Preserving the quality and freshness of seeds is essential in the agricultural sector, where even small losses can have a significant impact on productivity and profitability, and contamination and moisture can affect the viability of the seeds. One of the most effective ways to safeguard seeds and bulbs during storage and transport is through the use of specialised bulk seed bags.
Let’s look at how seed bags enhance seed packaging and transport while ensuring freshness and protection.
Ideal Protection With Woven Polypropylene
Seed transport and storage face numerous challenges, including moisture, UV light, and physical damage. Bulk seed bags constructed from woven polypropylene have, therefore, been designed for their exceptional strength and durability to better accommodate these challenging conditions.
Why woven polypropylene? Woven polypropylene is a highly robust material that forms a strong barrier against moisture ingress. This quality ensures that your seeds remain dry, even in humid conditions or during prolonged storage. Additionally, its resistance to UV degradation is critical when seed bags are exposed to daylight during farm operations or transport. Physical protection is equally vital, as seeds must endure various phases of handling, from storage at the agricultural facility to delivery at the final location. High quality bulk seed bags effectively mitigate the damage caused by impacts or abrasions, keeping your seeds intact.
Enhancing Seed Integrity With Custom Liners
While the woven polypropylene structure provides an excellent foundation, custom liners can significantly augment the protective capabilities of seed bulk bags. These liners, often made from polyethylene (PE) or other polymer materials, create additional layers that prevent contamination and maintain seed freshness.
Polyethylene liners are highly adaptable and cost-effective, forming a reliable seal that guards against external pollutants. By combining these liners with the tough outer layer of woven polypropylene, seed bags create a comprehensive system that ensures seed quality throughout the entire supply chain.
This approach is particularly beneficial for seeds destined for international markets, where long transport times and varying environmental conditions make robust seed packaging imperative. Whether seeds are crossing arid deserts or humid coastal regions, the tailored use of liners sustains their viability until they reach their destination.
Pest Resistance And Secure Storage Practices
While seed bulk bags offer numerous advantages, claims of pest resistance should be approached with caution. Rodents, in particular, are stubbornly capable of chewing through most materials, including polypropylene. However, certain measures can reduce the risk of pest infiltration.
Vermin proof coating options, such as laminates or pest-repellent treatments applied to the bags, can act as a deterrent to all but the most stubborn of mice and rats. For example, additives integrated into the bag’s material may release odours or textures that pests find unpleasant. However, these solutions are supplementary and should be used in conjunction with best practices in secure storage.
Storing seed bags on elevated racks, in well-ventilated and clean spaces, greatly reduces the likelihood of pests gaining access. Investing in sturdy storage facilities with appropriate sealing mechanisms adds another layer of protection, ensuring that the risk of contamination remains minimal.
Agricultural Bulk Bag Solutions From Cliffe Packaging
For more information about seed bags and how they can maintain the freshness and quality of your products throughout the supply chain, please click here to contact one of the team at Cliffe Packaging.
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