What is the difference between Modified and Controlled Atmosphere Packaging
With passing time different cultures, lifestyles, fashion styles, and traditions are getting mixed. People are embracing new styles irrespective of the dogmas of life. We can see unity in diversity through blending lifestyles. This unity in diversity has led to increased transportation, packaging and crating of products across different areas and countries of the world. Due to which shipping has become an important part to meet the needs of everyday life. During transportation, a perfect level of packaging is required to keep the product safe and to maintain its quality. Two main types of packaging are modified and controlled atmosphere packaging.
The main difference between modified atmosphere packaging and controlled atmosphere packaging:
Modified Atmosphere Packaging | Controlled Atmosphere Packaging |
A modified atmosphere packaging system is one in which the pack atmosphere is changed at first and then allowed to vary over time during storage. | The package atmosphere is first adjusted and then maintained over the package’s lifetime with controlled atmosphere packaging. |
under the CAS system, gas levels are rigorously regulated at all times. | In the MAP system, the gas mixture is flushed into the package once and then varies over time. |
controlled atmosphere packaging is a method for controlling and regulating oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen levels. | Packaging with a Modified Atmosphere is more adaptable. Gas flushing or decreased oxygen packing are two terms that have been used to describe this process. |
Less Precise | More Precise |
Its’s Cheaper and more Economical | Controlled atmospheric packaging is capital intensive and is an expensive process as compared to a modified atmospheric process |
THIS TYPE OF PACKAGING IS USED FOR LONG-DISTANCE TRANSPORT OF PRODUCTS LIKE MANGOES, APPLES, FIGS, AND OTHER PRODUCTS. | This type of packaging is suitable for the transport and storage of products like nuts, dry fruits, pears, and some other products. |
Modified atmosphere packaging:
You want to improve the packaging of your perishable items. Maybe you’ve been packing food for decades, or maybe you’re just starting. In any case, you’ll want to discover a technique to extend the shelf life of your goods, avoid discoloration, maintain freshness and taste, and give them an attractive appearance on the shelf. The process of modifying the environment within perishable food packaging is known as modified atmosphere packaging (or MAP) (for example, beef, pork, chicken, and fish). The procedure’s objective is to extend the product’s shelf life. Many foods benefit from the addition of MAP, which extends their shelf life and improves their freshness. Cheese, meats, seafood, and other perishable foods are included in this category. These goods are frequently packed with oxygen, which is eliminated using the MAP method.
Lipid oxidation processes are caused by oxygen. Fruit and vegetables also have high respiration rates as a result of it. Shorter shelf life is due to increased respiration rates. The growth of aerobic spoilage is aided by the presence of oxygen. It’s also possible that additional undesirable bacteria will emerge.
We can reduce or delay undesirable reactions by reducing the amount of oxygen and replacing it with other gases. The oxygen in a package must be reduced or removed to change its atmosphere. The MAP method reduces the amount of oxygen in the space of the product packaging. It also can prevent water vapor from forming. Other gases are frequently substituted for oxygen inside the package.
Modified environment packaging “involves actively or passively regulating or altering the atmosphere surrounding the product within a container composed of various types and/or combinations of films,” according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Passive and active modified environment packaging are the two types of modified atmosphere packaging. According to the FDA, active modified atmosphere packaging is defined as “the displacement of gases in the package, which is then replaced by a desired mixture of gases,” while passive modified atmosphere packaging is defined as “when the product is packaged using a selected film type, and the desired atmosphere develops naturally as a result of the products’ respiration and gas diffusion through the film.”
Various MAP packaging technologies can be used depending on your goods and your needs. The most well-known are as follows:
Flushing with gas:
Gas flushing of packages is one of the most widely used Active modified environment packaging methods for foods and beverages. Gas flushing achieves three things, according to the FDA:
- To avoid oxidation, oxygen is displaced.
- Aerobic spoilage organisms’ growth is being reduced.
- To preserve packaging uniformity, it serves as a filler.
A harmless gas (typically nitrogen) is deliberately injected into the bag before it is sealed to displace ambient oxygen during the gas wash procedure. This is done to reduce the quantity of oxygen within the package, which reduces the rate of spoiling because oxygen is one of the leading causes of rotting. Many of our clients add nitrogen gas flush to their packing process as a MAP alternative.
Barrier packaging films:
Passive modified environment packaging involves selecting particular packaging sheets that give improved protection. According to the FDA, this is done by utilizing barrier packaging materials such as low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or polypropylene (PP), which have a lower permeability to moisture and oxygen.
Scavenger or desiccant packs
The addition of an oxygen scavenger or desiccant pack to your packing is another example of MAP packaging. These little sachet-type packets, according to Bakery Online, often include a blend of iron powder and ascorbic acid, as well as activated carbon. These chemicals work as catalysts or activators, collecting moisture and oxygen from the air and removing it from the fragile product’s packaging.
On-package valves:
Another example of MAP is one-way valves applied to the outside of the packaging. Special valves can be added to prepared bags or roll stock film during the packaging process, and are most commonly employed in the coffee business.
One-way valves allow particular gases to exit from a package while preventing outside gases from entering. Off-gassing, which occurs when goods emit gases or other chemicals, is frequently relieved by this method.
Controlled atmosphere packaging:
Controlled Atmosphere Packaging (CAP) is a method that alters the gaseous atmosphere in and around the food product to increase its shelf life. It’s made for perishable foods like meat, poultry, fish, high-moisture pasta, and fruits like apples and pears, as well as some vegetables.
Another name for this is ‘intelligent’ packaging that includes monitoring the package and perhaps making adjustments based on the data.
Controlled atmosphere (CA) storage has been demonstrated to be a technique that can help meet these consumer demands by substantially extending the commercial life of some crops when treated properly.
Faster establishment of the desired atmosphere, less fluctuation in O2 and CO2 levels, the ability to change atmospheric composition as needed during storage, and the ability to scrub ethylene from the storage environment are just a few of the advancements in controlled atmosphere storage technology.
Apples and pears are the fruits and vegetables that utilize controlled environment storage the most commercially; kiwifruits, avocados, persimmons, and pomegranates, as well as nuts and dried fruits and vegetables, are the fruits and vegetables that use it the least.
Controlled environment packages allow sensitive goods to reach markets determined by balancing convenience and economics.
You can’t control what occurs once the product is packed with MAP since respiration continues. You may change the storage conditions of the package over its lifetime with CAP (controlled atmosphere packaging). This entails using oxygen absorbers or nitrogen to create the ideal gas composition for shelf life extension. To prevent spoiling, the temperature and humidity of the storage environment for the product are carefully controlled.
Instead of being a shelf-ready retail strategy, CAP is a storage method. It does, however, make a significant difference in food logistics, ensuring that materials arrive in the best possible condition and are kept accordingly. This, like MAP, extends the shelf life of the product, lowering food waste and improving consumer convenience.
Modified and controlled atmospheric packaging by Custom Crating and Logistics:
Custom Crating and Logistics provide both modified and controlled atmospheric packaging according to demand. The packaging process is so flawless and unique that it retains freshness and guarantees the care of the natural essence of the product. Custom Crating and Logistics is an expert in removing gas, vapors, and odors. This protects the product from getting any bacterial attacks and protects the real aura of the product in case of any drastic condition.
Custom Crating and Logistics connect with suppliers, clients, investors, and other stakeholders across the world. We provide responsible packaging for all types of products like fashion accessories, personal care, pharmaceutical, designing products, medical, and many more. A wide range of flexible and rigid packaging is provided by our company.
Transportation services provided by our company are across Chicago and different regions of the world. We assure the safety of your product and the prompt delivery of the product. Our staff assists you with a wide range of logistics services in Elk Grove Village, IL, from storage and ground freight to crating and industrial packaging.
We guarantee complete security, clearance, and compliance service, high-efficiency freight security, and much more.
Directly contact us for more details and assistance.