Product category:
Packaging, Conveyors and Materials Transfer
News Release from: Parker Domnick Hunter | Subject: Modified Atmosphere Packaging
Edited by the Processingtalk Editorial
Team on 19 January 2006
Food packing expertise in modified
atmospheres
Modified Atmosphere Packaging is widely used throughout the food industry to maintain product quality and extend shelf life without the use of additives or artificial preservatives
Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) is widely used throughout the food industry to maintain product quality and extend shelf life without the use of additives or artificial preservatives The benefits of MAP are shared by consumers, retailers and food processors a like
This article was originally published on Processingtalk on 30 Oct 2006 at 8.00am (UK)
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Although not a new technique, advances in technology are giving food processors increased flexibility, making MAP more convenient and cost effective for a wider range of food packaging applications.
MAP protects food products and extends shelf-life to give consumers better value.
It also enables packaging to remain attractive in appearance, which is important because packaging can have a huge influence on consumers when it comes to making the purchase decision.
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Nitrogen is the most common gas used to create a protective atmosphere because it is completely inert, tasteless and odourless.
domnick hunter, a leader in the filtration and separation of compressed air, liquids and gases offer a comprehensive range of nitrogen gas generators that produce food-grade nitrogen from compressed air using the Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) principle.
Niall Sutton is Market Sector Manager within the domnick hunter gas generation division with some 11 years experience of the food Industry.
He says "I have witnessed considerable growth in the use of on-site nitrogen generators with the food industry now representing by far the largest market share".
Nitrogen helps prevent four distinct types of food spoilage.
* Oxidation, otherwise known as oxidative rancidity or lipid oxidation: this is particularly prone to occur in high fat content foods and causes unpleasant tastes, odours, colour changes and potential formation of toxic compounds - Oxidation can be minimised when the residual pack oxygen level is reduced below 1%.
* Mould induced spoilage particularly in baked goods can be prevented with nitrogen or a nitrogen/carbon dioxide mix.
* Microbial spoilage or bacterial growth can be stopped or slowed typically using a nitrogen/carbon dioxide mix.
* Insect spoilage which can be inhibited by reducing pack oxygen levels below 2%.
As outlined, different gas mixes are sometimes required for different foodstuffs, from a nitrogen and oxygen mix to a nitrogen and carbon dioxide mix.
domnick hunter generators can be configured with market leading gas mixers to provide a much more economic solution than pre-mixed gas cylinders.
Niall recommends that when deciding to introduce MAP, food processors also consider the packaging equipment to be used and its compatibility with gas flushing.
The requirements of packaging film with regards to gas permeability, water vapour transmission, sealing reliability and material transparency must also be taken into account.
PSA nitrogen is a fraction of the cost of bulk liquid nitrogen and gas cylinders, it also eliminates the need for storage, multiple handling and continual changing of high-pressure gas cylinders or liquid dewars.
Niall says "We offer customised systems, built to individual customer specifications, which can be skid mounted to give a turnkey, plug and play reliable installation.
Generators can be likened to an everlasting cylinder, providing an uninterrupted, reliable and safe source of nitrogen, 24 hours a day.
Whilst domnick hunter nitrogen generators are designed to provide a range of flows and purities they happen to be at their most efficient at the flow and purity required for MAP".
To find out more about domnick hunter visit the website, or for specific advice on the potential benefits to you of on-site nitrogen generators for MAP please contact Niall Sutton.
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