Author: Le Van Thang, Director of ICD Vietnam – 15 years supplying produce and seafood crates.
Mesh plastic crates have ventilated grid walls and base that drain water and let air circulate, the standard for produce, seafood, fishery and any goods that must breathe or shed liquid. ICD moulds them in PP and HDPE in EU and stackable footprints, with contents load 20-40 kg. For dry, small or dust-sensitive contents use solid bins. See all types on the plastic crates page.
Choose mesh crates when:
- Wet or washed goods: the grid drains in seconds instead of pooling water.
- Produce and cold chain: air flow speeds cooling and reduces condensation and rot.
- Frequent sanitation: open walls rinse and dry fast between cycles.
1. Mesh crate characteristics
| Feature | Mesh crate |
|---|---|
| Wall / base | Ventilated grid – drains and breathes |
| Contents load | 20-40 kg by size |
| Material | PP / virgin HDPE, food-grade |
| Stacking | Stack-nest or straight stack |
PP for general use and food; HDPE for cold rooms down to -40C.
2. Why airflow protects produce – and what mesh cannot hold
For fruit, vegetables and seafood, the enemy is trapped moisture and heat. A solid wall holds both: condensation forms, the cold chain works harder, and produce spoils faster at the bottom of the stack. A mesh wall lets field heat escape and water drain, so the load cools evenly and stays drier – which is why packhouses and seafood lines run mesh almost exclusively.
The limit is obvious: anything smaller than the grid opening falls through, and dust or powder is not contained. So mesh is for whole produce, washed parts and wet goods – not for fasteners, fine components or dry powder, which belong in a solid bin. If you need both breathability and a flat carrying surface, line the mesh crate with a perforated insert.
3. Frequently asked questions
1. Are mesh crates food-grade?
PP and virgin HDPE versions are FDA food-grade and washable – standard for produce and seafood.
2. Do they work in cold rooms?
Yes, in virgin HDPE down to -40C; airflow also helps even cooling.
3. Will small items fall through?
Yes – anything smaller than the grid. Use solid bins for fine or small parts.
4. Do they stack when full?
Yes – stack or stack-nest designs are available; confirm the model for loaded stacking height.
4. Related plastic crate pages
| All Plastic Crates & Bins | Agricultural Produce Crates | Solid Plastic Bins |
5. Contact and mesh crate quotes
ICD Vietnam Industrial Manufacturing Co., Ltd
Northern Vietnam: Floor 3, Thang Long A1 Building, Thon Bau, Thien Loc, Hanoi – 0983 797 186 / 090 345 9186 / 090 5859 186
Southern Vietnam: 551/212 Le Van Khuong, Tan Thoi Hiep, District 12, Ho Chi Minh City – 098 6784 186
Email: sales@icdvietnam.com.vn
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VAT invoice – In stock – Nationwide delivery 24-48h – 2-year manufacturer warranty
