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 which resulted in an extensive increase in demand for packaged food products that were packed using MAP technology.

1. ADVANTAGES OF MAP FOR
FOOD PACKAGING

2. INTRO
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 which resulted in an extensive increase in demand
for packaged food products that were packed using MAP
technology.

3. 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.

4. WHAT IS MAP EXACTLY?
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.

5. Nitrogen, being an inert gas, is frequently used in nitrogen packing machines and
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.
THE ROLE OF NITROGEN AND CARBON DIOXIDE

6. 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.
HOW DOES MODIFIED ATMOSPHERE PACKAGING
PROTECT FOOD ITEMS?

7. 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.
NICHROME’S MAP OFFERINGS

8. NICHROME’S MAP OFFERINGS
Olympia Pro
Rotary semi-automatic
Tray Sealing Machine
Olympia VG
Semi-automatic
Tray Sealing Machine
Types of compatible packaging
Sealing
Modified
atmosphere
Skin/skin
protruding

9. 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 processes.
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 leading
packaging 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.
CONCLUSION

10. NICHROME INDIA LTD. Safire Park Galleria, 4, Pune - Mumbai Road, Shivajinagar, Pune - 411 005, India.
T: +91 - 20 - 6601 1001 | F: +91 - 20 - 6601 1010 | E-mail: marketing@nichrome.com | www.nichrome.com
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Contact www.nichrome.com