ADVANTAGES OF MAP FOOD PACKAGING

Posted by Nichrome India Ltd on May 6th, 2022

MAP or Modified Atmosphere Packaging is a widely used technique of preservation when it comes to food packaging. It is a notable method of preventing spoilage and extending the shelf life of various food products. 

Modified Atmosphere Packaging and food tray sealing machines became especially essential during the COVID-19 pandemic as customers were instructed to leave their homes only when necessary, so many people began stocking up on food products with longer shelf lives. This resulted in an extensive increase in demand for packaged food products that were packed using MAP technology. 

What is MAP exactly? 

Modified Atmosphere Packaging includes either actively or passively modifying the atmosphere surrounding the product in the interior of a package made of various types and/or combinations of films.

 Modified atmosphere packaging machines India come in two kinds: Passive and Active. An active modified atmosphere packaging is the process in which the displacement of gases in the package is done and is then replaced with a desired mixture of gases. A passive modified atmosphere packaging is when the product is packaged using a selected film type and the required atmosphere develops on its own as a consequence of the products’ respiration and diffusion of gases through the film. Another approach is to use an automatic packing machineor atray sealer machine indiato create a vacuum in the packaging hence not allowing the food to spoil.

One of the major active MAP technologies in Packaging solutions in India for food and beverage products is gas flushing. A gas flush is used for the following purposes: 

• Displacement of oxygen inside the package to delay oxidation
• Decreasing the development of aerobic spoilage organisms
• Acting as a filler for maintaining package conformity 

During the gas flush procedure, a harmless gas - usually nitrogen or carbon dioxide or both - is dynamically pumped into the bag before it is sealed in order to displace ambient oxygen. The reason for this is to decrease the amount of oxygen since it is the most damaging to the freshness of the material. 

The role of nitrogen and carbon dioxide 

Nitrogen, being an inert gas, is frequently used in nitrogen packing machinesand nitrogen filling machines for food packaging to displace oxygen for products which are prone to oxidation. It also acts as a filler gas to prevent the pack from collapsing. Many snack products like potato wafers rely on nitrogen flushing to ensure longer shelf life, decrease rancidity and maintain the quality of the snacks. 

Carbon dioxide is generally inserted to act as an anti-microbial agent. A minimum amount of 20% carbon dioxide is mixed with nitrogen to form anaerobic environments that inhibit the growth of aerobic microorganisms. Most commonly, raw and cooked meats, fish, ready meals, combination products and bakery goods are packed with a proportion of carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is usually used at levels between 25-40% but can be used up to 100% in packaging bakery goods and some cheeses to provide a longer mould-free shelf life. 

How does modified atmosphere packaging protect food items? 

The primary way in which modified atmosphere packaging by a food tray packing machine protects fresh food is by decreasing its exposure to oxygen. The presence of oxygen leads to oxidation, which causes discolouration, spoilage, and change in flavour and texture. Decreasing or regulating the amount of oxygen present in a package can ensure that the food product remains fresh longer, thereby extending its shelf life and ensuring the consistency of the food products. 

Nichrome’s MAP Offerings 

One of Nichrome’s MAP offerings in Packaging Machines India is the Athena Thermoforming Tray Sealing Machine from Tecnovac, Italy. The Athena machine is able to seal and pack in a protective atmosphere of vacuum and gas all types of trays and jars. Its strong stainless steel structure and easy maintenance make the Athena ideal for use in small and medium-sized companies. 

The Athena horizontal packaging machine ensures that the marketers of cut fruits & vegetables, meat & fish, namkeen & sweets, and ready to eat meals like biryani are able to ensure that their products stay safe and hygienic till they arrive at the consumer’s table. 

The modified atmosphere packaging machine works by extracting oxygen & carbon dioxide from the air of the trays, while synchronously filling them with nitrogen or mixed air to ensure that the food does not deteriorate, after which, the tray is sealed well.

 Conclusion

With ‘snackification’ being all the rage and the growing demand for packed foods with longer shelf lives, it is imperative that manufacturers and packagers invest in reliable MAP technology for their packaging process. MAP allows food producers to maximize convenience to consumers while still offering the fresh, preservative-free food products they desire.

We recommend that you connect with Nichrome, one of the leadingpackaging machine manufacturers, Automatic filling machine manufacturers, filling and sealing machine manufacturers and providers of integrated packaging solutions. Nichrome has a storied history and considerable expertise in food packaging and offers the full gamut of VFFS (Vertical Form Fill Seal Machines), HFFS (Horizontal form fill seal machines) and automated packaging machines - including powder packaging machines, snack packaging machines, liquid packaging machines, pharmaceutical packaging machines and ready-to-eat packaging machines.

Nichrome proactively works with its clients, helping them to plan and implement the most cost-effective and dependable MAP solution for their needs. 

Visit www.nichrome.com to learn more!