Air Products introduces new & innovative Modified Atmosphere Packaging to static market.
Take a look at this clever new packaging system from Air Products.
Its a new kind of Modified Air Packaging designed to improve the flavour and aroma of the food contained within it,
Essentially its a natural process that vaporise the foodstuff’s natural aroma & essential oils into the packaging itself.
This happens at the same time as the insertion of gas into the modified atmosphere packaging (MAP). There is also the advantage that no extra production steps are involved. You do not need to use a Polythene heat sealer It all happens in one sequence.
This is good for the customers as it add for a more pleasurable sensory experience when opening the packaging. It is thought by Air Products that this kind of perk could influence customers buying decisions.
Its not often you see these kind of innovations in the MAP packaging market. In fact it is the first in a number of years.
Despite companies like Nestle holding patents around aroma and gas insertion processes no other packaging companies in the UK offering any kind of innovative modified atmosphere packaging like this.
The Benefits of Modified Atmosphere Packaging
Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) helps keep food fresh for longer. Here's why it's great:
- Preserving Food by Reducing Oxygen. Food exposed to air gets worse over time due to oxidation. MAP fixes this by using a special gas mix (like CO2 and N2) to replace the air inside the package. Less oxygen slows down food deterioration, especially in fatty foods and meats.
- Using Barrier Films for Protection. MAP relies on special films to protect the food and keep the controlled environment intact. These films stop moisture and oxygen from getting in. Different films like PE, PP, EVOH, PET, PA, and aluminium foil are chosen based on the food and what's needed.
- Less Need for Preservatives. People prefer natural, preservative-free food. MAP helps by reducing the need for chemical additives. Less oxygen in the packaging keeps food fresh without added preservatives. This is better for health-conscious customers and simplifies packaging for manufacturers.
- Cost-Effective and Wider Distribution. MAP is cost-effective and extends how far food can travel. This means fewer deliveries and less expense. Longer shelf life means less need to rotate or restock products, reducing labor costs. Fewer returns due to spoilage also cut down on waste. In conclusion, Modified Atmosphere Packaging is a great way to preserve food and meet the demand for natural, preservative-free options. It's a cost-effective solution for both producers and consumers, reducing waste and improving efficiency.
Making Sure Modified Atmosphere Packaging Works
To make sure Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) is effective, we need to check the gas levels and packaging seal. We do this using tools like trace oxygen analysers.
Trace Oxygen Analysers
These tools are crucial for confirming that MAP works. They come as handheld devices, like the TecPen Modified Atmosphere Packaging Oxygen Analyzer and the TecPen Modified Atmosphere Packaging Sensor for Oxygen and CO2.
Headspace Modified Atmosphere Packaging Analyser
This analyser is special. It uses a thin tube to go into the packaged food and then checks the gas inside. This helps us know how much oxygen is in there.
Quality Control
Using analysers like TecPen is vital to confirm if gas flushing and film barriers are working well. By checking oxygen levels, we can see if MAP is doing its job and protecting the food.
In short, we must test and be sure that MAP is working. Handheld trace oxygen analysers, including the headspace-modified atmosphere packaging analyser, are essential tools to keep food safe and ensure that MAP benefits are fully realised. They help us check if the packaging atmosphere is right and if the seal is intact.
In conclusion, Modified Atmosphere Packaging plays a pivotal role in preserving food products by reducing oxygen levels in the packaging, using barrier films for protection, and minimising the need for preservatives. This cost-effective approach benefits both manufacturers and consumers while reducing waste and improving efficiency in the food industry.
To ensure the effectiveness of Modified Atmosphere Packaging, tools like trace oxygen analysers are essential for confirming the integrity of the packaging and the success of the preservation process.
