How Does Modified Atmosphere Packaging Protect Foods

Posted February 23, 2023 Modified Atmosphere Packaging Solutions

Are you in the food business looking for futuristic solutions without compromising your product’s protection? Environmental factors play a huge role in food packaging, and you must always keep this in mind.

So, MAP packaging is a significant solution with impressive features other materials won’t provide. We have some features you need to know to understand how they can benefit you. Here we go!

What is Modified Atmosphere Packaging?

The MAP (Modified Atmosphere Packaging) method is a new solution that helps keep food products safe by removing the chances of spoiling with gaseous substances. In addition, it offers protection from gases produced during packaging. The environment created by packaging is kept at a level that does not harm food products heavily.

The technology’s primary method is to change the atmosphere inside the packaging. This improves the shelf life of food products by preserving them from factors that cause them to go rotten.

Benefits of Modified Atmosphere Packaging

This technology works amazingly well for better shelf life and improved product appearance. You do not have to use chemicals; your products will last longer without losing taste. Moreover, it allows you to keep your product’s nutritional benefits intact.

Using this technology allows you to reduce the cost of transportation for your food products. However, these benefits are only available when your product is packed.

Types of Modified Atmosphere Packaging

Companies have been using some types of packaging for their food packaging.

Irradiation:

One of the top types of Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) is Irradiation is one. It benefits meat and other food products, but some may not get enough benefits. For instance, it may not work well for beef and create odor and color issues. However, the results also depend on the dose you use for your packaging.

This process helps reduce the growth of germs that cause problems in food products, like odors and color issues. At the same time, vacuuming in packaging will change how safe your product will be. At the same time, gas mixtures of carbon dioxide and molecular nitrogen can help.

However, the cost of these technologies has worked as a barrier to making them easy to use in food packaging.

Gas-Flushed Packaging:

Using gas-flushing is a suitable method in MAP for making your product safer on the shelf. If you want to preserve your food from issues, you can try this technology for your packaging. At the same time, you can get good results when creating a good taste for food products.

Barrier Packaging Films:

These materials can also help you protect your food better. Using such materials can help your product survive against moisture and oxygen, which can help improve its shelf life. This technology uses multiple films you can use for your food packaging. So, it allows you to protect your food from any environmental factors. CAP Packaging solutions allow your food products to have a better shelf life.

Active Modification:

In this method, you should remove gases from the packaging and replace them with some that work for the purpose. For example, oxygen absorbers are one gas you may use for your products. At the same time, you may use carbon dioxide absorbers in your product.

On the other hand, gases like Ethylene absorbers also work in this technology, making it one of the top MAP packaging solutions.

Passive Modification:

Another technology that works in this regard is passive modification. Plastic films can help you with this technology as several versions of the material are underway. So, the better you learn about these films, the more chance you have of getting better absorption of your gases will occur. This means when you remove gases from your packages, you ensure you protect your food.

At the same time, you can use an active modification method, such as adding some gases inside the packaging. So, it is a must to remove carbon dioxide from your packages. Passive modification may not cost you a lot; however, active modification may take a lot of costs.

Plastic films also work for vegetables and fruit, and working on these films can improve results. Film packaging also helps with benefits like less contamination and a material-commodity connection. At the same time, using this technology improves food product protection from rotting.

Difference between modified atmosphere packaging and controlled atmosphere packaging:

In modified atmosphere packaging, the existing gas of the packaging is mixed with the new gas mixture. On the other hand, in controlled atmosphere packaging, a specific gas mixture is used for a particular food product designed for this purpose.

How does modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) affect packaged foods?

The use of these techniques helps by reducing oxygen in the packaging, stopping microbial growth, and preserving quality. This method also gives your foods a longer shelf life, reducing waste and offering consumers convenience.

Futuristic Packaging Solutions by Packaging Hub

The Packaging Hub is the solution to make your food product packaging more secure. You can rely on packaging that helps improve your product’s shelf life. We use the most futuristic technologies to ensure better results for your packaging. You can depend on our services and products to make a massive difference in your promotions.

Author Image
Steve Harsh
Steve Harsh, a packaging and printing expert who has been working in the field for over a decade. It has been my privilege to write on this topic, which I have been doing for years to help people learn about this essential field that helps millions achieve their business goals.

The Best Custom Boxes from the Experts

Order your stylish and durable custom boxes and packaging from a team of industry experts.

Get a Quote Today

Want to order custom packaging and boxes for your products? Then get your free quote today! Get a Free Qoute