BASICS FOR MODIFIED ATMOSPHERE PACKAGING

BASICS FOR MODIFIED ATMOSPHERE PACKAGING

Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) is well established in the food industry and continues to gain in importance. MAP means, simply put, that the natural ambient air in the package is replaced by a gas or gas mixture, often nitrogen and carbon dioxide. This packaging under a protective atmosphere preserves the quality of fresh produce over a longer period of time, prolongs shelf-life, and gives food producers access to a geographically larger market for perishable products. This is suitable for powedered products, infant formula, coffee / cacao beans, instant coffee, or convenience products and many others.

Modified atmospheres are not only used in packaging. They can feature as part of the production process, e.g. in the case of powdered milk, fruit, nuts and snacks.

The standards required by Modified Atmosphere Packaging are comparatively high, and have to be controlled and monitored to ensure safety. Therefore, food manufacturers rely on modern MAP gas technology and various levels of quality assurance for maximum process safety.