The fresh produce sector is evolving at lightning speed. Not so long ago, workers had to push and pull harvesting bins in and out of the greenhouse by hand. These days, automated carts have taken over that job. Harvesting itself is still done manually, but thanks to the ergonomic design of these smart trolleys, the work has become far more comfortable for greenhouse staff. Modern technology, combined with durable plastic load carriers, is helping the industry move confidently toward the future. Schiphorst explains how it all works in practice.
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Robot carts transport the harvested peppers to the loading hall
Here's what happens behind the scenes: robot carts filled with freshly picked bell peppers roll straight out of the greenhouse and into the loading area. There, the bins are emptied onto a conveyor belt, and the peppers are gently transferred into extra-wide, large-volume pallet boxes. These boxes then head directly to the cold storage area to keep the produce fresh and crisp.
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In the loading hall, the peppers are transferred via conveyor to the duo pallet boxes
The large-volume pallet boxes are then transported to a central facility, where the sorting process takes place. Fully automated systems sort the bell peppers by size and quality, after which they are packed into foldable plastic crates for further distribution.
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...from where the forklift takes them to the cooling hall
Benefits of plastic load carriers at each process stage
From harvest to sorting
The extra-wide pallet boxes make bulk transport highly efficient. With fewer internal transport movements needed inside the greenhouse and loading area, valuable time is saved, and the risk of damaging the produce is significantly reduced. By handling larger quantities in one go, loading and unloading times are shortened, allowing transport to connect seamlessly with the automated sorting line.
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From the pallet boxes, the peppers are fed into the sorting system
From sorting to delivery
By using foldable crates that are compatible with both roller conveyors and external transport systems, the number of manual handling steps is greatly reduced. Their uniform dimensions ensure smooth processing in automated sorting and packing lines. Thanks to their stackable design, the crates stay stable during storage and transport, which helps minimize the risk of product damage.
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...where they transition into plastic collapsible crates
From delivery to return logistics and reuse
The folding crates with ergonomic handles enable quick and easy stacking and storage at the customer's premises, shortening throughput times and freeing up space. Folded crates reduce loading volume by up to 85%, making return trips more efficient. This reduces transport costs by optimizing the use of loading space.
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The stable crates are stacked on pallets
Thanks to their durable plastic material and robust design, the crates and pallet boxes can withstand intensive reuse, extending their lifespan. They are suitable for cleaning and disinfection, allowing them to be safely reused for fresh produce time and again. Finally, decommissioned load carriers are recycled and reprocessed into new products, creating a closed loop and becoming part of a circular process.
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And are thus ready for truck transport
Additional benefits of the pallet boxes and collapsible crates
Large volume duo pallet boxes
These robust boxes consist of two standard pallet boxes, which Schiphorst welded together to form a single large duo box. This process maintains both load-bearing capacity and stability. Perforated walls and bases ensure optimal ventilation, preserving the quality of the peppers. High feet on the base make the boxes stable and easy to move with a forklift. The pallet boxes are easy to clean, further ensuring hygiene standards in the fresh produce sector. The extra-large pallet box has practical dimensions of 2,160x1,000x760 mm.
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Clever-Fresh-Box collapsible crates
These unique foldable crates offer excellent stability and load-bearing capacity, both essential for safe stacking during storage and transport. Their specially designed base makes them ideal for use on walking and roller conveyors, while also keeping noise levels low. The easy-lift-lock system allows the crates to be folded and unfolded effortlessly, and the corner locks provide extra security. With standardized dimensions, they fit perfectly into automated sorting and packing lines. Built for repeated use, these sturdy crates help reduce the overall environmental impact of packaging materials.
"In every step of the logistics process, choosing the right load carriers is key to achieving maximum efficiency. Our range is broad and versatile, ensuring there's a suitable solution for virtually every application," explains Schiphorst.
For more information:
Vincent Wesseldijk
Schiphorst
+31(0)570 622 944
[email protected]
www.schiphorstbv.nl
