Most export dehydrated onion is packed in corrugated cartons with one or two sealed polyethylene liners inside. Multiwall paper bags and woven polypropylene bags with liners are also used, especially for powder and for buyers who prefer bags.
Whatever the outer pack, the liner is what protects the product. Dried onion pulls moisture from the air, so a well-sealed inner bag matters more than the box.
Cartons with liners
Cartons are the usual choice for flakes, kibbled and chopped onion. They protect pieces from crushing, stack well and are easy to palletise. Net weights per carton vary by form, because flakes are bulky and powder is dense. Ask each supplier for their standard carton weight for the form you buy.
- Outer: corrugated carton of a strength suited to stacking and sea transport.
- Inner: food-grade polyethylene liner, often double, sealed by heat or tied tightly.
- Labels: product, form, grade, lot, net weight, manufacturing and best before dates.
- Taping: cartons sealed with tape so liners cannot be reached without obvious damage.
Bags
Multiwall paper bags with a polyethylene liner are common for powder and granules. Woven polypropylene bags with liners are cheaper and strong, but give less protection against crushing and less stable stacks. Bags usually allow more product into a container than cartons.
Bulk bags are rarely used for dehydrated onion, because the product is sensitive to moisture and crushing. If you are considering them for powder, test the whole chain first.
Choosing between them
- Flakes and large cuts: cartons, to limit breakage and fines.
- Powder and granules: cartons or multiwall bags, both with sealed liners.
- Long voyages through hot, humid climates: double liners and container desiccants.
- Palletised warehouses: cartons on pallets, stretch wrapped.
- Weight matters more than breakage: bags may fit more per container.
Packing affects container load
Dehydrated onion is light and bulky, so a container often fills by volume before it reaches the weight limit, especially for flakes. Cartons, bags and pallets all change the figure. Ask the supplier for the actual loading of their last container of the same form and pack. How many tonnes of dehydrated onion fit in a 20 ft container explains the range.
If you buy several forms, they can share a container. See mixing onion and garlic forms in one container.
Private label and retail packs
Some plants can also pack into smaller retail or food service packs under your brand. That needs separate checks on label law in your market and on the plant's packing hygiene. Start with bulk export packs unless you have a clear plan for retail.
How we help
We agree the carton or bag, liner type and labelling with the supplier in writing, then check them at packing and during container loading. We also photograph the stow and seal for your records. Ask for a free sourcing review.