Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) is an advanced food preservation technique that modifies the internal gas composition within a package to extend shelf life and maintain product quality. By replacing the air inside the packaging with a carefully controlled gas mixture (typically CO₂, N₂, and O₂), MAP slows down spoilage caused by microbial growth, oxidation, and enzymatic reactions.
Below, we explore the key applications of MAP across various industries.
Gas Composition:
High O₂ (70-80%) + CO₂ (20-30%) – Maintains bright red color (oxymyoglobin)
Low O₂ (<1%) + High CO₂ (30-50%) + N₂ (balance) – Prevents microbial growth
Benefits:
✅ Extends shelf life by 2-3 times
✅ Reduces drip loss and discoloration
✅ Inhibits bacterial growth (e.g., Pseudomonas , Brochothrix )
Meat in MAP (Illustration: Meat packaged in MAP with optimal gas mix)
Gas Composition:
CO₂ (40-60%) + N₂ (balance) – Slows bacterial and enzymatic spoilage
O₂ (0-2%) – Prevents oxidation
Benefits:
✅ Reduces "fishy" odor and texture degradation
✅ Extends freshness by 5-7 days
✅ Minimizes histamine formation
Seafood MAP (Example: MAP-packed salmon fillets)
3. Fresh Fruits & Vegetables
Gas Composition:
5-10% O₂ + 5-15% CO₂ + N₂ (balance) – Balances respiration rate
Ethylene absorbers – Used for climacteric fruits (e.g., bananas, apples)
Benefits:
✅ Delays ripening and senescence
✅ Reduces mold growth (e.g., Botrytis in strawberries)
✅ Maintains firmness and color
Fresh Produce MAP (Example: MAP-packed salad greens)
Gas Composition:
100% N₂ or CO₂/N₂ mix – Prevents staleness and mold
O₂ < 0.5% – Reduces oxidative rancidity
Benefits:
✅ Extends crispiness in chips and crackers
✅ Prevents mold in bread and cakes
✅ No need for preservatives
Bakery MAP (Example: MAP-packed bread and cookies)
Gas Composition:
CO₂ (20-50%) + N₂ (balance) – Inhibits yeast and mold
O₂ < 1% – Prevents lipid oxidation
Benefits:
✅ Extends cheese shelf life by 2-4 weeks
✅ Prevents off-flavors in butter and cream
✅ Maintains texture in soft cheeses
Dairy MAP (Example: MAP-packed shredded cheese)
This type of packaging is often used in the fresh food counters, where the consumer chooses and takes the tray himself.
This packaging type grants extended visibility and a longer shelf life for the product.
Once the package is open, the consumer can heat or bake the food directly in oven or microwave without using additional baking trays or pans.
Printability: possibility to print on the surface of the trays in order to customize and strengthen the communication of the brand up to the dining table.
Versatility: you can defrost and bake in any type of oven;
Utmost hygiene;
Easy waste disposal: Food waste and container are disposed in the organic bin;
low environmental impact tackling the global problem of waste;
Improves compost quality;
use of renewable supply sources from sustainable, certified European forests respecting biodiversity (no use of chemical fertilizers);
reduce fluctuation in raw material prices;
Promote of consumer’s awareness in circular bioeconomy;
Both containers and lids are printable;
MAP is a versatile and effective packaging solution that enhances food safety, extends shelf life, and reduces food waste. Its applications span meat, seafood, produce, bakery, and dairy , making it indispensable in modern food supply chains.
