LD MODIFIED ATMOSPHERE PACKAGING

Modified Atmosphere Packaging is a technique used to extend the shelf life of products predominantly packed in pre made trays with lidding film or on thermoforming machines and to a lesser extent VFFS and HFFS machines. Typically these products would be things such as sliced meats, cheese slices, shredded pizza cheese, fresh pasta and more recently long life bakery products. MAP systems work by removing the air from the pack and generally replacing it with a mixture of C02 and Nitrogen. This process removes the oxygen from the pack which retards bacterial growth and helps extend shelf life. In recent years MAP has also become popular for packaging fresh red meats a wide range of poultry products including formed and crumbed.