Seed Packaging Materials

SEED PACKAGING MATERIALS: Seeds should be packed in smaller units to avoid risks of physical gradients, particularly vapor pressure, which arise in large bulks. Packaging in smaller units makes

• Identification
• Transportation
• Handling
• Marketing Easier

The choice of packaging materials and amount of seed to be packed, depend on several factors such as the kind of seeds, duration of storage, storage environment, seed-moisture content, cost of the packaging material, and geographical area, where the seeds will be stored.

3 types of Commercially available polythenes are, e.g. low, medium, and high density. Density differences are due to differences in molecular structure, and molecular structure determines the physical structure. Low-density polythenes are generally considered satisfactory for seed storage. Polythene deteriorates, although slowly, on direct exposure to strong sunlight or ultraviolet radiation.

Certified seeds of cereals, pulses, and oilseeds are normally packed either in jute bags or cloth bags in India. However, paper bags, cardboard boxes, aluminum-foil pouches, and polythene bags are used for packaging of flower and vegetable seeds.

If moisture vapor-proof containers are used for packaging flower and vegetable seeds, moisture content must not exceed a critical level, which varies for different kinds of seeds. Therefore, adequate facilities should be available for seed drying.

If any other kind of seed is to be stored in moisture vapour-proof containers, seed moisture may be kept at 5.0%.

Seed packaging materials are classified into the following types.

A. Moisture vapour-permeable containers e.g., jute bag, cloth bag, paper bag, multiwall paper bags, etc.

B. Moisture vapour-resistant containers e.g., jute bag laminated with their 7200-300 gauge) polythene film.

C. Moisture vapour-proof containers e.g., Aluminium-foil pouches, tin cans, polythene bags (700 gauge or more), etc.

Types of seed packaging materials:

1. Foil Packets: Aluminum tins and aluminum foil packets
   • Aluminum foil: These types of packaging aluminum foil range from 6 to 200 microns in thickness. Usually, this type of material is used for high-value seeds and this type of packaging is useful in storing seeds for a longer duration and also helps in production, distribution, storage, and retailing.
   • Pros: Moisture vapour-proof containers, provide superior protection, and be airtight.
   • Cons: Less eco-friendly than paper, costly
2. Film/ Plastic Packaging: Barrier bags/Barrier film bags, Film sheets, Sachets, Flow-Fresh bags
   • Polythene bags: Seeds are stored in small quantities by packing machine in the polythene bags. It is a very popular packing material in the private sector due to effective printing, easy availability, and low cost but due to non-biodegradability, it is not promoted in the public sector.
   • Barrier bags or barrier film bags are multi-layered laminate bags that protect the packaging content from degradation caused by oxygen, gases, and sunlight.
   • Customized aluminum or metalized polyester barrier bags will benefit the shelf life product.
   • Film sheets: PE and PP film sheets for covering crates and boxes of fresh produce that enhance the ventilation process.
   • Sachets: for seeds. Sachets are a flexible, convenient, attractive, and economical packaging solution. These sachets are made from high-barrier laminate materials to protect the packaging content against the influence of oxygen, gas, and light.
   • Pros: Durable, moisture-resistant, and long-term protection.
   • Cons: Non- biodegradability and environmentally harmful.
3. Jute Bags: Woven Bags, Box Bag
   • Jute is the earliest packaging material. It was widely used for packaging. It is prepared from the bark of the jute plant. It is strong and durable and has ventilating and absorbent properties. The structure of the fabric prevents damage to the packaged product and so it is still frequently used today due to its excellent qualities. The jute bags can be supplied in various sizes to fit a content of up to 50 kg.
   • Box Bag: A box bag has been developed for freshly harvested grains and seeds. The fine glitter bottom allows good ventilation so the grains and seeds can be dried effectively.
   • Woven Bags: PP woven bags are ideally suited for applications where strong and cost-efficient packaging is requested.
   • Pros: Reusable, and environmentally friendly.
   • Cons: Limited protection for moisture and pests.
4. Paper Bags: Coated paper, Open-Mouth sacks, Pinch-bottom paper bags, Block bottom bags, UV-Lac Bags, UV-Lac Bags, Premade bags
   • These packaging materials are used in different industries and for a wide range of products.
   • Coated Paper Bags: It is used for products like food items that contain oils or liquids.
   • Open-Mouth Sacks: Agricultural products, grains, flour, animal feed, and more.
   • Pinch-Bottom Paper Bags: Used for packaging dry goods such as coffee, tea, nuts, or snacks.
   • Block Bottom Bags: Packaging various products like dry foods, chemicals, and other granular or powdery substances.
   • Premade Bags: Suitable for a variety of products, Mainly those that require a combination of paper and film for packaging.
   • Pros: Biodegradable and cost-effective.
   • Cons: Susceptible to moisture and air.

Also check out: Seed Storage, Seed Dormancy, Seed Pelleting

Factors to be considered during the selection of seed packing materials

Seed should be packed in clean, hygienic bags of any material, which does not affect the seed and prevent it from absorbing moisture. It depends on

• Quantity of seed to be packed: Seeds of vegetables or high-value crops are stored in aluminum pouches and field crops are stored in large gunny bags or HDPE (High-density polyethylene) bags of 40-60 kg capacity bags.
• Kind of seed to be packed: Orthodox seeds are different than the recalcitrant seeds
• Crop to be packed: Packing of low moisture vegetable seeds in moisture-resistant containers under ambient conditions.
• Duration up to which seed has to store
• Environment of store: Under poor storage conditions best packaging material has to be used.
• Suitability for transportation: Easy and safe to handle during transportation.
• Suitability for storage
• The moisture content of seed at the time of storage: Orthodox seeds with high moisture content should not be stored in moisture-resistant material.
• Value of seed
• Cost of packaging material: Should be cost-effective
• Based on geographical area: Coastal region with high temperature and humidity which is not suitable for long-term storage.
• Season of store.

Feel free to share your thoughts and opinions in the comments section below.