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Gas or Vacuum – which should I choose?

Packaging in the food industry can be quite complicated. Two of the most important aspects of food packaging are to protect the product and to ensure it enjoys the longest possible shelf life. With the right packaging equipment, products can stay fresher for longer – and can look great too!

If you are trying to choose what type of packaging solution you need to use, it really comes down to what the product is and what is the main objective of the packaging. Let’s take a look at two popular packaging solutions used in the food industry:

  • Gas flushing – this is also often referred to as MAP (Modified Atmosphere Packaging). The process of gas flushing involves the packaging being flushed with inert gas such as Nitrogen or Carbon Dioxide. In some instances, exotic gasses such as argon and helium can be used. The gas is injected into the packaging and removed a number of times, until no more oxygen is present. This type of packaging is designed to prolong shelf life and also leaves the packaging ‘puffed up’ so that the contents don’t get crushed or damaged. You should choose MAP or gas flushed packaging for coffee, pre-baked goods, snack foods and similar products.
  • Vacuum packaging – this food packaging process involves the food product being placed into an air-tight package. The air is sucked out and then the package is sealed. The growth of micro-organisms which spoil food are slowed down as a result of a lack of oxygen in the package. Vacuum packaging is ideal for meat, poultry, seafood and more. It is a packaging process typically used for products that don’t easily crush or damage under pressure.

Get gas flushing and vacuum packaging machinery from Acufill

At Acufill, we stock a variety of gas flushing, vacuum packaging and sealing machinery at affordable prices. Our extensive range of packaging equipment also includes Showy band sealing machines, digital filling machines, filling and packing machines, form fill and seal machines and vertical form fill and seal machines.

For more information and advice on our various items of packaging machinery, contact us via email or telephone at Acufill today.