Active and Passive Modified Atmosphere Packaging

Modified atmospheric packaging (MAP) is a technology used to extend the shelf life of food products by controlling the internal atmosphere in a package. There are two main types of MAP: active and passive. Active MAP uses a gas mixture to control the atmosphere inside the package, while passive MAP relies on the permeability of the packaging material to regulate the atmosphere. In recent years, there has been significant progress in both active and passive MAP. Advancements in modified atmospheric packaging (MAP) have been driven by the need to improve food safety and extend shelf life while maintaining the quality and freshness of the food. Advances in active MAP include the development of more effective gas mixtures (N 2 and other noble gases), O 2 , CO 2 , and ethylene absorbers and improved control systems, while in passive MAP, advances in materials science have led to the development of new materials with improved permeability characteristics, i.e., development of multi-layer films, intelligent packaging systems, edible and biodegradable films, and modeling and simulation. These advances have allowed for better control of the internal atmosphere in MAP, leading to a longer shelf life and improved food quality for packaged products.