Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) is a packaging technology used to extend shelf life and
preserve product quality during storage and transport.
The principle is simple: the normal air inside a sealed package is partially or completely removed and replaced with gases such as nitrogen (N₂) and carbon dioxide (CO₂). This creates a modified atmosphere around the product.
The required gas composition depends on the product, purpose, packaging material, storage and transport conditions.
To maintain these conditions over an extended period, MAP requires high-barrier or hermetically sealed packaging. Standard conventional packaging is meant for handling goods rather than preserving them, their limited barrier properties will leave the goods exposed to oxygen and moisture.
MAP provides several important benefits for products during
storage and transport:
Reduce quality degradation, rejected shipments, quality claims and avoidable waste throughout the supply chain.
At vQm, we have developed a fully integrated MAP system focused on quality, speed and ease of use. Designed for semi-bulk applications, the system enables fast gas flushing of packaging up to 1,000 kg within 30 seconds.
During the first cycle, the vQm unit extracts the oxygen-rich air inside the packaging. Once the set vacuum level is achieved, the gas injection will commence automatically. A deeper vacuum level will result in less oxygen molecules after the vacuum cycle, and a higher concentration of the external gas that is injected afterwards. By doing so, all the external gas is put to use, without any waste.
When extreme conditions are required, multiple cycles can be repeated automatically.
Compact, mobile, fast vacuuming and gas flushing, suitable for semi-bulk applications.
One secure connection for both vacuuming and gas flushing, easy click-and-rotate operation.
Our packaging is made from extruded multilayer film or laminated film, with extreme barrier properties, to ensure the MAP conditions remain stable throughout storage and long-distance transport.
Typically, MAP reliably extends commercial shelf life to 1–2+ years. The actual duration depends on initial quality, the barrier performance of the packaging, seal integrity, gas concentration, storage conditions and product characteristics.
The process to modify atmosphere, is done with natural gasses, so no conventional pesticide fumigants are necessary to preserve the quality of the products. This makes MAP suitable for organic and residue-sensitive supply chains.
