How Mesh Size Affects Netting Performance in Produce Storage

What Mesh Size Actually Means in Knitted Tubular Net

Mesh size is simply the length of each hole measured across the flat knitted fabric. Because the netting is knitted from PE, the holes are usually diamond-shaped and stay consistent. Everyone measures it the same way: open up a sample, lay it flat, and take the straight-line distance between opposite sides.

You will hear suppliers quote sizes like 4 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm, or even 10 mm. These numbers tell you the hole width right away.

How Hole Size Changes Net Performance

Larger holes do three things at once.

First, they give more room for air to move. In storage rooms where temperature swings or humidity jumps are normal, this stops moisture from building up inside the bag and cutting mold risk. Onions and potatoes especially need this free airflow.

Second, strength drops. The netting carries weight and gets handled during filling and loading. A bigger mesh means fewer strands hold each square inch of fabric, so the whole net stretches and can tear faster if you drop a bag or stretch it too tight.

Third, small items can slip through. Thin-skinned citrus or soft berries move more easily through wide holes and end up on the floor or damaged during stacking.

Smaller mesh keeps everything locked in place and the fabric tougher, but it also cuts airflow more, which can trap heat and moisture in hot or humid warehouses.

Match Mesh Size to Your Crop and Storage Setup

• Onions and potatoes: 6–8 mm. This size holds the bulbs or tubers securely while letting air circulate so they don’t sweat and rot. Most growers use this range in cold stores.

• Citrus and other fruit: 4–6 mm. Smaller holes stop the round fruits from rolling or rubbing against each other and getting bruised.

• Garlic and chilli: 5–7 mm. These elongated items need just enough space to fit without chafing the net edges.

• Mixed produce or bagged mixes: 5–7 mm. You want balance between protection and airflow for whatever is inside.

If you store outdoors or in a place with big daily temperature swings, lean toward the smaller end and add extra UV stabilizers if your supplier offers them.

Easy Pitfalls and What to Check with Your Supplier

Don’t assume a bigger mesh is always stronger. In fact the opposite is true once the hole goes past about 7 mm. Many people buy what looks like a cheap price per meter and end up replacing torn bags every season.

Ask these exact points before you order: - Does the mesh stay round or does it stretch oval after a few weeks of use? - How many runs per centimeter of width? More runs equal tighter holes and better strength for the same hole size. - Is the material virgin PE or does it have recycled content? Recycled versions often feel softer and stretch more, which changes both airflow and tear resistance. - Can you get the net in the exact length and width you need, or will they add extra length that bunches up and traps air?

A quick test: ask for a 1 m by 1 m sample and try to stretch it by hand. It should feel firm but not rock-hard. If it pulls apart easily, they probably used thinner thread or larger holes.

Wrap-Up: Pick One Size That Fits Your Reality

Pick the mesh size that keeps your produce dry, secure, and visible while still letting air move. The right one usually means fewer complaints from buyers and less waste in your warehouse. If you tell us what crop you handle and how the bags are used (indoor storage, cold chain, or mixed loads), we can point you to the best starting size without you guessing. Just drop us a message and we’ll walk through your options.