PACKAGING FOR PRODUCE

Abstract

A produce container includes a container frame and a membrane coupled to the container frame. The container frame is configured to rigidify the container and includes view ports while the membrane covers the view ports to contain produce, or other products, in an interior product-storage space formed by the container.

Claims

1. A compostable, produce container comprising: a paperboard-based container frame including a bottom wall, a plurality of side walls, and a top wall, wherein the bottom wall, the plurality of side walls and the top wall cooperate to provide an interior product-storage space configured to store produce therein, wherein the top wall is formed to include a main opening configured to insert and remove the produce to and from the interior product-storage space, and wherein the plurality of side walls are formed to include a plurality of view ports into the interior product-storage space, and a transparent biodegradable membrane configured to cover the main opening and each of the view ports to contain the produce within the interior product-storage space.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein the biodegradable membrane includes a base film layer coupled to interior surfaces of the bottom wall and the plurality of side walls, and a top film layer coupled to an exterior surface of the top wall.

3. The container of claim 2, wherein the top film includes a plurality of frangible film sections configured to break under load to allow a portion of the top film to be moved away from the top wall to access the produce in the interior product-storage space.

4. The container of claim 2, wherein the base film is formed to include a plurality of perforations aligned with each view port.

5. The container of claim 4, wherein the plurality of perforations are micro-perforations.

6. The container of claim 5, wherein each micro-perforation has an outermost width of no more than 125 micrometers.

7. The container of claim 4, wherein the plurality of perforations are formed at an upper end of each view port.

8. The container of claim 7, wherein the plurality of perforations extend along a plane parallel with the top wall and the base film is continuous below the plane.

9. The container of claim 1, wherein the container frame is formed from a unitary paperboard sheet.

10. The container of claim 9, wherein the container frame further includes at least one partition wall configured to divide the interior product-storage space into a first sub-space and a second sub-space.

11. The container of claim 10, wherein the at least one partition wall includes a first partition wall and a second partition wall spaced apart from the first partition wall to provide the first sub-space, the second sub-space, and a third sub-space.

12. The container of claim 11, wherein the paperboard sheet includes a base panel configured to provide the bottom wall of the container, a front panel coupled to a front end of the base panel and configured to provide a front wall of the container and a first portion of the top wall of the container, a back panel coupled to a rear end of the base panel opposite the front end and configured to provide a rear wall of the container and a second portion of the top wall, a first side panel coupled to a first side of the base panel and configured to provide a first side wall of the container, a third portion of the top wall of the container, and the first partition wall of the container, and a second side panel coupled to a second side of the base panel opposite the first side and configured to provide a second side wall of the container, a fourth portion of the top wall of the container, and the second partition wall of the container.

13. The container of claim 9, wherein the paperboard sheet includes base section configured to provide the bottom wall and the plurality of side walls of the container and a lid section configured to provide a lid for the container, the lid including the top wall.

14. The container of claim 13, wherein the base section includes a base panel configured to provide the bottom wall of the container, a front panel coupled to a front end of the base panel and configured to provide a front wall of the container, a back panel coupled to a rear end of the base panel opposite the front end and configured to provide a rear wall of the container, a first side panel coupled to a first side of the base panel and configured to provide a first side wall of the container, and a second side panel coupled to a second side of the base panel opposite the first side and configured to provide a second side wall of the container.

15. The container of claim 14, wherein the lid section includes a top panel configured to provide the top wall of the container, a front lid panel coupled to a front end of the top panel and configured to provide a front wall of the lid, a first lid side panel coupled to a first side of the top panel and configured to provide a first side wall of the lid, and a second lid side panel coupled to a second side of the top panel opposite the first side lid panel and configured to provide a second lid side wall of the lid.

16. The container of claim 15, wherein the front lid panel overlies the front panel when the lid is in a closed position, the first lid side panel overlies the first side panel when the lid is in the closed position, and the second lid side panel overlies the second lid side panel when the lid is in the closed position.

17. The container of claim 15, wherein front panel of the base section includes a main panel flap configured to provide the front wall of the container and a base retainer flap coupled to a distal end of the main panel flap and having a first free retainer end spaced below the distal end of the main panel flap when the container is formed, and the lid section further includes a lid retainer flap coupled to the first lid side panel and having a second free retainer end coupled to the front lid panel when the container is formed and configured to engage the first free retainer end of the base retainer flap when the lid is closed to block movement of the lid from a closed position to an opened position.

18. The container of claim 1, wherein the container frame consists essentially of paperboard.

19. The container of claim 1, wherein the container frame consists of compostable materials.

20. The container of claim 1, wherein the container consists essentially of compostable materials.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The detailed description particularly refers to the accompanying figures in which:

[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a compostable produce container defining an interior product-storage space and including a paperboard-based container frame and a transparent, biodegradable membrane coupled to the container frame and configured to cover openings formed in the container frame to allow visual inspection of produce contained within the interior product-storage space;

[0009] FIG. 2 is an enlarged portion of the container of FIG. 1 showing the biodegradable membrane formed to include a plurality of ventilation openings or perforations and including a plurality of frangible film sections configured to break under load to allow a portion of the membrane to be opened to access the produce in the interior product-storage space;

[0010] FIG. 3 is an exploded assembly view of the container of FIGS. 1 and 2 showing the membrane including a base film configured to line interior surfaces of the container frame bordering the interior product storage space and a top film configured to mount to a top wall of the container frame to close one or more openings formed in the top wall;

[0011] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a paperboard sheet used to form the container frame of the container of FIG. 1;

[0012] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the paperboard sheet being folded into the container frame of FIG. 1;

[0013] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the container frame fully formed;

[0014] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a second embodiment of a paperboard sheet configured to form a container frame of a second embodiment of a container as shown in FIG. 8;

[0015] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the container formed from the paperboard sheet of FIG. 7;

[0016] FIG. 9 is a top plan view of a third embodiment of a paperboard sheet configured to form a container frame of a third embodiment of a container as shown in FIG. 10;

[0017] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the container formed from the paperboard sheet of FIG. 9 including a container base and a container lid, and showing the container lid partially opened;

[0018] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 10 with the container lid in a fully closed position;

[0019] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 10 showing the container lid opened;

[0020] FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 12 showing the container lid including a lid retainer flap configured to retain the container lid in the closed position; and

[0021] FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 12 showing the container base including a base retainer flap configured to engage the lid retainer flap to retain the container base in closed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] A produce container 10 includes a container frame 12 and a membrane 14 configured to line surfaces of the container frame 12. The container frame 12 and the membrane 14 cooperate to define an interior product-storage space 16 configured to hold one or more products, such as produce (i.e. blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, etc.). In the illustrative embodiment, the container 10 is made predominantly or entirely of natural, compostable, and/or biodegradable materials so that substantially all of the container 10 and its contents can be broken down naturally and without leaving residual effluents such as toxins or microplastics.

[0023] In the illustrative embodiment, the container frame 12 includes paperboard. The paperboard can include cellulose fibers from wood pulp or recycled paper, one or more fillers such as calcium carbonate or clay, and one or more binding agents such as starch. In some embodiments, the paperboard can include one or more additives and/or pigments so long as those additives and pigments are also biodegradable and/or compostable. The paperboard (i.e. the container frame 12) consists essentially of compostable and/or biodegradable materials so that substantially all of the container frame 12 is broken down within a period of time of no more than 6 months.

[0024] In the illustrative embodiment, the membrane 14 includes one or more compostable and/or biodegradable films. The one or more films can include polylactic acid (PLA), a starch-based film, a cellulose-based film, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAS), or any other suitable biodegradable and/or compostable film. The membrane 14 is also configured to break down within a period of time of no more than 6 months. Some suitable examples of polymers that can be used for the membrane 14 include ecovio manufactured by BASF, located at Carl-Bosch-Strae 38, 67056 Ludwigshafen, Germany, and Ingeo manufactured by NatureWorks LLC, located at 15305 Minnetonka Blvd., Minnetonka, MN 55345.

[0025] The membrane 14 can be adhered to the container frame 12 with an adhesive 13 or fastened to the container frame 12. Preferably, the adhesive 13 is also biodegradable and/or compostable to break down with the rest of the container 10. If fastened, a biodegradable and/or compostable fastener can be used such as a thread or string made from biodegradable and/or compostable material(s). Some examples of adhesives that are not suitable include super glue, white glue, epoxy and hot melt adhesives that are not biodegradable/compostable. As such, the container 10 may be free from such adhesives.

[0026] As used herein, the term compostable means the material will break down in a composting environment (including heat, moisture, oxygen, and microbial activity) and will fully decompose into non-toxic, natural components (no residues) within a specific timeframe (i.e. under six months in industrial composting, as defined by standards like ASTM D6400 or EN 13432). As used herein, the term biodegradable means that the material can be broken down by microorganisms (like bacteria or fungi) into natural elements (water, carbon dioxide, and biomass) over time (i.e. within 6 months).

[0027] The container frame 12 includes a bottom wall 18, a plurality of side walls 20, and a top wall 22. The bottom wall 18, the plurality of side walls 20, and the top wall 22 cooperate to define the interior product-storage space 16 configured to store produce therein. The top wall 22 is formed to include a main opening 24 configured to insert and remove the produce to and from the interior product-storage space 16. The plurality of side walls 20 are formed to include a plurality of view ports 26 into the interior product-storage space. The bottom wall 18 and the top wall 22 may also be formed to include one or more view ports 26.

[0028] The membrane 14 is configured to cover the main opening 24 and each of the view ports 26 to contain the produce within the interior product-storage space 16. At least a portion of the membrane 14 is transparent to allow visual inspection of the produce within the interior product-storage space 16 when the container 10 is unopened. The membrane 14 can be fully transparent or only partially transparent (i.e. translucent) so long as the contents in the interior product-storage space 16 are discernible through the membrane 14.

[0029] The biodegradable membrane 14 includes a base film layer 28 and a top film layer 30 as shown in FIGS. 1-3. The base film layer 28 is configured to couple with interior surfaces 32, 34 of the bottom wall 18 and the plurality of side walls 20. The top film layer 30 is configured to couple with an exterior surface 36 of the top wall 22. The base film layer 28 may cover an entirety of the interior surfaces 32, 34 or only portions thereof, such as only around each of the view ports 26. The top film layer 30 may cover an entirety of the top wall 22 or only portions thereof, such as only around the view ports 26 of regions intended to be opened for access to the interior product-storage space 16.

[0030] The top film layer 30 includes a plurality of frangible film sections 38 and at least one pull tab 40 as shown in FIG. 2. A user can use the pull tab 40 to move at least a portion of the top film layer 30 away from the top wall 22 of the container frame 12 to gain access to the interior product-storage space 16. The plurality of frangible film sections 38 are configured to break under load to allow a portion of the top film layer 30 to be moved away from the top wall to access the produce in the interior product-storage space. The plurality of frangible film sections 38 can be formed by slits, apertures, or scores in the top film layer 30 to provide a predetermined area of the top film layer 30 that will open.

[0031] The base film layer 28 is formed to include a plurality of perforations 42 aligned with one or more of the view ports 26 formed in the plurality of side walls 20 of the container frame 12. The plurality of perforations 42 are formed at an upper end of one or more of the view port 26 formed in the side walls 20. The plurality of perforations 42 extend along a plane 44 parallel with the top wall 22. The base film layer 28 is continuous and uninterrupted (i.e. devoid of perforations) below the perforations 42 formed along the plane 44.

[0032] In the illustrative embodiment, the plurality of perforations 42 are micro-perforations each having an outermost width of no more than 200 micrometers. In some embodiments, the outermost width is no more than 175 micrometers. In some embodiments, the outermost width is no more than 150 micrometers. In some embodiments, the outermost width is no more than 125 micrometers.

[0033] The container frame 12 is formed from a unitary paperboard sheet 50, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, having fold lines 51 so that the paperboard sheet 50 can be folded into the container frame 12 as suggested in FIGS. 5 and 6. The paperboard sheet 50 includes a base panel 52, a front panel 54 coupled to a front end 55 of the base panel 52, a back panel 56 coupled to a rear end 57 of the base panel 52 opposite the front end 55, a first side panel 58 coupled to a first side 59 of the base panel 52, and a second side panel 60 coupled to a second side 61 of the base panel 52 opposite the first side 59. The base panel 52 is configured to provide the bottom wall 18 of the container frame 12. The front panel 54 is configured to provide a front side wall 62 of the container frame 12 and a first portion of the top wall 22 of the container frame 12. The back panel 56 is configured to provide a rear side wall 64 of the container frame 12 and a second portion of the top wall 22. The first side panel 58 is configured to provide a first lateral side wall 66 of the container frame 12 and a third portion of the top wall 22 of the container frame 12. The second side panel 60 is configured to provide a second lateral side wall 68 of the container frame 12 and a fourth portion of the top wall 22 of the container frame 12. The paperboard sheet 50 may further include knock-out regions (not shown) that are separated from the rest of the paperboard sheet 50 to provide the view ports 26 when the container 10 is constructed.

[0034] The container frame 12 further includes a first partition wall 70 and a second partition wall 72 configured to divide the interior product-storage space 16 into a first sub-space 16A, a second sub-space 16B, and a third sub-space 16C as shown in FIGS. 1 and 6. The first partition wall 70 of the container frame 12 is included as a segment 71 of the front panel 54. The second partition wall 72 of the container frame 12 is included as a segment 73 of the rear panel 56. The segments 71, 73 are formed without any view ports 26. A first side of the segments 71, 73 may be lined with the base film layer 28 and respective film strips 75 can be coupled to an opposite second side of the segments 71, 73 so that both sides of the segments 71, 73 are lined with portions of the membrane 14. The partition walls 72, 74 allow as few as one of the sub-spaces 16A, 16B, 16C to be opened at a time so that the remining sup-spaces 16A, 16B, 16C can remain sealed to improve freshness of the produce contained therein. The partition walls 72, 74 also provide direct load paths between the top wall 22 and the bottom wall 18 to resist deformation when containers 10 are stacked with one another.

[0035] The first and second side panels 58, 60 each include a tie flap 90, 92 that provides a portion of the top wall 22 and mounts to the front and rear panels 54, 56. This rigidifies the entire container 10 by tying each of panels together with at least two other panels included in the paperboard sheet 50. In the illustrative embodiment, the partition walls 72, 74 and the tie flaps 90, 92 are the only segments of the paperboard blank 50 that does not include a view port 26. This maximizes visibility of the produce.

[0036] A second embodiment of a container 210 including a container frame 212 and a membrane having a base film layer 228 coupled to interior surfaces of the container frame 212 and a top film layer 230 coupled to exterior surfaces of a top wall 222 of the container frame 212 is shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. The container 210 is substantially similar to container 10 except container 210 does not include any partition walls and only includes a single interior product-storage space 216. Accordingly, the disclosure of container 10 is incorporated by reference herein for container 210 except for differences explained below and shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.

[0037] The container frame 212 is formed from a unitary paperboard sheet 250, as shown in FIG. 7, having fold lines 251 so that the paperboard sheet 250 can be folded into the container frame 212 as suggested in FIG. 8. The paperboard sheet 250 includes a base panel 252, a front panel 254 coupled to a front end 255 of the base panel 252, a back panel 256 coupled to a rear end 257 of the base panel 252 opposite the front end 255, a first side panel 258 coupled to a first side 259 of the base panel 252, and a second side panel 260 coupled to a second side 261 of the base panel 252 opposite the first side 259. The base panel 252 is configured to provide a bottom wall 218 of the container frame 212. The front panel 254 is configured to provide a front side wall 262 of the container frame 212 and a first portion of a top wall 222 of the container frame 212. The back panel 256 is configured to provide a rear side wall 264 of the container frame 212 and a second portion of the top wall 222. The first side panel 258 is configured to provide a first lateral side wall 266 of the container frame 212 and a third portion of the top wall 222 of the container frame 212. The second side panel 260 is configured to provide a second lateral side wall 268 of the container frame 212 and a fourth portion of the top wall 222 of the container frame 212.

[0038] A third embodiment of a container 310 including a container frame 312 and a membrane 314 is shown in FIGS. 9-14. The container 310 is substantially similar to container 10 except container 310 does not include any partition walls and only includes a single interior product-storage space 316. Additionally, the container frame 312 includes a lid 311 configured to be used to open and close the container 310. Accordingly, the disclosure of container 10 is incorporated by reference herein for container 310 except for differences explained below and shown in FIGS. 9-14.

[0039] The container frame 312 is formed from a unitary paperboard sheet 350, as shown in FIG. 9, having fold lines 351 so that the paperboard sheet 350 can be folded into the container frame 312 as suggested in FIG. 10. The paperboard sheet 350 includes base section 347 configured to provide a bottom wall 318 and a plurality of side walls 320 of the container 310 and a lid section 349 configured to provide the lid 311 for the container 310.

[0040] The base section 347 includes a base panel 352, a front panel 354 coupled to a front end 355 of the base panel 352, a back panel 356 coupled to a rear end 357 of the base panel 352 opposite the front end 355, a first side panel 358 coupled to a first side 359 of the base panel 352, and a second side panel 360 coupled to a second side 361 of the base panel 352 opposite the first side 359. The base panel 352 is configured to provide the bottom wall 318 of the base section 347. The front panel 354 is configured to provide a front side wall 362 of the base section 347. The back panel 356 is configured to provide a rear side wall 364 of the container frame 312. The first side panel 358 is configured to provide a first lateral side wall 366 of the container frame 312. The second side panel 360 is configured to provide a second lateral side wall 368 of the container frame 312.

[0041] The lid section 349 includes a top panel 370 configured to provide the top wall 322 of the container 310, a front lid panel 372 coupled to a front end of the top panel 370 and configured to provide a front wall 371 of the lid 311, a first lid side panel 374 coupled to a first side of the top panel 370 and configured to provide a first side wall 373 of the lid 311, and a second lid side panel 376 coupled to a second side of the top panel 370 opposite the first side lid panel 374 and configured to provide a second lid side wall 375 of the lid 311. The front lid panel 372 overlies the front panel 354 when the lid 311 is in a closed position. The first lid side panel 374 overlies the first side panel 358 when the lid 311 is in the closed position. The second lid side panel 360 overlies the second side panel 360 when the lid 311 is in the closed position.

[0042] The front panel 354 of the base section 347 includes a main panel flap 380 configured to provide the front wall 371 of the container 310 and a base retainer flap 382 coupled to a distal end of the main panel flap 380. The base retainer flap 382 includes a first free retainer end 383 spaced below the distal end of the main panel flap 380 when the container 310 is formed. The lid section 349 further includes a lid retainer flap 384 coupled to the first lid side panel 374. The lid retainer flap 384 includes a second free retainer end 386 coupled to the front lid panel 372 when the container 310 is formed. The second free retainer end 386 is configured to engage the first free retainer end 384 of the base retainer flap 382 when the lid 311 is closed to block movement of the lid 311 from a closed position to an opened position. A user can press inwardly on the main panel flap 380 to disengage the free retainer ends 384, 386 so that the lid 311 is free to open.

[0043] In some embodiments, the container frames disclosed herein consist essentially of paperboard. In some embodiments, the container frames disclosed herein consist of compostable materials. In some embodiments, the containers consist essentially of compostable materials. In some embodiments, the containers consist of compostable materials.

[0044] The present disclosure includes fiber-based packaging that reduces plastic waste and outperforms other comparative containers, such as single-use plastic clamshells, to extend produce (e.g., blueberries and other fruits or product) shelf-life while addressing the limitations of other fiber-based packaging (i.e., limited transparency and shelf-life extension capacity). An illustrative fiber-based packaging according to the disclosure is shown in FIG. 1 as a solution and alternative to other containers. The packaging includes paperboard framing and a compostable and/or biodegradable film covering (membrane 14). In some embodiments, the container includes three compartments with transparent windows on both front and back, as well as on the upper and lower portions of the structure to allow consumers to easily see the blueberries (or other produce more generally herein). The entire container may be compostable to align with laws and regulations for plastic waste pollution reduction such as California SB 54 at the time of filing this application. The biodegradable, compostable film covers the paperboard frame internally separating berry and paperboard except for the upper windows where the film will be placed outside to feature an easy tear-open film (grip and rip) for each upper window. This is a secure closure mechanism that ensures that blueberries are safely contained throughout their lifecycle, avoids tampering, and extends berry shelf life. The closure/locking mechanism is intuitive for consumers, provides ease of handling, and permits selective opening of compartments as needed thereby extending the shelf-life of the berries in the still closed compartments. The packaging may include perforations strategically placed in the upper side of the lateral windows for blueberry shelf-life extension. Microperforations and small perforations are present in the package for blueberries cooled down before and after packaging, respectively.

[0045] The disclosed packaging incorporates several technical features. The container may be a 100% compostable/circular package for produce that can be created by combining paperboard and compostable/biodegradable plastic to align with regulations such as California Senate Bill 54 Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act as well as global regulations. The compartmenting structure for the packaging created by paperboard walls covered with easy tear-open film (grip and rip) permits the consumption of the blueberries in each compartment independently thereby maintaining the shelf life of the blueberries in the still unopen compartments. The fiber-based framing for the packaging can include view ports to ensure produce visibility and also providing a strong structure for adequate protection during shipping, handling, and storage. Small perforations may be located at the top end of each side window for fruit cooling after packaging can extend blueberry shelf life. Micro-perforations may be located at the top end of each side window to help generate a modified atmosphere inside the package and enhance blueberry shelf life. The type of biodegradable/compostable film used to create the proposed package may generate a different package headspace and may further increase produce shelf life.

[0046] Other comparative produce containers have relatively large openings (i.e. greater than 200 micrometers) to provide free air flow and can cause significant moisture (weight) loss, oxidation, senescence and microbial growth. Weight loss and mold spoilage are two reasons for fresh produce waste, among others. The reduction of either of these two can extend the shelf life of fresh blueberries, increase consumer satisfaction, and reduce produce and packaging waste. Other comparative containers may include portions that are not fully compostable/environmentally circular due to the use of a petroleum-based films or other materials that are either not recyclable or are not economical to recycle.

[0047] The disclosed packaging provides several advantages. The disclosed packaging (container) is made of sustainable materials: The disclosed packaging is made from recyclable and compostable materials ensuring minimal environmental impact. In line with California's and global aggressive regulations on single-use plastics, the proposed packaging will be made only using eco-friendly materials to align with regulations. These materials, paperboard and a biodegradable/compostable plastic, have specifically been selected to withstand typical mechanical stresses like compression during transportation and storage while offering protection from external factors that affect produce shelf-life like oxygen and moisture.

[0048] The disclosed packaging provides improved shelf life. The packaging may incorporate strategically placed perforations to regulate airflow, which helps fruit preservation. The vent design (i.e. arrangement, size of openings, and number of openings) can selected to allow for sufficient air circulation for cooling down the fruit and preventing moisture buildup that can lead to spoilage, while avoiding excessive dehydration. This perforation approach may be used for blueberries that are cooled down after packaging while a much smaller perforation size, microperforation, may be used for blueberries cooled down before packaging. The microperforation approach modifies the package headspace, which can extend blueberry shelf-life. Additionally, some embodiments include three compartments in the packaging that can open independently to increase produce shelf life in the compartments that are not opened.

[0049] The disclosed packaging increases protection for produce. The packaging includes a relatively strong structure (i.e. the container frame) that provides protection during shipping, handling, and storage. The present disclosure helps cushion and protect the produce from excessive movement and bruising, without increasing material usage, maintaining the integrity of the fruit under various conditions, including transportation over long distances and stacking in retail environments.

[0050] The disclosed packaging maximizes blueberry visibility. The examples disclosed herein include rectangular prism shaped containers or cubic containers. In each embodiment, at least 5 of the faces of the container includes a view port 26 to view the produce therein. Other comparative containers only include a transparent film on top to permit viewing of the produce, and the rest of the container is formed without view ports to provide adequate support. The present disclosure does not suffer from this disadvantage due to the structure of the container frame and overlapping flaps. Contrary to the current blueberries are visible from multiple angles, making it easier for shoppers to inspect the product before purchasing. This increased visibility not only enhances the visual appeal at retail but also builds consumer trust by showcasing the quality of the blueberries. This is the first fiber-based packaging design that ensures blueberry visibility comparable to the single use plastic clamshell.

[0051] In some embodiments, the disclosed packaging provides consumer convenience and packaging functionality: This packaging solution prioritizes consumer convenience, featuring an easy to-open yet secure closure mechanism that ensures the product is safely contained throughout its lifecycle. The locking mechanism, as illustrated, is designed to be intuitive for consumers, promoting reusability and ease of handling. Additionally, the package is lightweight, stackable, and suitable for retail displays, making it both functional and visually appealing.

[0052] In some embodiments, the disclosed packaging complies with food safety and packaging regulations: The packaging design complies with all relevant food safety and packaging regulations in California. The selected packaging materials are safe for direct food contact and recyclable/compostable. The materials and design are aligned with emerging regulatory requirements for reducing plastic waste, thus offering a future-proof solution for the blueberry industry.

[0053] In some embodiments, the disclosed packaging is commercially scalable and cost effective: The packaging not only performs well but is also cost-effective to produce at large volumes. The packaging design considers the entire supply chain-from manufacturing and assembly to distribution and retail display-ensuring that the final product is competitive within the market and cost-efficient for both producers and retailers.

[0054] In some embodiments, the container includes a one-Piece Sheet Design: The disclosed packaging solution incorporates a one-piece sheet design that eliminates the need for assembly. This feature not only reduces manufacturing complexity but also minimizes potential assembly errors, thereby ensuring consistent quality in every produced unit. Furthermore, by utilizing a single-piece sheet, the packaging is easier and faster to manufacture, reducing production time and costs. This streamlined design offers both functional and operational advantages, contributing to enhanced efficiency and sustainability. It simplifies the packaging process for end-users, ensuring convenience without compromising the protection and shelf-life extension features of the packaging. FIG. 4 illustrates how a one-piece structure with a paperboard body and window sections can be folded and assembled into a 3-compartment packaging according to the disclosure. FIG. 5 provides additional views of various one-piece structures according to the disclosure, but having variable/selectable length/width/height compartment dimensions and/or number of compartments.

[0055] The disclosed packaging provides a packaging solution that not only meets the immediate needs of blueberry producers but also sets new industry standards for sustainable and functional produce packaging. By focusing on sustainability, shelf-life extension, protection, and visual appeal, the disclosure provides a comprehensive packaging solution that enhances the consumer experience while addressing the industry's challenges of environmental impact, shelf-life extension, regulatory compliance, and consumer acceptance. Furthermore, blueberry producers will be more competitive by commercializing fresher blueberries stored in packaging that complains with global regulations.