Plastic Harvest Bins: The Modern Standard for Produce Handling

Emily Wilhelmus • September 8, 2025

Agricultural Plastic Harvest Bins: The Modern Standard for Produce Handling

Vented and solid wall bulk bins

In today’s fast-paced agricultural industry, efficiency, food safety, and durability are more important than ever. One of the biggest improvements in produce handling has been the shift from traditional wooden crates to plastic harvest bins. Built with FDA-approved polypropylene and designed for maximum strength and sanitation, plastic bins are now the industry standard for growers, packers, and distributors.

Plastic Bulk Bins are better than wood crates

Why Choose Plastic Harvest Bins Over Wooden Crates?

Wooden crates have long been used in agriculture, but they come with significant drawbacks. They’re heavy, absorb moisture, splinter easily, and can harbor mold, pests, or bacteria that threaten food safety. In contrast, vented and solid-wall plastic harvest bins offer a safer, stronger, and more sustainable solution.

Key Benefits of Plastic Harvest Bins

Food Safety & Compliance

  • Constructed from FDA-approved plastic materials, these bins provide a non-porous, easy-to-clean surface that prevents bacterial growth. They comply with modern food safety regulations, making them ideal for handling fresh produce.


 Superior Durability

  • Plastic bins withstand rough handling, stacking, and repeated use across multiple harvest seasons. Unlike wood, they don’t crack, warp, or splinter.


Lightweight & Ergonomic

  • With a lighter design than wood crates, plastic harvest bins reduce strain on workers and improve harvesting efficiency.


Vented Design for Freshness

  • Vented harvest bins promote airflow, enabling produce to cool quickly after harvest. This extends shelf life and ensures better quality during storage and shipping, especially in controlled atmosphere (CA) environments.


Repairable & Long-Lasting

  • Damaged bins can often be repaired, extending their useful life and reducing replacement costs.


Sustainable & Reusable

  • Plastic harvest bins are designed for reuse across multiple seasons and can be fully recycled at the end of their lifecycle, making them an environmentally friendly choice.

Applications of Plastic Harvest Bins

Plastic harvest bins are used across a wide range of industries, including:

  • Fruit farms: Apples, pears, citrus, and stone fruits
  • Vegetable growers: Leafy greens, tomatoes, peppers, and root vegetables
  • Vineyards: Grapes for winemaking
  • Distribution centers: Long-distance shipping and storage in CA facilities

The Smart Choice for Agriculture

As growers and distributors look for ways to improve efficiency and comply with strict food safety standards, plastic agricultural bulk  bins have emerged as the preferred solution. They’re not only safer and more durable than wood, but they also protect the freshness and quality of produce from harvest to market.


Are you ready to find the right agricultural bulk bin solution for your operation? Contact RPP Containers today to learn more about DuraGreen agricultural bulk bins. If you have any questions, contact any of our account managers by calling us at 513-489-2244. You can also live chat through the website, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM EST, and we will help you find the right solution for your operation.

DuraGreen Extended-Length Collapsible Bulk Containers
By Emily Wilhelmus August 28, 2025
When it comes to handling long, oversized, or uniquely shaped materials, standard bulk containers often fail to meet these requirements. That’s where DuraGreen® extended-length collapsible bulk containers step in, offering durability, flexibility, and efficiency for demanding applications.
Pallet Pack Containers
By Emily Wilhelmus July 16, 2025
Pallet bins and plastic pallet boxes, or pallet packs, are modular containers designed for the storage, transportation, and handling of goods. These systems consist of a plastic pallet base, a corrugated cardboard or plastic sleeve, and a lid.
Vented Harvest Bulk Bin with apples
By Emily Wilhelmus June 23, 2025
Our agricultural bulk containers are designed to handle a wide range of products, including fresh produce, root vegetables, grains, nuts, and other field commodities. Made from durable, FDA-approved plastic, these containers are ideal for both field use and storage in facilities. They won’t splinter, rot, or absorb moisture like wooden crates, making them a more hygienic and long-lasting solution for farmers and growers.
Custom Bulk Container design on compouter screen
By Emily Wilhelmus June 12, 2025
At RPP Containers, we understand that no two businesses are alike. Whether you're in manufacturing, distribution, or logistics, your material handling needs are unique. That's why we specialize in custom bulk containers designed to meet your specific requirements, optimize efficiency, and enhance your supply chain. In this blog, we'll explore the benefits of custom bulk containers and how RPP Containers can help you find the perfect solution.
DuraGreen Heavy-Duty Bulk Containers
By Emily Wilhelmus June 4, 2025
In today’s fast-paced industrial landscape, efficient material handling is critical for optimizing operations, reducing costs, and maintaining a competitive edge. At RPP Containers®, we understand the pivotal role that industrial bulk containers play in streamlining supply chains, enhancing storage solutions, and supporting sustainable practices. Our high-quality bulk containers are designed to meet the diverse needs of various industries, including manufacturing, automotive, food processing, and pharmaceuticals.
45 x 48 x 48 Reusable Plastic Gaylord
By Emily Wilhelmus May 6, 2025
Reliable and sustainable bulk storage solutions are critical to operational success in today's fast-paced industrial and commercial environments. Whether you're managing a warehouse, manufacturing facility, or distribution center, the 45 x 48 x 48 Reusable Plastic Gaylord with Cover is a game-changing alternative to traditional corrugated cardboard containers.
Coffee beans
By Emily Wilhelmus April 17, 2025
When it comes to preserving the freshness and quality of your coffee beans, every detail matters—especially the storage containers you choose. In the world of coffee production, maintaining the integrity of the beans from roasting to final delivery is essential. That's where RPP Containers steps in with their reliable plastic hopper bottom containers, a game-changer for anyone involved in the coffee business, from roasters to retailers.
Custom Bulk Containers
By Emily Wilhelmus February 19, 2025
In the world of material handling and logistics, one size does not fit all. That's where RPP Containers steps in with its innovative CustomBulk solutions, designed to address the unique challenges businesses across various industries face. Whether you're dealing with oversized components or sensitive materials or need something beyond the standard container offerings, CustomBulk by RPP Containers is your go-to for tailored, practical solutions.
Custom Bulk Containers
By Emily Wilhelmus November 13, 2024
In the ever-evolving world of industrial storage, reliable, efficient, customizable bulk containers are paramount. Companies across various sectors—from manufacturing to logistics—require storage solutions that meet their unique specifications and enhance operational efficiency. This is where RPP Containers steps in with its innovative custom bulk containers designed to address these precise needs.
Custom Bulk Containers with Ramp Wall
By Emily Wilhelmus October 21, 2024
In the world of industrial storage and transportation, efficiency and durability are paramount. As businesses strive to optimize their operations, the demand for innovative storage solutions has never been higher. One such innovation that has gained significant traction is custom plastic bulk containers with ramp walls. These containers are revolutionizing the way industries handle bulk materials, offering many benefits catering to various needs. In this blog post, we will explore the advantages of these containers, their applications, and why they are becoming the go-to choice for many businesses.