Publish Time: 2025-01-10 Origin: Site
In the field of food preservation, there are two packaging methods that are often used: modified atmosphere packaging and vacuum packaging. The packaging plays a vital role in maintaining the freshness of the product and extending the shelf life. So when we purchase the corresponding vacuum packaging machine, how do we choose the packaging method that is suitable for our food? Next, we will explain the difference between these two packaging methods so that you can make a better choice.
Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) is to change the ratio of specific gas components in the package to inhibit the growth and reproduction of microorganisms and extend the shelf life. Currently, there are two types of MAP: vacuum replacement and gas flushing.
Gas conditioning method | Disadvantages | Advantages |
Vacuum replacement | High cost: A closed space is required, so upper and lower vacuum chambers are required, and a vacuum pump is required. Slow speed: A certain vacuum degree must be drawn before the mixed gas is injected. The higher the gas replacement rate requirement, the higher the vacuum degree required, and the longer it takes to draw the vacuum. | High gas replacement rate, up to 99.5% or more Residual oxygen rate ≤ 0.5% Gas composition filled into the packaging box is stable |
Gas flushing | The gas replacement rate is lower than that of vacuum replacement, reaching up to 99% The residual oxygen rate is > 1%, and the gas composition filled into the packaging box is unstable | Low cost: no enclosed space is required, so the upper and lower vacuum chambers and vacuum solenoid valves can be omitted, and no vacuum pump is required. Fast speed: no vacuum is required and air can be directly inflated, saving the time required for vacuuming. |
Vacuum packaging is to remove the air (mainly oxygen) in the package to form a vacuum state, so as to prevent the growth of aerobic microorganisms and slow down oxidation.
Modified atmosphere packaging is achieved by controlling the filling of gases in the optimal ratio. The modified atmosphere preservation gas is generally a mixture of (CO2), (N2), (O2) and a small amount of special gases. It can not only effectively inhibit bacteria, but also ensure that food maintains a low respiration intensity in a low-concentration O2 and CO2 mixed gas, delaying the maturity period to achieve a preservation effect. It is mostly used in fruits and vegetables and fresh meat, so that fruits and vegetables can maintain bright colors, meat can maintain bright red, and can enhance the appeal on the shelf.
Vacuum packaging is to create a vacuum environment by directly evacuating air (mainly oxygen), which will squeeze the surface of the food during the process. Fruits and vegetables will be deformed to a certain extent under this vacuum squeezing state. At the same time, in the state of absolute lack of oxygen, aerobic microorganisms cannot breathe to keep the food fresh, and the color and appearance will be lacking. It is usually used more in frozen meat and seafood.
Modified atmosphere packaging is more suitable for foods that are easily oxidized and have high respiration rates. In an environment with mixed special gases, it inhibits the growth and reproduction of bacteria (microorganisms) and slows down the metabolism of fresh fruits and vegetables, thereby extending the shelf life or shelf life of food.
Vacuum packaging is more suitable for foods that are resistant to oxidation and not easy to deform. It can withstand vacuum air compression and is easier to preserve.
Modified atmosphere packaging can adjust the gas composition according to the needs of different foods, optimize the environment inside the package, and extend the shelf life of food. For example, carbon dioxide can inhibit the growth of some microorganisms, while nitrogen is used to reduce oxygen content and avoid food oxidation.
While reducing oxygen, vacuum packaging cannot provide other gas components that are helpful for food preservation, especially for those microorganisms that need to grow in a low-oxygen environment, the effect of vacuum packaging is relatively limited.
The cost of modified atmosphere packaging is more expensive than that of vacuum packaging. In terms of packaging machine function selection, the modified atmosphere packaging machine is more complicated and requires control of gas and mixing ratio, so the quotation for this function will be correspondingly higher.
In summary, you can choose the appropriate packaging method according to your budget and food packaging needs! Hualian has a dedicated R&D team that is constantly researching vacuum freshness. We will customize a full range of packaging solutions for you according to your needs. For further information, please contact our sales team.