Packaging for cut flowers must do more than protect stems from external impact: it also has to work with the cooling and airflow plan. Cartons should therefore be selected with the crop and cold-chain route in mind, not by dimensions alone. Outer pallet wrap must not block the carton’s ventilation paths.
Choose carton geometry around the crop and cooling flow
Use a carton length that prevents flower heads from being crushed, stems from protruding and the box from losing shape in a stack. FAO describes how end vents in cut-flower cartons can support forced-air precooling. Do not copy a vent-area figure as a universal specification; validate the crop, carton and cooling system together.
Separate bunches by variety, length and order. Internal supports should restrain bunches without compressing stems. If ties or dividers obstruct airflow, adjust the layout on a representative pack.
Coordinate the cold-chain steps with the package
Set precooling, storage and transport conditions to match the buyer’s and logistics plan’s requirements. FAO’s postharvest guidance treats precooling and temperature management for cut flowers in truck transport as an operational step; carton design is part of that flow.
Keep crop/variety, order and destination details legible on the carton. The shipping label should not cover a vent, closure seam or a surface likely to become wet. Standardise label placement before sealing.
Restrain the pallet without closing the airflow paths
Stack cartons in aligned layers with balanced weight. Use stretch film as an outer restraint for the unit load; excessive tension should not crush boxes, and wrap should not cover vents or cooling channels.
Prepare a sample load using the actual product and route. Inspect temperature records, crushed cartons, stem damage, condensation and pallet shift after precooling and at receipt. Records help evaluate changes to the carton design.
Sources and further reading
- FAO, Small-Scale Postharvest Handling Practices: Packaging
- FAO, Small-Scale Postharvest Handling Practices: Precooling
- ISTA, Getting Started with Design & Testing
Accessed 2 November 2026. Follow current product, carrier and destination requirements for the actual shipment.
Review the packaging for your operation
Share the product dimensions, packaging configuration and route so suitable Biz2miz options can be reviewed.
Frequently asked questions
Why do cut-flower cartons need vents?
Suitable vents can help forced-air cooling; their position and area must be validated for the crop and cooling system.
Can pallet stretch wrap cover carton vents?
It should not. Apply restraint around the pallet and check on a sample load that airflow paths remain open.
Can one carton size fit every flower variety?
No. Variety, stem length, bunch configuration and cooling method affect the carton layout.