MAP

Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP)

Food suppliers are always seeking ways to extend shelf life. Improved shelf life allows manufacturers to extend their geographical reach and allows product to remain in stores and consumer’s homes longer. Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) is a technique of modifying the composition of the internal atmosphere of a package (commonly food packages, drugs, etc.) to improve the shelf life.

The MAP process involves displacing the air inside a package with a protective gas to keep oxygen at controlled levels (less than 2 percent). Too much oxygen and moisture in a package often leads to bacterial growth and oxidation resulting in spoilage, inconsistent flavours, poor product quality, and shortened shelf life. Nitrogen is frequently used as a protective gas because of its dry, inert qualities.