Farm Tools: Plastic crates: Plastic crates safer than wooden
MOST farmers in Uganda are familiar with wooden crates, used to carry tomatoes and other fruits and vegetables from farms to the market.
BY VISION REPORTER
MOST farmers in Uganda are familiar with wooden crates, used to carry tomatoes and other fruits and vegetables from farms to the market.
However, these crates are not durable and need replacing after a short time. A number of supermarkets have started stocking imported plastic crates, which cost more than the locally-made wooden crates but are more durable and easier to handle.
Durable plastic crates cost between sh20,000 -sh60,000 each, while a wooden one goes for sh10,000.
Why get a plastic crate?
1. They are easier to handle than wooden crates. Their smooth designs are safer for use than the wooden ones that could have nails or splinters.
2. Plastic crates offer a wider variety of designs which make for attractive product displays in shops.
3. Plastic crates are smoother and cleaner than wood. This offers the ability to sell out of the crate without the need to transfer onto shelves.
4. The lower weight of plastic crates decreases worker compensation and insurance costs associated with back injuries from lifting crates.
5. Plastic crates can be easily stacked on top of each other and as such, save space.
6. A stack of nested plastic crates will occupy half the space a similar number of wooden crates might. Nesting makes it easy for distribution centres to have a supply of the crates for shipment.
7. Plastic crates can be stored outside or in rain.They do not absorb water and are impervious to acids, fats and solvents. This is extremely important in agriculture, food and pharmaceutical industries.
8. Plastic crates are identical to each other and comply with required specifications for dimensions, weight, and load capacity. This is a very important feature for automated material handling, storage and shipping.
9. Plastic crates are easy to clean and are not a substrate for bacteria, fungus and insect contamination.
10. Plastic crates can stand deep freezing conditions as well as open and extreme sun conditions.
13. Plastic crates don’t need repairs and can not be used for firewood by employees.
MOST farmers in Uganda are familiar with wooden crates, used to carry tomatoes and other fruits and vegetables from farms to the market.
However, these crates are not durable and need replacing after a short time. A number of supermarkets have started stocking imported plastic crates, which cost more than the locally-made wooden crates but are more durable and easier to handle.
Durable plastic crates cost between sh20,000 -sh60,000 each, while a wooden one goes for sh10,000.
Why get a plastic crate?
1. They are easier to handle than wooden crates. Their smooth designs are safer for use than the wooden ones that could have nails or splinters.
2. Plastic crates offer a wider variety of designs which make for attractive product displays in shops.
3. Plastic crates are smoother and cleaner than wood. This offers the ability to sell out of the crate without the need to transfer onto shelves.
4. The lower weight of plastic crates decreases worker compensation and insurance costs associated with back injuries from lifting crates.
5. Plastic crates can be easily stacked on top of each other and as such, save space.
6. A stack of nested plastic crates will occupy half the space a similar number of wooden crates might. Nesting makes it easy for distribution centres to have a supply of the crates for shipment.
7. Plastic crates can be stored outside or in rain.They do not absorb water and are impervious to acids, fats and solvents. This is extremely important in agriculture, food and pharmaceutical industries.
8. Plastic crates are identical to each other and comply with required specifications for dimensions, weight, and load capacity. This is a very important feature for automated material handling, storage and shipping.
9. Plastic crates are easy to clean and are not a substrate for bacteria, fungus and insect contamination.
10. Plastic crates can stand deep freezing conditions as well as open and extreme sun conditions.
13. Plastic crates don’t need repairs and can not be used for firewood by employees.