Vertical farms come with unique labor challenges that are not designed for efficient manual work. Leafy greens and herbs are the main harvest because of their fast cycle, high margin, and short shelf life. But with the natural characteristic of the produce, packing by the ounce (gram) remains as one of the most labor-intensive parts of the operation, explains Yamato Scale Co.
Normally about 15-20 people are put on the packing line with small scales to weigh the products individually. "Because of its labor
intensity, as they work closely together, keeping the adequate social distance is problematic, and there's also a necessity for hiring casual workers with a risk of high turnover."
In such cases, automation is generally considered, but not all the food can be automated. "Many companies struggle to automate because not all the leaves are the same size and they are not supplied to the work site in the same."
Solution process
TSD-N3 Large config. is installed in the packaging line. "It can integrate and design from the feed to the end. Multiple machines are put on for operation depending on the space and the volume of the daily production. As it's semi-automatic, small batch production of many products can be handled. For example, one-run is for baby arugula. After it's finished, with minimal downtime, basils are thrown in."
The leafy greens are conveyed to the combination scale or manually carried up. "Normally, two people stand on both sides to place the product on each weighing head. Once the best combination is made, a combined product nearest to the target value is discharged and
it dumps into a clamshell pack."
Result
"TSD not only improved accuracy and yield but also contributed greatly to labor reduction. Labor shortages are becoming more serious all over the nation, and we are very pleased that the introduction of the TSD-N3 has eliminated the need to hire short-term, part-time workers, making it possible to select candidates instead of just hiring anyone."
"More countries are embracing vertical farming as a way to address global food security, driving an increase in the number of vertical and we are always ready to help," the Yamato Scale team adds.
For more information:
Yamato Scale Co., Ltd.
www.yamato-scale.co.jp/en/
Announcements
"Tweeting Growers"
Top 5 - yesterday
Top 5 - last week
- Bioponics: An organic closed-loop soilless cultivation system
- US: Cutting utility costs by 50% while co-generating electricity and hot water
- The key to optimum management in hydroponic systems
- UK: 'Using 50% less lighting and 50-75% fewer space requirements'
- Developer tries to cultivate new life for Braddock vertical farm after its sudden closing
Top 5 - last month
- Singapore: Man charged for running investment scam on hydroponics, aquaponics farming
- “Our vertical farm ensures a regular income for producers while saving natural resources”
- NZ: Man 3D prints hydroponic setup to counter expensive systems
- UK: Aeroponic rolling benches result in uplift of 22% compared to hydroponics
- Bioponics: An organic closed-loop soilless cultivation system
"It not only improved accuracy and yield, but also contributed greatly to labor reduction"
Publication date:
Receive the daily newsletter in your email for free | Click here
Other news in this sector:
- 2023-05-24 "We want to bring our cost savings, service, and technology to the produce industry"
- 2023-04-19 "Plant-based, tamper evident packaging is the freshest thing yet"
- 2023-03-08 "Thermal hood extends shelf life and reduces temperature damage along the logistics chain"
- 2023-02-27 "Paper-based packaging for fresh produce, a colossal mistake"
- 2023-02-21 Cross-continental collaboration beneficial in developing packaging lines
- 2023-02-09 Plastic or cardboard but with an emphasis on practicality, protection, and zero-waste
- 2023-02-07 Fewer pinking issues with packed, sliced iceberg lettuce and romaine lettuce
- 2023-02-02 US: How indoor farms can prepare for the FDA’s Food Traceability Rule
- 2023-02-01 Protecting produce from viruses through active packing technologies
- 2023-01-02 A start-up plans to replace plastic with seaweed alternative
- 2022-12-12 Rotary filler packages leafy greens at lightning speed
- 2022-11-09 Upward Farms unveils new resealable packaging design
- 2022-11-01 “Our packaging is 100% biodegradable within 24 weeks, making it the most ecological on the market”
- 2022-10-19 "It not only improved accuracy and yield, but also contributed greatly to labor reduction"
- 2022-10-14 NNZ, the 100-year-old family business, wants to revolutionize packaging
- 2022-10-07 Fifth Season releases new salad variety with guacamole dip
- 2022-08-09 Madar Farms introduces new rPET packaging
- 2022-08-08 New packaging for hydroponic fertilizer launched
- 2022-05-25 The new law in France for sustainable packaging
- 2022-05-20 Smurfit Kappa opens up a new world of possibilities with water-resistant paper
