Reducing damage to mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) during distribution and storage through corrugated paperboard packaging design

Damage to mangosteen primarily results from compressive forces during distribution and uneven temperature distribution. Therefore, an optimized packaging design that mitigates these factors is essential. This study aimed to (1) determine the most suitable packaging dimensions for the distribution of climacteric fruits, such as mangosteen, and (2) evaluate ventilation (dimensions and types) and types of flutes that can minimise damage due to shocks during transportation and temperature fluctuations during storage. This study was conducted in two stages. Stage I involved designing and determining the packaging dimensions using a 5 kg full-flap BC flute packaging. Stage II focused on determining the ventilation dimensions, types of ventilation, and flute types. The designed packaging was tested under different transportation conditions, including rough asphalt, intercity, and urban roads. The Stage II research employed a completely randomized factorial design with three treatment factors: (I) Ventilation type (round and oval); (II) Flute type (single and double); and (III) Ventilation dimension (1.2%, 2.4%, and 3.6% of the total packaging area). All treatments were conducted in duplicate. Data were analyzed with ANOVA, followed by DMRT. The results showed that the optimal packaging was a 27.5 cm × 22.5 cm × 22.5 cm full-flap packaging, achieving a packaging density of 58.20%. Additionally, the interaction among ventilation type, flute type, and ventilation dimensions significantly affected fruit quality after transportation and storage. The best packaging configuration for preserving mangosteen quality was a 27.5 cm × 22.5 cm × 22.5 cm full-flap packaging with oval ventilation (3.6%) and a double flute type.