Department - Author 1
Industrial Technology
Degree Name - Author 1
BS in Industrial Technology
Date
3-2013
Primary Advisor
Jay Singh
Abstract/Summary
Gourmet Trading Company is a fresh fruit and vegetable distributor specializing in asparagus, blueberries, and blackberries. The company currently mails a 7” by 11” sign to be displayed with their asparagus which arrives in a 28 pound shipper. The signs are intended to be displayed in stores to give consumers information about the asparagus. Unfortunately, many of the signs do not get displayed since they are shipped separately. The purpose of the project is to redesign the 28 pound asparagus shipper to include a detachable point of sale sign.
A literature search was conducted to further understand the needs of the project. This included research on shipping and packaging fruits and vegetables as well as packaging functions in produce. A similar asparagus package was discovered as well. Three alternative solutions were developed which all included the detachable point of sale material. The alternatives underwent distribution testing using the ASTM D4169 test schedule. All of the packages successfully passed the testing without damage to the asparagus. The best solution was the one that was easiest for the end user to remove, which was an asparagus shipper that had a removable flap. The flap used 3/8” perforations along the edge for simple and easy removal. The end product successfully protects the asparagus and is easy to use.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/itsp/24