EFFECTS OF PACKING CLEARANCE, CORRUGATED LINERS AND CONTAINER TYPES AGAINST MECHANICAL DAMAGE OF EGGS STACKED IN NON-CONVENTIONAL CONTAINERS

Eggs are highly susceptible to mechanical damage during transportation, leading to economic losses and waste in the poultry industry. This study investigates the effects of packing clearance, corrugated liner thickness, and container types on reducing egg breakage during transport. The research focused on four objectives: simulating optimal stacking conditions, designing containers based on these conditions, fabricating a vibrational simulator to replicate terrain conditions, and evaluating the effects of speed, frequency, and damping on egg integrity. The methodology involved 27 experimental trials using different packaging configurations, including variations in packing clearances (50 mm to 100mm), corrugated liners (4 mm to 10 mm), and container types (wood, plastic, and aluminum). A vibrational simulator was designed and fabricated to replicate transportation stresses, simulating rough terrain and measuring the resulting mechanical damage to the eggs. Key findings indicate that a packing clearance of 100 mm and corrugated liners of 10 mm thickness provided the best cushioning for eggs, significantly reducing breakage. Wooden containers demonstrated superior protection, particularly under rough terrain conditions. The combination of these packaging parameters minimized the movement of eggs within containers and provided optimal shock absorption, leading to a substantial reduction in egg damage rates. In conclusion, using a 100 mm packing clearance, 10 mm corrugated liners and wooden containers significantly reduces mechanical damage to eggs during transportation. These packaging configurations offer practical solutions for minimizing losses and improving transport efficiency. Future research could explore alternative sustainable materials for further optimization of egg packaging systems.