How Can I Customize My Pulp Berry Tray?
Molded pulp berry trays are the best option for farmers and food produce packers.
These trays are biodegradable, robust, and constructed from recycled materials. They safeguard fruits during transportation while ensuring that your packaging remains environmentally friendly.
Below is a guide on how to customize your pulp berry trays for optimal results.
Recycled cardboard packaging
1. Choose the Right Size and Capacity
Start with the dimensions. Berry trays come in different sizes depending on the fruit type and quantity. Blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries need trays with different depths and spacing.
You should measure your produce to pick a tray that fits tightly without causing pressure damage. Custom sizing helps improve storage space, reduce bruising, and ensure a clean display.
2. Select the Best Mold Design
The mold determines the tray’s shape and structure. You can request a custom mold based on your packaging system or display setup.
Molds can include extra reinforcements or ribbed patterns for better stacking strength. You can also choose smooth or textured finishes depending on your brand’s preference.
A well-designed mold improves the look of your product and keeps the fruit fresh during shipping.
3. Add Branding Elements
Custom branding turns simple trays into marketing tools. You can emboss your logo, brand name, or product label into the pulp surface.
Embossing adds a professional look without extra materials or printing costs. For large orders, color tinting is also available. A soft natural tone or pastel color can match your brand theme while keeping the tray compostable.
4. Pick the Right Pulp Material Mix
Molded pulp trays are made from recycled paper, cardboard, or sugarcane bagasse. The fiber mix affects strength, texture, and absorption.
If you need moisture resistance, request a tray made with a higher content of water-repellent fibers. For lightweight shipping, go for thinner walls and a fine pulp blend.
Material customization helps balance durability and cost.
5. Consider Food-Grade Coatings
For produce like berries, moisture control is important. Some trays come with biodegradable coatings that add water resistance while keeping the tray compostable.
You can choose coatings approved for food contact to prevent sogginess and maintain shelf life. This is helpful if you ship long distances or store produce under refrigeration.
6. Optimize Ventilation and Drainage
Airflow is key to keeping berries fresh. You can request added holes or slots to improve ventilation.
Vent holes also allow faster cooling and reduce moisture buildup. Drainage design can be adjusted based on how the trays are used during washing or storage.
7. Match with Protective Inserts or Lids
You can pair your trays with molded pulp inserts or matching lids for extra protection. Inserts keep the berries in place, and lids provide coverage during transport.
Some suppliers offer combo packaging systems where the tray, insert, and lid are all made from molded pulp for full recyclability.
8. Request Bulk Production Options
For commercial farms or packing operations, ordering in bulk reduces cost. You can also ask your supplier for palletized shipping to save space and minimize handling.
Bulk orders make custom mold investments worthwhile since the mold cost spreads across larger quantities.
9. Test Before Large Orders
Always request a prototype before full production. Testing ensures the design fits your berries and packaging line.
You can check stacking strength, drying speed, and color consistency before approving mass production.
Why Customization Matters
A well-designed pulp berry tray improves freshness, reduces damage, and supports brand image. It also meets consumer demand for sustainable, plastic-free packaging.
For in-stock options, check out our partner site WineShippingBoxes for molded pulp inserts ready to ship.
