Choosing a pack
What packaging is used for fresh herbs, microgreens and sprouts?
Short answer
Fresh herbs, microgreens and edible flowers are sold in clear, rigid clamshells that stop the leaves being crushed. AVI's rPET options run from shallow sprout packs like the PNG 100 / 34 (115 × 115 × 34 mm) to tamper-evident clamshells from 8 oz (TE 300 / 8oz) to 32 oz (TE 750 / 32oz), and hinged containers such as the TB 750 / 600 for bunches and leafy herbs.
Part of the guide: Herbs, salads and cut fruit packaging guide
- Sprout pack115 × 115 × 34 mm
- 8 oz clamshell145 × 128 × 40 mm
- 32 oz clamshell189 × 145 × 72 mm
Packs for herbs, microgreens and sprouts
| Pack | Type | Size (L × W × H) | Empty weight | Holds | Per carton | Enquiry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PNG 100 / 34 | Hinged lid | 115 × 115 × 34 mm | 11.5 g | — | 1,050 | |
| PNG 100 / 40 | Hinged lid | 115 × 115 × 40 mm | 12 g | — | 1,050 | |
| AT 375 / 375 | Hinged lid container | 130 × 115 × 50 mm | 14 g | — | 1,500 | |
| TE 300 / 8oz | Hinged clamshell with tamper-evident closure | 145 × 128 × 40 mm | 17 g | — | 655 | |
| TE 300 / 16oz | Tamper-evident closure | 145 × 128 × 65 mm | 22 g | — | 600 | |
| TE 750 / 20oz | Hinged clamshell with tamper-evident closure | 189 × 145 × 50 mm | 30 g | — | 320 | |
| TE 750 / 32oz | Hinged clamshell with tamper-evident closure | 189 × 145 × 72 mm | 38 g | — | 300 | |
| TB 750 / 600 | Hinged lid container | 188 × 145 × 45 mm | 21 g | — | 630 |
All packs are rPET. Figures from AVI's catalogue; tolerances and fill depend on the produce, so samples are the final check.
AVI products for this
By product
- Microgreens and sprouts: shallow hinged packs such as the PNG 100 range and AT 375 / 375, so the greens are not stacked deep.
- Cut herbs and edible flowers: tamper-evident clamshells in 8, 12 and 16 oz sizes; the closure shows if the pack was opened.
- Exotic herbs and food service: 20 to 32 oz tamper-evident packs, and 48 and 64 oz for kitchens.
- Bunches and leafy herbs: taller hinged containers like the TB 750 range.
Keeping them fresh
Herbs keep best cold and with some humidity. Many packers add a small absorbent pad or a damp liner, and choose a pack with a few vents so condensation does not build up on the leaves.
Related questions
How do growers package microgreens to sell?
In a shallow, clear clamshell that holds the greens upright without pressing them, usually with a label on the lid. Restaurants often buy larger tubs, retail buyers smaller packs.
Why rigid packs instead of bags?
Herbs and microgreens bruise and wilt when squeezed. A rigid pack keeps its shape in the chiller and on the shelf, so the product looks fresh for longer.