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MAP Food Packaging: Reduce Waste, Extend Freshness

  • Writer: MMP Corporation
    MMP Corporation
  • 3 days ago
  • 4 min read

As a trusted supplier of quality plastic food wrap for home and commercial use, MMP Corporation is interested in all technologies developed to help preserve food safety during storage and transportation. 


Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) is the latest breakthrough technology in storing and transporting perishable food products. We'll explain how this revolutionary method of food handling works and how it’s used along with plastic wrap to streamline the food packaging and distribution chain. 


Cling-wrapped meat uses MAP food packaging

 

How Does MAP Food Packaging Work?


MAP works by carefully controlling the gas composition within food packages. Air consists of:


  • 78% nitrogen

  • 21% oxygen

  • 0.04% carbon dioxide and other gases


Changing the proportions of these three main gases creates an atmosphere that slows food spoilage and extends its shelf life.  


The basic idea behind MAP technology revolves around the effects of the three main components of air:


  • Oxygen causes oxidation in food, which causes it to spoil and degrade. This phenomenon particularly affects foods high in fats and oils. 

  • Nitrogen is used to replace oxygen and prevent oxidation. It limits the growth of aerobic bacteria. However, simply removing the oxygen from a food package causes it to collapse, offering little protection for fragile foods like potato chips and cookies. Reducing the oxygen content and replacing it with benign nitrogen effectively solves the spoilage issue while providing structural support to the packaging, reducing physical damage to food.

  • Carbon dioxide limits the growth of bacteria and stops the development of mold. It's often increased in food packages containing meat, as it dissolves into the food's liquids and fats and reduces its pH value. Reducing the pH makes foods more acidic and inhibits the growth of microorganisms.  


Containers for MAP food

Who Uses MAP Food Packaging?


Food manufacturers, distributors, and retailers are using MAP to deliver fresher and longer-lasting food products to consumers. 


Understanding Modified Atmosphere Packaging Technology


The principles behind MAP technology entail knowing how these three main gases affect different sorts of food. Gas mixture testing and education concerning the effect of gases on certain types of food must be completely understood. Before adopting MAP technology, a cost-benefit analysis of traditional preservation methods versus MAP must also be undertaken.  


Key Benefits for Food Shipping and Distribution


Using MAP food packaging technology and polyethylene (PE) plastic film wrap together is a more effective and efficient method of preserving food than using each method alone. 

However, if you're not ready to invest in specialized equipment or devices, which may need to be tailored for different types of products to control gas levels effectively, consider using PE food preservation cling film from MMP Corporation. Our PE food preservation films complement MAP systems by providing barrier properties that help retain modified gas ratios of reduced oxygen and elevated CO2 for extended preservation. It can manage oxygen flow, keeping food fresh and preventing dehydration. This is ideal for selling items with a short lifespan like meat, veggies, and fruits.


Barrier films (plastic wraps) protect the wrapped food from outside contamination, decreasing the absorption of contaminants, moisture and oxygen. Additionally, the impenetrable barrier of the polyethylene also seals in the beneficial MAP gases and helps extend the shelf life of the food. MMP's food-grade PE films maintain barrier integrity under cold chain conditions, making them highly effective for oxygen-sensitive products during extended transportation. The inclusion of Modified Atmosphere Packaging reduces the risk of cross-contamination by barriers designed for food processing. Creating these distinct zones leads to controlled, sanitized conditions in each section.


This translates to:


  • Extended shelf life enables longer transportation distances and further market reach

  • Reduced food waste and product returns due to spoilage

  • Enhanced visual and textural appeal, along with preservation during product rotation cycles


Industries and Products that Benefit Most from MAP


Although most food has a viable shelf life, MAP technology focuses on certain industries and foods that respond most favorably to altering gas percentages in the food's packaging. They include:


  • Perishable fresh and processed meats, dairy and seafood

  • Fruits, vegetables, and prepared-meal packaging solutions

  • Specialized applications include coffee, pharmaceuticals, and cannabis products 


MAP is Cost-Effective


MAP is a cost-effective strategy for food manufacturers and distributors to include in their manufacturing and distribution chain. The benefits include:


  • Reduces the need for preservatives in food preparation

  • Reduces frequent product rotation due to spoilage

  • Enables increased market coverage over a wider geographic area


Ensure MAP Success with Quality Packaging Solutions


Modified atmosphere packaging can help streamline your operations, reduce costs, and make your products more appealing to a growing customer base. 

Partnering with MMP Corporation and our versatile food packaging film can help guarantee that your adoption of MAP technology is an ongoing success. 


We offer cling-wrap products that help preserve the freshness and extend the shelf life of your products. We also supply pallet-wrapping stretch films that help keep your pallets of fresh products safe, clean and undamaged during shipping and transportation operations.  


When you've invested in cutting-edge MAP solutions, ensure your products reach their destination safely with MMP Corp's proven stretch film solutions. Contact us today to discover how our packaging expertise enhances your food shipping operations.


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