Method and apparatus for packaging and shipping horticultural products including cut flowers

A corrugated paperboard modified atmosphere package container suitable for packaging cut flowers 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 a lid panel which is hinged to one of the side panels, said corrugated paperboard blank having five layers comprising a first layer of sized Kraft tissue paper of 26 lb. tissue;
• a second layer of gas permeable, liquid waterproof polymer film adjacent the first layer of 26 lb. tissue having a gas permeability which permits oxygen and carbon dioxide to be transmitted in either direction through the polymer film at prescribed levels, said second layer of polymer film being waterproof and preventing liquid water from being transmitted through the film;
• a third layer of 42 lb. Kraft paper adjacent the second layer of polymer film, on the side opposite the first layer of 26 lb. tissue;
• a fourth layer of corrugated fluting adjoining the side of the third layer of 42 lb. tissue opposite the side adjacent the second layer of polymer film;
• and a fifth layer of Kraft paper affixed to a side of the fourth layer of corrugated fluting opposite the third layer of 42 lb. Kraft paper layer, said container including an opening for exposing the cut flowers, and said package including a tear tape located around at least a portion of the exterior of the package, said tear tape being removable and enabling the container to be opened to provide an opening and expose the horticultural product.