Corrugated paperboard package systems with gas-permeable plastic membranes for modified atmosphere packaging of fresh fruits and vegetables and cut flowers

A corrugated paperboard modified atmosphere package container suitable for packaging fruits and vegetables under refrigerated modified atmosphere conditions comprising:

• (a) a container constructed of an erected corrugated paperboard blank having flaps, side panels, end panels, base panels and lid panels formed therein and fold and joint lines impressed therein, said corrugated paperboard blank being constructed of:
• (i) a first layer of Kraft paper;
• (ii) a layer of polymer having a gas permeability which permits gas to be transmitted in either direction through the polymer at prescribed levels;
• (iii) a second layer of Kraft paper, said first and second layers of Kraft paper sandwiching the polymer between them;
• (iv) a corrugated fluting affixed to a side of the second Kraft paper layer, opposite the polymer and the first layer of Kraft paper;
• (v) a third layer of Kraft paper affixed to the corrugated fluting layer, on a side of the fluting opposite the second layer of Kraft paper;
• and
• (b) glue applied to intersecting joints, flaps, side panels, end panels, and lid panels to provide a hermetic seal to the erected container, said container having a required overall permeability which permits gas to be transmitted into or out of the container.

A corrugated paperboard modified atmosphere package container suitable for packaging fruits, vegetables and cut flowers under refrigerated modified atmosphere conditions comprising:

• (a) a container constructed of an erected corrugated paperboard blank having joints, flaps, side panels, end panels, base panels and lid panels formed therein and fold and joint lines impressed therein, said corrugated paperboard blank being constructed of:
• (i) a first layer of Kraft paper;
• (ii) a layer of polymer having a gas permeability which permits gas to be transmitted in either direction through the polymer at prescribed levels;
• (iii) a second layer of Kraft paper;
• (iv) a corrugated fluting;
• (v) a third layer of Kraft paper;
• and
• (b) glue applied to intersecting joints, flaps, side panels, end panels, base panels and lid panels to provide a hermetic seal to the erected container,
• (c) at least some of the flaps being adjoined to the side panels, end panels, base panels and lid panels at edges which without said flaps would expose edges of fluting to the interior of the container, the flaps being folded to the exterior of the container so as to present solid edges at all interior edges in the container, said container having a required overall permeability which permits gas to be transmitted into or out of the container.