Belting Solutions for Fruits and Vegetables

Each year, the average American consumes 183 pounds of fresh vegetables and 128 pounds of fresh fruit. With nearly 190 billion pounds of fruits and vegetables harvested annually in the United States, produce is clearly vital to our diets. However, few people consider the sophisticated processes and equipment required to bring these fresh, healthy options to their tables.

At Motion Conveyance Solutions, we understand the complexity of produce handling and processing. From the moment fruits and vegetables are picked, they begin a journey involving numerous conveyor belts and systems designed to ensure freshness, safety and efficiency. We proudly offer a comprehensive range of belting solutions tailored to every step of this process, including vertical form fill belts and seal belts for packaging.

A Specialized Journey

Take strawberries, for instance. The California Strawberry Commission reports that 2.3 billion pounds of strawberries were harvested in 2014 alone, solidifying their place as one of America’s favorite fruits. Strawberries, along with countless other fruits and vegetables, travel across an intricate network of belting systems before reaching supermarket shelves.

These systems must perform various functions, from harvesting, sorting and washing to cutting, packaging and sealing. Motion Conveyance Solutions delivers versatile belting solutions for every stage of the produce life cycle.

Vertical Form Fill and Seal Belts

A critical step in the journey from field to consumer is packaging. Vertical form fill belts and seal belts play a pivotal role here, particularly for bulk produce or prepackaged convenience options. These belts are essential for:

• Bagging fresh or frozen produce.
• Ensuring precise sealing to maintain freshness.
• Accommodating a wide range of packaging sizes and materials.

Our vertical form fill belts are engineered to deliver excellent grip and consistent performance, even in high-speed applications. Seal belts, designed for thermal resistance and precision, ensure that packages are tightly and reliably sealed, protecting the produce and prolonging shelf life.

Belting Options for Every Process

Beyond packaging, fruits and vegetables require specialized belts for harvesting, stemming, dewatering and sorting. We provide USDA- and FDA-approved belting options to meet stringent food safety standards, including:

• Interwoven polyester belts with PVC covers for versatility and cost-effectiveness.
• Rubber-modified vinyl (RMV) and nitrile covers for oil resistance.
• Urethane covers for cutting and oily applications.

Custom features like cleats, sidewalls, flanges and V-guides improve grip and performance on incline or decline conveyors. Additionally, soft “pillow” covers can be added to reduce bruising during handling.

Custom Fabrication for Unique Needs

At Motion Conveyance Solutions, we offer tailored fabrication services to meet your specific requirements. Using advanced techniques such as high-frequency welding, waterjet cutting and V-guide welding, we create durable, high-performing belts that withstand the most demanding environments.

The Motion Conveyance Solutions Advantage

With decades of experience and a commitment to innovation, Motion Conveyance Solutions provides belting solutions designed to enhance the efficiency and reliability of your produce operations. Contact our team today to learn how our vertical form fill belts, seal belts and other produce belting options can benefit your business.