Food spoilage leads to waste and prevents food from reaching people who need it. Spoilage places stress on the global food supply chain, leads to lost money for food retailers, and can be damaging to the environment because food spoilage contributes to the release of greenhouse gasses.

Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) with nitrogen can extend the shelf life of perishable goods and relieve pressures on the global food supply chain. MAP can allow food to be preserved long enough to be delivered to people in desperate need of food and plays an important role in food distribution worldwide.

In this way, MAP has helped revolutionize the food industry and has made inroads into the problem of hunger and food insecurity worldwide.

Understanding Food Spoilage

When food is exposed to oxygen, it goes through oxidation. Microbes and bacteria thriving in oxygen-rich environments break down food and cause it to deteriorate, leading to changes in taste and smell. Eventually, this leads to spoilage.

Wasted food is a problem in all economies, but it is especially a problem in developing economies, where inadequate means of storage and preservation of food leads to 30 to 40% more food spoilage.

The Basics of Modified Atmosphere Packaging

Modified atmosphere packaging works by sealing food in a controlled atmosphere of nitrogen to slow the oxidation process. Using MAP, food lasts longer and spoils more slowly. A variety of foods can benefit from MAP, most notably dairy, meats, fruits, vegetables, and baked goods.

To use MAP to package food, the food is placed in a bag which is then flushed with nitrogen. The nitrogen displaces the oxygen in the bag so that there is little or no oxygen around the food. Nitrogen is the most common gas used for MAP packaging.

There are several different ways to flush a bag with nitrogen. Some companies use nitrogen cylinders, although these nitrogen sources are not always the most practical option. Many companies that use food packaging use nitrogen generators instead because they produce an ongoing, steady supply of nitrogen without requiring a regular subscription or contract with a nitrogen cylinder supplier.

The nitrogen generator separates nitrogen from the air around the generator and expels oxygen and other gases. Once the bag is flushed with nitrogen, it’s sealed with the food and nitrogen inside.

Economic Benefits of MAP

MAP reduces food spoilage and waste, thus leading to financial savings for producers, retailers, and even consumers who might otherwise be forced to throw out their food before it is eaten. Because of MAP, food can be kept longer until it’s ready to be consumed. MAP also makes it possible to distribute food more widely around the world, because food is more capable of making the journey in the time it takes to reach distant places.

Using MAP reduces the amount of wasted food that produces greenhouse gases, which can have a positive effect on the environment and efforts to help protect and preserve the environment. Food waste can also lead to deforestation to make way for more farmland because wasted food means more food must be produced to feed people. The more food can be preserved and saved, the less food must be produced to meet the needs of the human population.

Using modified atmosphere packaging, foods like lettuce can last 14 days in the refrigerator and fresh pasta can last up to 60 days. One study found that for every $1 a company invested in reducing food waste, $14 was saved.

Consumer Benefits and Market Trends

MAP with nitrogen does more than stop food from spoiling. It helps maintain food quality and safety while extending food shelf life and enhancing customer satisfaction. Trends today show that consumers value fresher, longer-lasting food products with fewer preservatives. MAP helps retailers meet these demands because foods require fewer or no preservatives when packaged using MAP.

In addition, MAP allows retailers to sell to a wider distribution channel, because foods packaged using MAP can travel farther and to a wider range of markets without risking food spoilage. This means retailers can sell more products to a wider range of people.

Use Modified Atmosphere Packaging to Enable Wide Distribution of Your Food Product

MAP helps reduce the financial and environmental costs of food spoilage, and helps food retailers build stronger, bigger, more profitable businesses. Food producers and retailers can use MAP to extend food shelf life and reduce food waste.

To make this possible, your business will need a source of nitrogen. On Site Gas Systems produces long-lasting nitrogen generators for businesses in the food industry. Contact us today to learn more about our nitrogen generation systems.

If you’re in the food packaging industry, you know how important it is to ensure that your food stays fresh for as long as possible. For many kinds of food, just how fresh the food stays depends on the packaging.

The right type of packaging can help your food stay fresh for a long time, and for many types of food, nitrogen flush packaging is the right type of packaging. Knowing how nitrogen flush works, why it helps extend the shelf life of your foods, and what you can do to use this type of packaging in your business is important. Here’s what you should know.

What is Nitrogen Flushing in Food Packaging?

Nitrogen flushing is the process of flushing out the air in a package to replace it with nitrogen. First, the food is inserted into the packaging. Next, the package is flushed with nitrogen. The nitrogen displaces the air in the package while drying out unwanted moisture in the packaging. Finally, the package itself is sealed up.

This process is used in the packaging of many different types of food, including potato chips. Nitrogen takes up space in the bag and keeps the bag puffed up when it’s sealed. This puffiness gives the chips a cushion and prevents the chips from becoming crushed during transportation.

Why Is Nitrogen Gas Used in Packaging?

Nitrogen gas is used in packaging because:

1. It’s easy to access (it is in the air all around us)
2. It’s inert
3. It’s non-toxic
4. It helps to prevent spoilage

All of these qualities make nitrogen a relatively easy gas to use for food packaging. It’s also very effective.

Nitrogen does not react with the food in the package, so it stops the food from deteriorating over time. Food that has been stored in nitrogen-rich packaging can retain its flavors and colors for much longer than it would if it had been stored in an environment that contained oxygen.

How to Produce Nitrogen for Food Packaging

The most efficient way to produce nitrogen for food packaging is with an On Site Gas Systems nitrogen generator. Nitrogen generators pull the nitrogen from the surrounding air, filter out the oxygen and other particles in the air, and then expel a steady supply of nitrogen to use for nitrogen flushing.

What Are the Benefits of Using Nitrogen Gas in Packaging?

There are many benefits of using a nitrogen flush packaging machine for your food packaging business.

Safe

Nitrogen gas is a non-toxic gas, so it’s safe to work with, and safe to use in food packaging for humans.

Displaces Oxygen

In food packaging, nitrogen helps reduce the amount of oxygen present, which can promote the growth of harmful microorganisms in the food. Oxygen also accelerates the deterioration of food, altering its flavor and color. By using nitrogen packaging, a low-oxygen environment is created, slowing down these negative effects.

Non-Reactive

Nitrogen is an inert gas, which means that it will not react with the food in the packaging. Whereas oxygen causes these off flavors and can change the appearance of the food over time, nitrogen cannot.

Abundant

Nitrogen makes up approximately 78% of the Earth’s atmosphere. This abundance helps make harnessing nitrogen in the air relatively easy. With a relatively low-cost nitrogen generator system, food packaging companies can use the nitrogen that’s present all the time to keep food fresh.

Need Nitrogen Flush Packaging Machines for Your Business? Contact On Site Gas Systems

On Site Gas Systems is a trusted name among companies in need of custom nitrogen and oxygen generation. We’re a US-based company that sells new, custom, and refurbished nitrogen generators to companies from a variety of industries including pharmaceutical, food packaging, aeronautics, metallurgy, and more.

If you require a nitrogen generator for your business, we’re here to help. We can help you decide which type of nitrogen generator is best for your business. In need of a custom machine? We’ll design and build it for you. Call today to get started with a quote for your next nitrogen generator.

Most foods spoil quickly when they’re exposed to oxygen. The challenge of the food packaging industry is to minimize food contact with oxygen, preventing the food from deteriorating so quickly. This is the basis of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP): by reducing or eliminating food exposure to oxygen, modern packaging helps food last for as long as possible.

There are many benefits of MAP. If you’re in the food industry, it’s important to understand how MAP works and how MAP can benefit your business.

What is Modified Atmospheric Packaging?

Modified atmosphere packaging is food packaging with a controlled environment inside. By reducing the oxygen levels in the packaging, the food’s freshness and quality are preserved for a much longer period.

How does oxygen cause food to spoil? Oxygen:

• Produces lipid oxidation reactions
• Causes high respiration rates in fruit and vegetables
• Promotes growth of microorganisms

Reducing oxygen in the packaging thus delays the reactions that lead to spoilage. The MAP process reduces the oxygen in packaging for exactly that purpose.

What Are The Benefits of MAP?

There are many benefits of using MAP for food items. For example:

• Long shelf life. MAP allows food to last far longer in its packaging than would otherwise be possible.
• Packaged products look better. By preventing the food from spoiling or changing while on the shelf, MAP also prevents food from losing its aesthetic appeal.
• Food retains its nutrients. When food begins to degrade, it can lose its nutritional value. MAP prevents this from happening and thus helps the food stay nutritionally beneficial.
• Food tastes better. Just as MAP helps food retain its nutritional value, MAP also prevents food from developing off flavors that can ruin the eating experience.
• Eliminates the need for chemical additives. Chemicals can be used to ensure that food stays fresh, but with MAP, that’s not necessary.
• Reduces food waste. Food packaged in MAP lasts so long that it’s more likely to be used before it goes bad.
• Wider distribution range. MAP allows food to be sold in a wider geographic market because the food can tolerate longer shipping times.

Who Needs MAP?

MAP can be used for producers of different food groups. From meats to fruits and vegetables, MAP is helpful for consumable goods. If your business sells pre-packaged food, there’s a good chance that MAP is the appropriate type of packaging for your food product.

How Does MAP Work?

Modified atmosphere packaging works by using a MAP machine to seal food inside a package with a mixture of gasses that can slow down the rate of oxidation and growth of microorganisms. This stops food spoilage and ensures a longer shelf life for the food. The type of atmosphere inside the packaging can vary, but generally speaking, the gasses used in MAP include carbon dioxide, oxygen, and nitrogen.

Two Types of MAP

There are two types of MAP: passive-modified atmosphere packaging and active-modified atmosphere packaging. In active MAP, food is stored in a package that contains the specific mixture of gasses needed for safe storage. In passive MAP, the food product is sealed in a permeable package that allows the correct atmosphere within the package to develop gradually.

Fulfill Your Nitrogen Needs With A Nitrogen Generator

If your business has a consistent need for nitrogen for your modified atmosphere packaging machines, you have options. Some businesses purchase their nitrogen in containers like cylinders or dewars. Cylinder rental may seem like an economic option when you’re considering the cost of a one-time cylinder rental, but those costs can add up if you need to rent cylinders on a regular basis.

Save money and hassle with a nitrogen generator. A nitrogen generator may cost more upfront, but after this one-time purchase is made, the cost to run a nitrogen generator is far less than a cylinder rental. Over many years, your business can save hundreds or thousands on nitrogen.

To learn more about obtaining a reliable source of nitrogen for your business, call On Site Gas. We’re happy to answer your questions about nitrogen generators for your business.

Modified atmosphere packaging is designed to prolong the shelf life of food products. Known by its acronym, MAP, this type of packaging can enhance product safety by protecting against food spoilage. MAP works by limiting the oxygen exposure of food. This type of packaging is beneficial to companies and consumers. MAP enables companies to sell quality food that stays fresh for a long time and allows them to meet the increased demand for food around the world.

What is Modified Atmosphere Packaging? How Does Modified Atmosphere Packaging Protect Foods?

MAP is a type of packaging that has been around for many years. It is a trusted and commonly used packaging method that helps keep food safe for long periods.

To understand how MAP works, you must first understand what causes foods to become aged and discolored. Exposure to oxygen, water vapor, and carbon dioxide causes food to age, with changes to texture and flavor.

MAP uses a modified atmosphere packaging machine to change the environment inside the package to prevent food spoilage. Modified atmosphere packaging machines can be used to store a variety of foods.

Fresh foods, in particular, are good candidates for MAP, including fresh vegetables, fruits, and more. Another example of the types of foods that are commonly packaged in MAP is coffee beans. Coffee beans release a great deal of carbon dioxide while in packaging, but MAP helps to regulate this, which can prevent the coffee beans package from breaking down due to the pressure of the carbon dioxide being released.

What Are the Benefits of MAP?

There are a variety of benefits of MAP, including:

• Preserve the quality of food. MAP prevents food from changing in color and texture, thus preserving the quality of the food for long after it would otherwise have gone bad.
• Prevent oxidation. Oxidation produces bad flavors, colors, and odors in food. MAP prevents oxidation from occurring.
• Extend food shelf life. Because MAP prevents oxidation and bad flavors, it extends the shelf life of food.
• Eliminate or minimize the need for food preservatives. MAP preserves food which reduces manufacturer dependence on food preservatives.

MAP Creates a Barrier Film

A barrier film is a plastic film that seals the package and preserves an environment inside the package to promote food freshness and prevent food spoilage.

Removal of Oxygen

MAP increases the level of nitrogen in a package, thus reducing the oxygen at the same time. This prevents oxidation and prevents the food from spoiling in the package.

Cost Effective

MAP is a cost-effective type of food packaging. For companies that have an on-site nitrogen gas generator, this type of packaging is affordable because there is no need to rent tanks of nitrogen gas.

Reduces the Need for Food Preservatives

Food that is preserved inside MAP has little need for preservatives to keep the food fresh. This makes MAP a popular packaging product for companies that cater to consumers who want to eat organic or natural foods, with as few preservatives as possible.

Need a Nitrogen Gas Generator? Get Started Today

Nitrogen tanks can be expensive and create some challenges for your business. In addition to posing an ongoing cost, nitrogen tanks can be logistically difficult to deal with and create administrative headaches over time.

If your company uses MAP food storage techniques to package your food, you need a steady supply of nitrogen. On Site Gas can help. We sell a variety of nitrogen gas generators, including custom solutions for clients. To learn more about how our nitrogen gas generators can help your business, contact us today for a free quote.

If you operate a food packaging business, nitrogen likely plays a pivotal role in the preservation of the products you create. A nitrogen generator could improve your overhead costs by providing an on-demand supply of high-purity gas. Whether you need nitrogen to preserve or package food products, On Site Gas Systems offers a variety of top-of-the-line systems to suit your business’ needs.
To help you determine which system best suits your unique specifications, we’re breaking down three common questions to consider when purchasing a nitrogen generator from On Site Gas Systems.

Question 1: Do Your Generators Produce Nitrogen That Meets the Specification for Food-Grade Nitrogen?

Nitrogen is one of the most in-demand industrial substances for the food production sector. From the moment food is harvested, spoilage begins. Therefore, it’s essential to preserve not only raw materials like crops and meat products but also finished products that use those fresh ingredients.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) places strict regulations on food product manufacturing, including the equipment used in food processing. On Site Gas Systems provides turnkey nitrogen generation systems that produce  up to 99.9995 percent pure nitrogen, and meets current good manufacturing practices to qualify as food-grade.

Question 2: Are Your Generators Built with Materials That Meet the FDA’s Code of Federal Regulations Title 21 – Food and Drugs?

The FDA Code of Federal Regulations Title 21, Volume 3, Section 184.1540 covers nitrogen for use in food product manufacturing. This section of Title 21 explains that nitrogen is safe and acceptable for use in food manufacturing as long as the production and storage of the gas meet current good manufacturing practices. To comply with these standards, On Site Gas Systems provides nitrogen generators built from reliable, rigorously tested materials. We are also dedicated to maintaining a research and development practice that ensures our products remain up to date with federal regulations at all times.
An on-site nitrogen generator can provide a lasting solution for manufacturers who require reliable, food-grade nitrogen without the need for repeat cylinder or liquid deliveries. Ultimately, a nitrogen generator from On Site Gas Systems is a cleaner, more efficient, and more cost-effective solution for nitrogen use in food packaging operations.

Question 3: Do Your Generators Meet the European Industrial Gas Association’s Containment Specifications Pertaining to Gas Approved for Use as a Food Additive E941?

When gasses like nitrogen, come in contact with food it is considered a  food additive in the food packaging process, and must meet all applicable regulations pertaining to food-grade additives. The European Industrial Gas Association sets firm guidelines for every type of gas used as a food additive, including food additive E941 (nitrogen). Specifically, the association has set maximum contaminant levels acceptable for a gas to be considered food grade. This high purity threshold ensures that any gas used as a food product additive will not leave a residue behind that may interfere with consumer use or health.  The nitrogen produced from an On Site gas System’s Nitrogen Generator has been independently tested by an accredited scientific analysis laboratory to confirm it complies with containment levels well below EIGA’s specified maximum containments.
On Site Gas Systems provides a variety of nitrogen generators capable of producing up to 99.9995 percent purity levels on demand. If your manufacturing operation must meet European Industrial Gas Association standards and uses nitrogen as food additive E941, you can rest assured that our generators will help you maintain purity levels that meet these strict regulations.

Enhance Your Food Packaging Operation with a Nitrogen Generator from On Site Gas Systems

Your food packaging business can depend on On Site Gas Systems nitrogen generators to provide a steady supply of high-purity nitrogen whenever you need it. Contact us today for more information about our nitrogen generators and how they can be used to enhance food packaging operations.