Improving Shelf Life With Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP)

Tulip, one of Denmark’s leading producers of processed food for the domestic and export market, produces around 90 tons of sausages each day. A large proportion of these – about 60 tons a day – is packaged under a modified atmosphere of carbon dioxide and nitrogen to keep the product fresh and improve its shelf life. This case study shows how the company improved its efficiency by installing a Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) system.

Tulip's MAP Packaging Lines
Tulip is one of Denmark’s leading producers of processed food for the domestic and export market, supplying sausages, bacon, soups, sliced meat and many other products. At its plant in Svenstrup near Aalborg the company produces around 90 tonnes of sausages each day. A large proportion of these – about 60 tonnes a day – is packaged under a modified atmosphere of carbon dioxide and nitrogen to keep the product fresh and improve its shelf life. This Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) is carried out on 20 packaging lines.

More Efficient Gas Flushing System
The company realised that its existing MAP gas flushing system was not efficient and that significant quantities of gas were being wasted. In addition, manual samples are taken at frequent intervals to ensure that the correct mixture is being introduced into the packages. This takes time and also incurs labour costs.