Problems in Recovery of Plastic Returnable Containers System for Vegetables and the Means of Solving in Okinawa

Abstract

A returnable container system was introduced for vegetables produced in Okinawa prefecture which was then smoothly distributed within the prefecture. The returnable container system has reduced packaging costs, labor costs, and affected the preservation of vegetables. However it has been discussed that the system in Okinawa be terminated due to its low recovery ratio, losses due to breakage and abuses in its use. Therefore, the actual distribution conditions of the containers were investigated, and the strength of containers with time based on dropping tests and compression tests were measured and reported. It was determined from the results of the strength test that the container strength was not a serious obstacle to their practical use.