Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP)

The correct MAP gas mixture maintains high quality by retaining the original taste, texture and appearance of the foodstuff.

It often complements other techniques, such as high-pressure and microwave methods or oxygen absorption.

The MAP gas atmosphere must be chosen carefully. BOC will help you select the optimal mixture for your product. 

For low-fat products with a high moisture content, a carbon dioxide mixture is used to inhibit the growth of micro-organisms. 

Should the product have a high fat content and low water activity, oxidation protection is most important and inert nitrogen would be the preferred MAP gas choice.

MAPAX^® from BOC (PDF 1.8MB) is a range of tailor-made modified atmosphere packaging products designed to suit specific foodstuff and packaging options.

Designing the right atmospheric mixture relies on close co-operation between the suppliers of the MAP packaging material, the MAP packaging machines and the MAP gases. The purpose of this collaboration is to meet the demands for an efficient and cost-effective packaging of foodstuffs, with consistent product quality throughout the entire distribution chain: from the modified atmosphere packaging itself to an attractive display in the food counter.

BOC MAPAX offers a complete range of controlled atmosphere packaging solutions to suit every site set up and product requirement.

Our solutions include food grade gases, gas equipment, safety products and modified atmosphere packaging technical services across a range of supply modes: compressed cylinder, cryospeed, bulk and on-site generation.

MAPAX gas mixtures usually consist of the normal atmospheric gases such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), nitrogen (N₂) and oxygen (O₂). Microbial growth can also be inhibited to a certain extent with the help of other gases such as nitrous oxide (N₂O), argon (Ar) and hydrogen (H₂). These gases can be applied individually or mixed according to specific ratios.

Our dedicated BOC MAPAX sales and technical specialists will work with you to develop an appropriate solution for your requirements. Our Food Technology Centre in Oxford is open to all our MAPAX customers - at the Centre, you can trial and test customer products with the support of our technical support specialist team.

The Centre also houses top of the range freezing and chilling technologies for companies operating across a wider range of technologies and applications in the food market.

We deliver a range of MAPAX solutions dedicated to the needs of the following industries:

• Bakery & Dried Foods

• Dairy

• Fish & Seafood

• Fruits & Vegetables

• Meat & Poultry

• Prepared & Catered Foods