About MAP
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| M-TEK designs
and builds innovative systems to process
Modified Atmosphere
Packaging (MAP). MAP is a
process where the air inside a package is removed, or replaced, with a
different gas (or mix of gases).
Corr-vacŪ
MAP machines are widely used by some of the world's largest companies to
package fresh meat and poultry, nuts, cheese, and even hops for the
brewery industry.
-
Product is put into
a heat sealable gas barrier bag.
-
A machine creates
an atmosphere inside the package that is different from the
surrounding air via:
-
Applying vacuum
to reduce the oxygen levels
-
Applying vacuum
and a gas back flush to retain product quality by controlling
oxidation, bacteria levels, product color, etc.
-
Typical gases for
MAP include CO2, O2 and N2 and/or a combination depending on product
and shelf-life requirements.
|
MAP naturally
extends
the shelf-life of many products,
enabling you to deliver the
highest quality to your customers
anywhere, anytime
|
 |
|
Modified atmosphere packaging film is
available in a wide range of gas barrier levels, also depending upon the
product to be packaged.
MAP is widely used for extending the
shelf-life of fresh products by reducing oxidation (staleness),
inhibiting mold or bacterial growth, retaining natural product color,
etc. |
Film Permeability
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|
When selecting packaging films for MAP
applications, some key characteristics to consider are gas permeability,
mechanical properties, type of package and sealing reliability.
Typical film permeability rates are listed below:
Permeability to oxygen for a
film layer 1mil/25um thick at 72F/22C, 55% relative humidity, in 24
hours: |
| |
cc's / 100 sq. inches |
|
cc's / sq. meter
|
|
|
| 1.
Low-density polyethylene |
400-600 |
|
6,200-9,300 |
|
| 2.
High-density polyethylene |
75-150 |
|
1,200-2,300 |
|
| 3.
Polypropylene |
75-150 |
|
1,200-2,300 |
|
| 4.
Polyester (Mylar) |
3 |
|
47 |
|
| 5.
Polyamide (Nylon) |
3 |
|
47 |
|
| 6.
PVDC (Saran) |
1 |
|
15 |
|
| 7.
EVOH |
0.5 |
|
8 |
|
| 8.
Aluminum Foil |
0 |
|
0 |
|
|
|
