Technology
MAP vs traditional packaging: the data, not the adjectives
Three comparisons buyers actually ask about — how MAP works against conventional sealed packaging, MAP versus vacuum skin packaging, and paperboard MAP trays versus plastic trays.
Comparison 1
Conventional sealed packaging vs MAP
What changes when the headspace becomes a controlled atmosphere:
| Dimension | Conventional sealed packaging | Modified atmosphere packaging |
|---|---|---|
| In-pack atmosphere | Residual air, uncontrolled | Controlled O₂/CO₂/N₂ mix for the food type |
| Oxidation & spoilage | Progresses from day one | Slowed by low O₂ and CO₂ inhibition |
| Freshness & shelf life | Shorter shelf life, limited distribution radius | Longer shelf life, longer distribution range |
| Chemical preservatives | Often needed to hit shelf-life targets | Reduced — preservation is physical, not chemical |
| Food safety | Spoilage organisms grow freely | Growth of spoilage microorganisms is inhibited |
| Temperature & prep | Format-dependent | Microwaveable and ovenable structures available for ready meals |
Comparison 2
MAP vs vacuum skin packaging (VSP)
| Dimension | MAP tray | VSP tray |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Headspace filled with protective gas mix | Air removed; skin film hugs food and tray |
| Best for | Salads, produce, ready meals, delicate items | Fresh meat, seafood, cheese — premium presentation |
| Pack volume | Headspace protects structure | Minimal free space, tight retail footprint |
| Product protection | Cushioned by headspace | Locked in place — no movement, no drip claims |
We supply both on the same paperboard tray platform — the sealing process decides which route a SKU takes.
Comparison 3
Plastic MAP tray vs paperboard MAP tray
Same size (230 × 145 × 40 mm), same sealing line — the material system is what changes. Figures from our internal tray comparison; documentation available on request.
| Dimension | Plastic MAP tray (PP) | Paperboard MAP tray |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic content | 30.5 g | 7.0 g (film only) |
| Total weight | 30.5 g | 30.5 g (23.5 g paperboard + 7.0 g film) |
| CO₂e per million trays | 143.35 t | 68.15 t |
| Sealing line | Standard tray sealer | Standard tray sealer — denester compatible, no mould change |
| Shelf presentation | Limited print surfaces | Print on all panels — brand and regulatory content |
| Stiffness & stacking | Format-dependent | Paperboard rigidity, easy to stack |
| End of life | Single plastic stream, rarely recycled as food-contaminated | Paper and plastic separated after use for cleaner recycling |
CO₂e values are internal engineering estimates using standard production and end-of-life emission factors — a comparison aid, not a certified footprint.
Materials note
Fluorine-free by design
Our food-grade lidding films are fluorine-free. Where oil repellency historically relied on fluorochemical agents, we specify the achievable oil-resistance performance for your application up front — no unverified claims on the label.
Film selection — PE, GPET, CPET, PBAT, CPP, EVOH, PLA — is documented on the lidding film page with temperature ranges and sealability.
FAQ
Questions this page answers
How does modified atmosphere packaging work?
The air inside the package is replaced with a gas mix — usually balancing oxygen, carbon dioxide and nitrogen — chosen for the food type. Low O₂ slows oxidation, CO₂ inhibits spoilage bacteria, and N₂ keeps the tray volume stable. Combined with a high-barrier tray and lidding, the mix stays controlled for the full shelf life.
MAP vs vacuum packaging: which should we use?
VSP removes air and pulls a skin film tight over the food — best for high-value meat, seafood and cheese where presentation and low free space matter. MAP keeps a controlled gas mix in a headspace — best for delicate products that would be crushed by skin packaging, salads and ready meals. Many retailers run both.
Is paperboard MAP packaging recyclable?
It is designed for recycling: the easy-peel film and separable liner let users split the pack into paperboard and plastic streams after use. Collection and acceptance depend on your local recycling system, which is why we guide the separation steps on-pack.
Want the full comparison workbook?
We share the underlying tray comparison and test documentation with qualified buyers — ask for the data pack.