Lettuce and leafy vegetables
Lab technologies

Modified atmosphere packaging

MAP does not replace hygienic processing or refrigeration, but when the atmosphere is matched to the product's respiration, temperature and safety requirements, it can double shelf life. We have particular experience with fresh-cut applications, and we also advise on materials, suppliers and shelf life in vacuum and MAP packaging.

O₂ · CO₂ · N₂OTR / WVTRheadspaceseal integrity

What we develop

  • Fresh-cut fruit and vegetables: raw-material preparation, washing and sanitation, respiration and gas-balance considerations, film selection, headspace-gas composition, temperature control, water management, browning, texture retention and microbiological risk.
  • Meat, fish and analogues in MAP or vacuum.
  • Bakery, snacks and oxidation-sensitive dry products with nitrogen flushing.
  • Ready-to-eat products combining heat treatment, pH and packaging.
  • Can and jar sealing and seal-integrity checks.

How we choose packaging

The correct packaging depends on what is causing the product to deteriorate. Oxygen-sensitive products need low oxygen transmission (OTR); moisture-sensitive products need a low water-vapour transmission rate (WVTR); light-sensitive products need opaque or UV-protective materials; respiring fresh products need controlled gas transfer; fragile products need mechanical protection; MAP products need gas barriers and reliable seals. We evaluate the product, storage conditions, package dimensions, headspace and failure mechanism before recommending materials or technologies.

Frequently asked questions

Which gas composition suits my product?

There is no single answer. A respiring product (fresh-cut vegetables) needs a balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide that slows respiration without tipping into fermentation; meat and fish need a different mix; oxidation-sensitive dry products get a nitrogen flush. We test several compositions and follow the product through storage.

Do you recommend packaging materials and suppliers?

Yes. Once the failure mechanism and the requirements (OTR, WVTR, light barrier, seal) are understood, we write a specification and help you choose a material and a supplier. We do not sell packaging.

See also

Let's put your idea on the bench

A short first conversation: the product or challenge, the market, where you are, and what's already known. Then we ask for a short brief and come back with a proposal.

Talk to us

Questions about cost, timelines or who owns the formula? Read the FAQ