The ambient air is drawn out of the pack and a protective gas is fed in: usually carbon dioxide, nitrogen, oxygen or a mixture of these gases, matched to your product.
Versatile, from fresh meat to baked goods.
Benefits
Longer shelf life, compelling presentation.
By precisely controlling the gas composition, MAP extends the shelf life of sensitive products. Freshness, colour and texture are preserved for a presentation that sells.
The right machines for packing your products.
Variolabel RE
Gas mixing systems & gas analysers
Filling & dosing systems
Variolift
Quarree
Rondo
Coding & printing systems
Films
Variocart
Variotrack
Suitable for these foods
Frequently asked questions
What is MAP packaging?
MAP stands for modified atmosphere packaging. The ambient air is drawn out of the pack and replaced with a protective gas matched to the product, usually carbon dioxide, nitrogen, oxygen or a mixture of these gases.
Which products is MAP suitable for?
MAP is suitable for sensitive products, from fresh meat, sausages and poultry to fish, cheese, vegetables and baked goods. Protective atmosphere packaging is also used in the non-food and medical sectors.
What is the difference between MAP and vacuum packaging?
In vacuum packaging, the ambient air is almost completely removed and the pack is sealed without adding protective gas. With MAP, the air is also drawn out but then replaced with a matched protective gas that preserves the freshness, colour and texture of sensitive products.
Can MAP and skin packs be produced on the same machine?
Yes. A tray sealer can handle both MAP and skin applications on the same machine. Which combinations are possible in each case is subject to a technical check.
How is the right gas mixture produced?
External two- or three-component gas mixers blend the gases precisely. VARIOVAC matches them to your product, the gases used and the packaging output.
How much packaging material does MLP save?
Compared with MAP packs, multi-layer packs are smaller. This produces up to 23 % less plastic waste and lowers shipping costs.
How is residual oxygen in modified atmosphere packs monitored?
Gas analysers regularly check residual oxygen and gas composition, from spot-check measurement to inline systems. This ensures product safety and compliance with legal requirements. Inline systems measure directly in the sealing tool and stop the process automatically if deviations occur.
Which VARIOVAC machines pack under a protective atmosphere?
MAP is possible on all VARIOVAC thermoforming packaging machines; on the Optimus SE/SEL it is available as an option with a gas flushing unit. Among the tray sealers, the Rotarius, Linus 650 and Linus 1100 work with MAP.
How can packs be checked for leaks and protective gas content?
The Rondo and Quarree leak testers check MAP packs for leaks non-destructively in a water bath. For gas analysis, VARIOVAC offers systems ranging from spot-check measurement to inline real-time monitoring. Inline systems can stop the packaging process automatically if deviations occur.
What are the benefits of MAP for retail and logistics?
MAP extends the shelf life of sensitive products and so reduces food waste. The pack stabilises the product and protects it from external influences, which makes handling and transport easier.
Are there suitable trays for MAP packs?
Yes. For the Rotarius, Linus 650 and Linus 1100 tray sealers, VARIOVAC supplies MAP trays, among others, which are reliably sealable and matched to the machine.
Which packaging methods are possible?
Depending on the model, sealing, vacuum, MAP (modified atmosphere packaging), skin, steam and shrink are possible. The Primus MP also supports multi-layer packaging (MLP).
Can a VARIOVAC thermoforming packaging machine combine several applications?
Yes. For example, vacuum, MAP and skin applications can be run on the same machine. Possible combinations are subject to a technical check.
Technical terms explained
.svg)
The air goes, the freshness stays. Vacuum packed, your products keep their flavour, colour and freshness for much longer.
Skin packaging wraps your product in an ultra-thin film that hugs every contour under vacuum. The product stays firmly in place, clearly visible and optimally protected.
Tailored packaging solutions for non-food products of every kind, precisely matched to your requirements.
Vacuum packed, your goods are reliably protected against moisture, corrosion, dust and mechanical damage.
Sealing joins lidding film and tray under heat and pressure to form a precise, even seam. Your non-food products are securely packed in every format.
Sealing joins lidding film and tray under heat and pressure to form a secure, even seam. Your sterile goods are reliably sealed and protected.
In modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), protective gas replaces the ambient air and creates a defined atmosphere in every pack. A method that is also used in the medical sector.
All packaging methods for your products
Not sure which method is right?
The VARIOVAC sales team assesses your product and recommends the right method.
Choose a packaging method to see how it works, where it is used and which machines suit it.
What customers say about VARIOVAC
First-hand experience from customers who already produce with VARIOVAC machines.
