Why Choose a Vented or Solid Bulk Bins for Food Products

Jim Belew • May 08, 2023

Why choose vented and solid bulk bins instead of wood crates?

Vented Bulk Bins and wooden crates

RPP Containers carries a variety of products used in food harvesting and processing. These containers are designed to replace legacy wood crates and represent a long-term solution that’s easy to clean, store, reuse, and ship. The two main categories of these products are vented harvest bins and solid wall bulk bins. Injection-molded from FDA-approved materials that are both durable and lightweight, they are safe for use with food products. If you have limited space, our containers are the most efficient way to store and transport produce. Another storage aspect to consider is that these products are designed for efficient clamshell stacking – significantly reducing the space they occupy while empty.

Clamshell Storage

Efficient clamshell storage

When you are finished using vented harvest or solid wall bulk bins for the season, you can easily stack and store the containers when not in use to take up less space at your facility. To maximize your storage space you can use the clamshell method to stack and store the vented and solid wall bulk bins. Place one bin on it's side and place it inside the bottom bin. The top bin is flipped upside down and placed over the nested bin.


Harvest Vented Bulk Bins

Vented Harvest Bins

Vented harvest bins have a smooth plastic surface that can be easily cleaned and sanitized to meet strict food safety requirements. Vents in the sides of the bin allow for temperature control during the harvesting process. They are resistant to moisture and temperature changes, making them ideal for use in a variety of applications such as tomatoes, strawberries, or peppers. They're also more cost-effective than wooden crates or boxes since they are far more durable.

Harvest  bins allow airflow

Vented harvest bins are commonly used for harvesting fruits and vegetables. They're also known as "vented silos," as they allow air to flow through the bin, which makes them more efficient at cooling down produce during hot weather. 


Solid wall bulk bins

Solid Wall Bulk Bins

Solid wall bulk bins are also made from FDA-approved plastics and engineered to meet USDA guidelines for sanitation and easy cleaning. The smooth non-porous surfaces reduce the risk of bacteria, contaminants, or insects getting into your food supply. These products can be used to store and transport large amounts of produce, making them ideal for farmers who want to store their harvest before selling it in local markets or at a farmers' market.

Solid Wall Bulk Bins

When selecting a bin, consider the type of produce being stored, such as vegetables or fruit. The size of the bin needed will depend on the weight and number of items to be stored, as well as the environmental conditions where it will be used. 


Vented and Solid Bulk Bins

For Example:

If you're storing large volumes of lightweight produce like broccoli or lettuce that can easily be crushed, then a solid wall bulk bin would be the best option available – far superior to a wood crate or box.


If you need to store large amounts of heavy produce like apples or pears without crushing them against each other during transport from field to storage facility (or vice versa), then consider using a solid wall bulk bin.


In conclusion, vented harvest bins and solid wall bulk bins are an ideal solution for food-grade applications, offering durability, lightweight construction, and easy cleaning/sanitizing. They are always going to be more cost effective than wooden crates and boxes that need to be replaced frequently.

Do you have questions?

If you have any questions about the products that RPP Containers offers or would like to have a more in-depth discussion, please contact us through the website or call our customer service line. Thank you for your time!

Sarah Account Manager

Jim Belew |Account Manager

Jim has been with RPP Containers for five years as an account manager and has extensive knowledge and experience in the bulk container industry. Jim works diligently with all his customers to find the optimum bulk container for the customer's application.

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