Food Grade Containers. Vented Walls and Bottom

Plastic containers with vented walls and bottoms allow air and water to circulate around their contents. Also known as vented containers, ventilated containers or perforated plastic containers, they are suitable for operations requiring ventilation, drainage, cooling, freezing or soaking.

These containers are used in food processing, agriculture and many industrial applications. They can be used to harvest and handle fruits and vegetables, cool or freeze food products, drain washed products or soak industrial parts.

All models in this category are food grade. Depending on the model, they are approved by the CFIA or manufactured from material that complies with FDA requirements. They can also be used in industrial environments to transport, wash, drain or store parts and other items.

Compare the Main Series

GSV models are available in grey or green. Models with the same dimensions but different colours retain the same main characteristics.

Choosing Between the AC and GSV Series

Fully Vented AC Series

AC Series containers have four vented walls and a vented bottom. This construction promotes airflow and water drainage on all sides of the container. No lid or dolly is available for this series. The 24" × 16" formats are available in three heights. This allows the same footprint to be maintained while adapting the capacity to the volume of product.

The 28" × 22" × 5" model provides a larger surface area and a lower height, which can be useful when the contents need to be spread in a shallower layer. No lid is available, but a dolly is offered as an option.

AC containers can be stacked without a lid when positioned in the intended orientation. When empty and rotated 180°, they can be nested. The 24" × 16" formats offer a 3:1 nesting ratio, while the 28" × 22" × 5" model offers a 2:1 nesting ratio.

Partially Vented GSV Series

GSV containers have a vented bottom and two vented long sides. The two short sides are solid. This construction provides drainage and ventilation while maintaining solid surfaces at both ends of the container. A lid and dolly are available as options.

They can be stacked with or without a lid by rotating them 180° and can be nested when empty. Their nesting ratio is 3:1. Identification areas located near the handles also make it easier to identify products or batches.

Important Selection Criteria

Opening Size and Transported Contents

The product must be large enough that it cannot pass through the openings. Before selecting a container, consider the size, shape and fragility of its contents.

For small products, fine ingredients, liquids or items that must be protected from dust, a container with solid walls and bottom may be preferable.

Ventilation and Cooling

The openings facilitate airflow, but they do not guarantee uniform cooling on their own. Results also depend on the fill level, product density, stacking configuration, spacing between containers and airflow within the facility.

An overfilled container or an unsuitable stacking configuration can restrict airflow even when the walls are vented.

Washing, Draining and Soaking

The vented bottom allows water to drain after washing or soaking. However, the drainage path must be planned to prevent water from accumulating on the floor or equipment.

On a washing line or in an automated environment, the bottom must also be checked for compatibility with conveyors, rollers and supporting surfaces.

Stacking, Nesting and Returning Empty Containers

A stackable container supports another container when placed in the correct orientation. A nestable container fits inside another when empty, reducing the space required for storage or return transportation.

The 180° orientation is therefore important. Incorrect positioning can prevent stacking or cause the containers to nest unintentionally.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Selecting a container without checking whether the product can pass through the openings.
• Assuming that every model has four vented walls.
• Confusing volume capacity with load capacity.
• Stacking the containers in the wrong orientation.
• Failing to plan for water drainage beneath the containers.
• Using a format that is incompatible with conveyors, pallets or washing areas.
• Combining several series without standardizing lids, dollies and stacking methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are These Containers Suitable for Harvesting Fruits and Vegetables?

Yes. Vented models facilitate ventilation, drainage and the handling of many fruits and vegetables. However, you must confirm that the products cannot pass through the openings.

Can They Be Used for Freezing?

Yes. Their vented construction promotes the circulation of cold air around the contents. However, performance depends on the fill level, stacking configuration and operation of the facility.

Can the Containers Be Stacked Without a Lid?

Yes, depending on the series and intended orientation. AC models can be stacked without a lid when correctly positioned. GSV models can be stacked with or without a lid.

Can They Be Used in Industrial Environments?

Yes. They can be used for washing, soaking, draining, transporting or storing industrial parts.