Since food is often transported long distances from its origin to supermarket shelves, it is particularly important to ensure freshness and hygiene.It may take a longer time for food to move from the shelf to the basket and then to appear on the table.High-tech packaging in this process can ensure food is fresher and more hygienic.The synthesis of composite materials with different characteristics provides an ideal packaging for food. The wear-resistant composite made of various materials is suitable for modified atmosphere packaging.
What is modified atmosphere packaging?
Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) is usually called replaceable-gas packaging or gas-filled packaging in China.It is a packaging method through replacing the air in the packaging container with protective gas which is suitable for food preservation in order to inhibit bacterial reproduction and achieve long-term preservation.MAP is developed and improved on the basis of vacuum packaging and nitrogen-filled packaging, it uses advanced production technology and air permeable packaging materials, to achieve the goal of “free-breathing” food.
Fresh-keep gas used in modified atmosphere packaging
The fresh-keeping gas is an important element in the MAP technology, which is generally composed of carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen (N2), oxygen (O2) and a small amount of special gas. According to the needs of different kinds of packaged food, the air of the packaging box (bag) is replaced by fresh-keeping gas, and the storage environment of the food in the packaging box (bag) is changed, which can inhibit the growth and reproduction of bacteria, slow down the metabolism of fresh products, and thus prolong the shelf life of food.It’s quite suitable for frozen meat packaging.
Application field of modified atmosphere packaging
MAP technology can effectively keep food fresh with small side effects and is popular in the global market. In Norway,MAP has extended the average preservation period of fish、fish products and shellfish by 1.5 times, making it easy for consumers to buy fresh salmon in the supermarket.Semi-finished products that are popular in supermarkets and food stores in the United States, as well as fresh food, pasta and salad for direct consumption, are now mostly using MAP.
In the market of Beijing, Shanghai and other cities in China, we can also see the fresh meat products using MAP.In early 2011,” modified atmosphere vegetables “appeared in Wuhan, after using this fresh-keeping technology, eggplant fruit preservation period can reach 30 days, lettuce, spinach, cabbage and other leafy vegetables preservation period can be extended to 15 days.MAP prolongs the preservation time without losing flavor taste, making the goods more competitive in the market.
In general, MAP has been widely used in some kinds of products’ packaging, such as small size food packaging, coffee packaging, processed meat packaging and so on. Today, it is also increasingly used in refrigerated, pretreated convenience foods, especially in the packaging of products such as fresh sliced produce, special cheese and prepackaged sandwiches.
With the rapid development of society, commodity types tend to be complicated, which also puts forward higher requirements for packaging’s function. Besides protecting and promoting the utility of products, attracting and facilitating consumers is more important. The tide of high and new technology has pushed packaging production to a higher level.With its own advantages in economy, environment and development prospect, MAP will surely have a place in the era of intelligent packaging. As a professional food packaging company, Lucky Time has already made a research and application on MAP technology.And also Lucky time is dedicated to provide any customers with high-quality and exquisite packaging which is suitable for their products and hope to be a supplier who can make all customers satified.