-food- packaging/produce/trays-of-fruits-and-vegetables/tomatoes-tray-packaging-in-flow-pack- wrapper-hffs Tomato tray from LINPAC Packaging Packaging of Tomato

15. Tomato Packaging Innovative Packaging for Fresh Tomatoes Source: kontosfruit.net Packaging of Tomato Packaging in wrap paper

16. Tomato Packaging Tomato packaging (freshplaza.com) Groups of tomatoes packaging in flow pack wrapper … ulmapackaging.com Packaging of Tomato

17. Trashion” show clothes made out of packaging garbage. Tomato Source: packaginguniversity.com Tomato Packaging packaginguniversity.com Tomato clusters packaging in flow pack wrapper Source: (hffs) harpak-ulma.com Packaging of Tomato

18. Tomato Packaging Cherry tomato tub packaging in flow pack wrapper (hffs) — ULMA Packaging Packaging of Tomato

19. Food packaging is a system by which the fresh produce or processed one will reach from the production centre to the ultimate consumer in safe and sound condition at an affordable cost. It serves two basic objectives, i.e., marketing and logistics. Adopting improved packaging, handling and transportation methods during distribution and marketing can successfully avert huge post harvest losses. The product requirements, the marketing system and the personnel preference will determine the type of packaging to use. Let Us Sum Up Packaging of Tomato