Competition in any industry is a common thing; however, there are some industries that competition is very close just like in the food industry. Considering food as one of the basic commodity in the world, very tight competition is always expected. Food manufacturers, distributors, and processors are always finding new ways to improve or enhance the quality of food products in terms of processing, packaging, transportation, and distribution. There are different equipments like the automated packaging machines that have made big steps in the improvement in the food industry. In the food industry, preservation is very important. The different equipments like the food packaging machines, materials like packing bags and pouches, and systems that are coming out are based on its ability to preserve the quality of food products.
Modified Atmosphere Packaging
When it comes to the system or technology for food preservation, modified atmosphere packaging is the most established today. Unlike chemical preservatives that were used before, modified atmosphere packaging or MAP is not using any chemical to preserve the quality and freshness of the product. The advent of so many developments in technology has prompted a lot of enhancements which is why MAP together with the automation of food packaging machines have established a stable place in the food industry. The main key used in MAP technology to preserve the food product is the modification of atmospheric gases such as Carbon dioxide, Oxygen, and Nitrogen. The environment inside the package is being controlled in order to prevent the growth of microbial organisms that causes spoilage, bad odor, discoloration, change of taste, and decreased nutritional value.
In the food industry, quality, freshness, consistency, and availability are major factors for success. The development of modified atmosphere packaging and automated packaging machines have been promoting efficiencies for food manufacturers, distributors, and processors. Since MAP technology promotes extended shelf life, frequency of food product rotation can be decreased as well as restocking. This will further reduce labor cost and wastage. When this happens, food manufacturers could gain more profit.
The use of food packaging machines and MAP technology together with reliable package materials will eventually bring more recognition and benefits to the food industry. These developments promote convenience and reliability to both producers and consumers. The automated packaging machines have even added great convenience and efficiency to packaging production and distribution. Awareness of these developments must be promoted not just to food manufacturers and distributors but also to consumers.
