The agricultural industry relies heavily on different kinds of plastic bins for harvesting several types of crops across different seasons. While a standard bin might get the job done, it could only be doing the bare minimum, putting crops and consumers at risk.
Custom plastic harvest bins can deliver a better return on investment for frontline workers, agricultural OEMs, and contract manufacturers alike. So long as the bins are designed to match the specific crop application, handling equipment, and more considerations.
GAIM Plastics highlights exactly how custom plastic harvest bins deliver better ROI compared to standard agricultural containers.
Where the ROI Appears
A standard agricultural container that can be purchased anywhere might have a lower cost, but how does it serve those that need it? Whereas through a custom route, OEMs and contract manufacturers can work together to create a product that adheres to the needs of the final customer.
| ROI Lever | How Customization Improves It | Cost Impact |
| Produce protection | Smooth interior walls, rounded radii, appropriate vent patterns, controlled bin depth, and crop-specific drainage reduce abrasion, compression, bruising, and more | Higher pack out and fewer claims |
| Labor efficiency | Compatible footprint, optimized handholds, correct wall height, and bin weight specified to the operation reduce uncomfortable handling | Faster harvest flow and lower labor burden |
| Equipment compatibility | Dimensions, base geometry, stack heights, and dump interfaces can be designed around existing equipment | Less handling delay, lower damage to bins and equipment with fewer workarounds |
| Transport density | Stackable, nestable, or other designs can be used | More product or more empty bins per load & lower freight / backhaul cost per trip |
| Service life | Designs can be engineered for specific applications to promote product longevity | Fewer replacements, repairs, and harvest interruptions |
| Cleaning & food safety | Nonporous, smooth, drainable surfaces can make inspection and sanitation easier | Lower contamination risk and lower cleaning time |
| Standardization | Specific identifying marks such as molded identification or labels can support different segregation protocols | Fewer mix ups, better traceability, reduced loss |
| Storage efficiency | Designed stacking geometry can reduce empty bin footprint | Lower warehouse and yard space requirements |
Crop Protection is the Biggest Gain
Agricultural OEMs and other agricultural businesses know that the main focus is placed on whatever is being grown or raised on a farm. In the case of custom plastic harvest bins, securing fresh produce is attainable. Standard or generic bins can be structurally adequate, but there might be sections that are too deep, poorly ventilated, or face other potential issues that can damage produce.
Whereas, a custom solution can take these considerations during the design process and create a bin that supports protection and freshness. Some common factors that can be focused on in the development phase include maximum permissible product depth for bruise-sensitive crops, rounded internal corners and smooth interior panels to reduce skin damage and snagging, drainage features for wet harvesting, field washing , or hydro-cooling, and a base pattern that support the crop without pressure points.
The Impact of Customization
Bins are more than just a storage container for agricultural applications. Rather, they play a role as a material handling system for agricultural applications. When the custom route is chosen for plastic harvest bins, it allows for better dimensional control and interfaces that make sense.
During the design process, there are some questions that should be asked to ensure customization isn’t just maximized, but custom features actually work for the target audience.
Key questions include:
- Can full bins stack safely to the required height without damaging the crop?
- Are handles, footbars, and wall height suitable for workers harvesting the crop?
- Can the bin move through wash-down, cooling, and sanitation procedures without trapping water or debris?
Certainly, there is more room for questions depending on the specific harvest the bin is geared toward, but these serve as a baseline.
Partner with GAIM Plastics for Your Custom Plastic Harvest Bins
GAIM Plastics, located in Elmhurst, Illinois, is the trusted and reliable custom plastic injection molding manufacturing company that OEMs count on. Since 1989, our team of dedicated engineers, operators, and executive leadership have worked together to spearhead manufacturing programs for our customers.
The agriculture industry is one of the biggest sectors GAIM operates in and some of our most practical creations like the handles for Masterforce serve in all kinds of applications for agriculture. Custom plastic harvest bins are another example of how GAIM utilizes its full capabilities.
From design reviews and prototyping capabilities, into injection molding, and post-mold operations, our team can create the comprehensive production program you need.
Contact GAIM Plastics today for more information regarding our custom plastic harvest bins’ program capabilities and get your operation back in the GAIM.