Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP)

In this article we will see what Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) is exactly, how it works and why choosing it. What are the advantages and importance of choosing the right packaging machine to get the most from the packaging process.

What is Modified Atmosphere Packaging?

Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP), also known as protective atmosphere, is a packaging technology that can extend the shelf life of food by replacing air with a gas mixture.

How does Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) work?

Thanks to the inhibitory and bacteriostatic effects of the gases used, the Modified Atmosphere helps to extend the shelf life of the product while maintaining its sensory properties. Therefore, the nutritional value, appearance (size, volume, etc.) and flavor of the food remain unchanged over time.

Even after opening the package, the durability of the product in a Protective Atmosphere persists: the food absorbs part of the carbon dioxide from the package, reducing its humidity and the consequent vulnerability to external factors.

Modified Atmosphere packaging, by decreasing the quantity of waste to be disposed of, brings advantages both in economic and ecological terms.

MAP has therefore become an indispensable element for the long-term preservation of food.

Why MAP Packaging?

Modified atmosphere packaging was created to compensate for the deficiencies of vacuum packaging.        In fact, vacuum packaging can preserve food better, but at the same time, the lack of oxygen in the package makes the product not very inviting and attractive, which is the reason why it was necessary to find an alternative packaging technology that could maintain both the characteristics organoleptic and aesthetic qualities of the original product.

The effectiveness of Modified Atmosphere packaging lies in its ability to keep the original characteristics of the product unaltered by using one or more inert gases to replace oxygen or vacuum inside the package.

Modified Atmosphere (MAP) packaging has a number of advantages:

• Product preservation is improved

• Reduced use of preservatives and additives

• More captivating presentation of the packaged product

• Great hygiene of the packaging used

At the same time, to ensure the effectiveness of Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP), it is fundamental the proper functioning and reliability of the packaging machine, which is the basic tool for the correct packaging of the product. In fact, the packaging machine takes care of removing the atmospheric gas from the sack/package, injecting the gas mixture and thermosealing the package in order to avoid the leakage of the gas previously inserted and the contamination of the product.

Modified Atmosphere packaging machines

MF TECNO, always attentive to the needs of the food market, is able to offer a wide range of Vertical Packaging Machines (VFFS) for Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP).

For the choice of the most suitable packaging machine, the production volume and the size of the sacks must be considered.                                                                                                                                                                         Considering this, we can divide the vertical packaging machines for modified atmosphere packaging into 3 main types:

• Vertical Packaging Machines for Small Format: for the packaging of products from 50 gr to 5 Kg

• Vertical Packaging Machines for Medium Format: for packaging products from 5 to 15 Kg

• Vertical Packaging Machines for Large Format: for packaging products from 10 to 30 Kg

A wide range of packable products, high production and high technology are just some of the strengths of our packaging machines.

Do not hesitate to contact us to find out the perfect MAP packaging machine!