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Modified Atmosphere Packaging Technology

Our Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) technology involves several key steps to enhance the preservation of fruits and vegetables:

  1. Selection of Gas Composition:

    • Identify the optimal gas composition based on the specific respiration rates and requirements of the product.
    • Common gases used include oxygen (O2), carbon dioxide (CO2), and nitrogen (N2).
  2. Gas Exchange:

    • Replace the air inside the packaging with a gas mixture designed to slow down spoilage.
    • Decrease oxygen levels (around 1-5%) to inhibit respiration and increase carbon dioxide levels (usually 3–15%) to suppress microbial growth. Nitrogen is added to maintain pressure.
  3. Packaging Design:

    • Carefully choose packaging materials with proper gas permeability.
    • Utilize specialized films or microperforations to allow gas exchange while preventing excessive moisture changes.
    • The selection of packaging materials depends on factors like commodity type, desired shelf life extension, and required gas exchange rate.
  4. Benefits of MAP:

    • Extended Shelf Life: Significantly prolongs the shelf life of perishable items, reducing food waste.
    • Maintained Quality: Preserves taste, texture, color, and nutritional content, enhancing consumer satisfaction.
    • Expanded Distribution: Enables transportation over longer distances without compromising quality, reaching a broader market.
    • Reduced Need for Preservatives: Diminishes the reliance on chemical preservatives as MAP itself aids in product preservation.
  5. Considerations and Challenges:

    • Microbial Growth: MAP slows but doesn’t eliminate microbial growth; proper hygiene and storage conditions are crucial.
    • Produce Sensitivity: Different fruits and vegetables react differently to gas compositions, requiring careful adjustment to avoid undesirable changes.
    • Investment and Expertise: Implementation of MAP demands specialized equipment and knowledge for determining appropriate gas mixtures and packaging materials.