The Science Behind Wax-Coated Boxes

Why Wax-Coated Boxes Keep Your Produce Fresh

Water causes instant degradation of paper; water breaks down the adhesive properties of paper and it begins to disintegrate rapidly. For this reason, cardboard boxes used to package produce—fruits and vegetables—are coated with wax to shield the paper from several sources of water. 

• Fruit and vegetables are normally washed, sometimes several times before packaged for transportation to the consumer. A portion of the water remains on the produce as it is boxed up. 
• Refrigeration temporarily preserves produce from spoilage, so it is usually transported, stored, and displayed in a cool environment. When warm moist air or objects, such as produce, meet the cool air of refrigeration, the result is condensation. Water droplets form on the surfaces of the box and the produce stored inside. 
• Produce gives off water naturally in a process called transpiration, the process that normally pulls moisture from the root. The water is released via small pores.

The Secret to Fresh Produce: Understanding Wax-coated Boxes

Since water breaks down the structure of paper, boxes that package produce are coated with wax to strengthen the paper. 

• Wax causes water to bead up on the surface and enhances the strength and durability of cardboard. 
• Wax also works to keep water from other sources from entering the box, protecting the produce inside. It also keeps moisture inside the box, preventing the produce from drying out. 
• Produce can be heavy, so the strengthened cardboard holds up better during stacking. The wax reinforces the cardboard for prolonged usage. 

The special design of Wax-coated boxes for produce packaging ensures maximum quality and freshness. 

• Openings on all four sides, top, and bottom allow air to flow through and ventilate the contents. 
• Ventilation prevents water from pooling inside the box. This would accelerate the ripening process and lead to spoilage. 
• Ventilation also slows the growth of mold and mildew, another damaging condition. 

Beyond the Box: How Wax-coated Boxes Protect Produce from Farm to Table

The special design of the produce packaging prevents water from entering the box while allowing water to exit the box. For this reason, boxes that carry carrots to market might have a different design than a box hauling bananas. 

Wax-coated boxes are designed thicker for strength and are water-resistant to avoid degradation. This design extends their usefulness, so they last longer than other packaging materials. However, their design also means they do not biodegrade well. While nothing in their content is harmful to the environment, because they don’t dissolve easily, reusing produce boxes is preferable to sending them to a landfill.

The Enduring Value of Smart Produce Packaging

From resisting water damage caused by washing, condensation, and natural transpiration to bolstering structural integrity for stacking, wax-coated boxes are ingeniously designed to tackle the unique challenges of produce transportation. Their specialized ventilation ensures optimal airflow, preventing spoilage and inhibiting mold growth, delivering fruits and vegetables to consumers at their peak freshness.

While these robust designs offer undeniable benefits in preserving produce quality and reducing waste, their environmental impact warrants consideration. Since wax coatings hinder biodegradation, the most responsible approach is to reuse these durable boxes whenever possible. This simple action helps extend their lifecycle and reduce landfill waste, aligning consumer convenience with environmental stewardship.