Linde Modified Atmosphere Packaging System Extends Shelf Life Naturally

MURRAY HILL & NEW PROVIDENCE, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The MAPAX® modified atmosphere packaging solution from Linde North America can extend the shelf life of consumer packaged foods when compared to packaging in air. At the same time, it works in a natural way -- using a combination of food-grade nitrogen, carbon dioxide (CO₂), and/or oxygen.

The gases keep sealed products fresh longer when stored under appropriate conditions, helping to reduce returns due to spoilage. With MAPAX, the shelf life of cakes can be extended from several weeks to up to one year, pizza from 7-10 days to 2-4 weeks, and raw red meat from 2-4 days to 5-8 days (at <38^oF). (See Fig. 1.)

Linde is a leading supplier of food-grade gases for the food and beverage industry. The MAPAX solution includes on-site gas supply and delivery as well as metering and control systems matched to a plant’s existing food packaging system. Gases can be precisely metered for high-efficiency inerting and preservation of a range of bagged, trayed, canned and bottled products, from potato chips to nuts.

Linde designs a MAPAX-gas solution for many types of packaging equipment including: deep draw machines, tray sealers, vertical-flow packs, bag-in-box bag sealing machines, horizontal flow packs, and vacuum-chamber machines. Linde engineering designs gas control systems to maximize cryogen efficiency. Sealing in freshness and extending shelf life helps build product and brand value for bakery, prepared foods and protein products.

The Linde Food Team performs in-plant assessments to identify current cost-to-chill and works with processors to develop optimal process solutions. For more information, visit: http://www.lindefood.com, or call: 800-755-9277.

About Linde in North America

Linde North America is a member of The Linde Group, a world-leading gases and engineering company with around 51,000 employees in more than 100 countries worldwide. In the 2011 financial year, it generated revenue of EUR 13.787 bn (US 18.1 bn). The strategy of The Linde Group is geared towards long-term profitable growth and focuses on the expansion of its international business with forward-looking products and services. Linde acts responsibly towards its shareholders, business partners, employees, society and the environment – in every one of its business areas, regions and locations across the globe. The Group is committed to technologies and products that unite the goals of customer value and sustainable development.

For more information, visit Linde in North America at http://www.lindeus.com

Fig. 1 Comparison of Typical Shelf Life

Typical improvements with MAPAX® modified atmosphere packaging across protein, dairy, baking and prepared food applications.

Products packed in air vs. MAPAX® modified air packaging

Food	Packed in air	MAPAX® solution
BAKING &
PREPARED FOODS
Cakes	several weeks	up to one year
Bread	some days	2 weeks
Pre-baked bread	5 days	20 days
Fresh cut salad mix	2–5 days	5–10 days
Fresh pasta	1–2 weeks	3–4 weeks
Pizza	7–10 days	2–4 weeks
Pies	3–5 days	2–3 weeks
Sandwiches	2–3 days	7–10 days
Ready meals	2–5 days	7–20 days
Dried foods	4–8 months	1–2 years
DAIRY
Hard cheese	2–3 weeks	4–10 weeks
Soft cheese	4–14 days	1–3 weeks
PROTEIN
Raw red meat	2–4 days	5–8 days
Raw light poultry	4–7 days	6–21 days
Raw dark poultry	3–5 days	7–14 days
Sausages	2–4 days	2–5 weeks
Sliced cooked meat	2–4 days	2–5 weeks
Raw fish	2–3 days	5–9 days
Cooked fish	2–4 days	3–4 weeks