Modified Atmosphere Packaging or "MAP" Packaging is primarily used for preserving food products that may spoil in the supply chain and need an increased shelf life alternative to other preservation methods like vacuum packaging, freezing, canning or bottling. The main advantage of Modified Atmosphere Packaging is that it increases shelf life of "ready to eat" food products without altering taste, color, flavor or consistency.
Packaging Equipment Sales is an excellent resource for Modified Atmosphere Packaging Information. On this page you will find a complete History and Definition of Modified Atmosphere Packaging, a Modified Atmosphere Packaging Glossary and an Explanation of How Modified Atmosphere Packaging Equipment Works.
Modified Atmosphere Packaging Definition- Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) is the packaging of a perishable food product with gases other than normal "air" to prevent microbial growth, spoilage or changes in color, texture or taste. The 3 main gases used for MAP are O2, CO2 and most often N2. The composition of the gas mixture is specific to the type of products being packaged. Another gas occasionally used for MAP packaging potato products is Ar. Modified Atmosphere Packaging
Modified Atmosphere Packaging History- Modified Atmosphere Packaging has been around in some manner since the 1930's when it was used for preserving meat products. The more refined process currently used in Modified Atmosphere Packaging was developed for bacon and other products in the UK and Denmark in the 1970's. More recently Modified Atmosphere Packaging has found greater acceptance for packaging many fresh foods such as "ready to eat" fruits, deli meats, sliced cheeses, guacamole, fresh foods like poultry, seafood, etc.
Watch this video shows how Modified Atmosphere Packaging Equipment works: The food is packed in to a APET, CPET or PP tray or bag and either conveyed or manually placed into the flushing/sealing area of the Modified Atmosphere Packaging Equipment. Once in the seal area, if the package is a tray it either receives a lid or a film barrier ready for sealing. In some cases a vacuum is applied to the bag or package and then in both cases a specifically chosen MAP gas flushes the headspace area of the tray or bag. The package now has a Modified Atmosphere and the film, lid or bag is quickly sealed before a significant amount of the gas is lost.
Modified Atmosphere Packaging Glossary-
Here are some examples of how Modified Atmosphere Packaging extends food shelf life compared to Non-MAP packaged products.
| Product | Non-MAP | MAP |
| Fresh Seafood | 2-3 days | 7-10 days |
| Fresh Poultry | 3-10 days | 12-18 days |
| Cooked Poultry | 5-14 days | 21-30 days |
| Sliced Cheese | 5-7 days | 120-180 days |
| Fresh Pasta | 3-5 days | 120-180 days |
| Croissant | 5-7 days | 40-45 days |
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MAP Equipment
Why you should contact Packaging Equipment Sales for your Modified Atmosphere Packaging Equipment: We have the machines for your application. We know what information is needed to properly select the correct technology and what features you will need to meet your requirements. We can give budgetary numbers for your project almost instantaneously. If you need a formal proposal, you will not get it any faster than we will be able to provide it.
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