Shopper selecting packaged meat from a refrigerated supermarket display. Shopper selecting packaged meat from a refrigerated supermarket display. Shopper selecting packaged meat from a refrigerated supermarket display.
Since you and your customers are always looking for safe ways to extend shelf life and reduce spoilage, see how our Modified Atmosphere Packaging gases, solutions and expertise can help.

Make it last longer with Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP)

Preserve food freshness and quality using fewer preservatives with MAP solutions from Airgas, an Air Liquide company

Reduce spoilage and extend shelf life

From the moment fresh hamburger patties are formed, pizza assembled or coffee ground, the race against time and loss of freshness begins. From that point on, natural deterioration and spoilage endanger the quality and shelf life of food products. The way your product is handled in processing, during chilling or on the packaging line is vital to its shelf life and overall quality. Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) gases help you achieve your goal to decrease waste and returns. A Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) solution brings more freshness to your food products so you can expand your distribution range and decrease returns.

What are your challenges?

Quality gases and gas mixing equipment suited to your food packaging needs

With more than 40 years in the food industry, Airgas provides cost-effective solutions for Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP), including food-grade gases customized depending on your application. Our food-grade gases comply with industry standards as well as the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and purity specifications and are specially formulated for MAP applications to address shelf life requirements for a variety of food products.

Photo of Ray LaBau, an Airgas expert

Hear from one of our experts about Modified Atmosphere Packaging

Fresh food and clean labels are key considerations for many consumers …

Ray LaBau, Principal Applications Engineer, Food and Pharma Solutions, and International Expert

“Fresh food and clean labels are key considerations for many consumers. Using a MAP application designed for your packaged food products provides a natural method to help you maintain food quality and appearance while extending shelf life without preservatives.”

Accurately blend gases used for packaging meat

On-site gas mixers for Modified Atmosphere Packaging

A row of three Airgas gas mixers. A row of three Airgas gas mixers. A row of three Airgas gas mixers.
Airgas three-gas mixer features automated calibration to a NIST-traceable calibration standard ensures FDA and GRAS compliance.

Discover what makes the Airgas three-gas mixer different

  • Meets tight tolerance requirements for food-grade gases
  • Ensures FDA and GRAS compliance with automated calibration to NIST-traceable standards
  • Accommodates multiple packaging lines with automatic flow rate adjustment from 0–8000 SCFH
  • Reduces cylinder handling, change outs and potential for run-outs
  • Saves and stores analysis and forecasting data with continuous logging of key system variables

Discover a full range of MAP gases offered by Airgas

MAP Gases Advantages Applications
Argon Non-reactive, used to displace
oxygen and as a filler gas		 Fresh fruits and vegetables
Carbon dioxide Active gas, lowers pH and
suppresses mold and bacteria growth		 Cheese, meat, poultry, specialty meals,
pizza and sandwiches
Carbon monoxide Active gas, provides desired
myoglobin protein changes		 Beef, pork, poultry and seafood
Nitrogen Non-reactive, used to displace
oxygen and as a filler gas		 Dry snacks, coffee, nuts and entrees
Oxygen Active gas, allows respiration, prevents
anaerobic bacteria and provides
desired myoglobin protein changes		 Red meat, vegetables and fruit

Extend shelf life and enhance appearance of food products

Illustrated icon of bulk tank and cylinders; white against teal.

Premium food-grade gases for Modified Atmosphere Packaging in a variety of supply modes

Illustrated icon of a lightbulb; white against teal.

Process expertise tailored to address your product packaging needs

Illustrated icon of food production line machinery; white against teal.

On-site gas mixing equipment — turnkey and custom-designed systems to meet your unique needs

Illustrated icon of hard hat and safety glasses; white against teal.

Full line of safety products and PPE as well as cylinder equipment including regulators, gas detectors and accessories for safe gas handling

Resources to keep you ahead

Two shoppers shopping for packaged meat at the supermarket.

Modified Atmosphere Packaging

Learn more about how our cost-effective Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) solutions help bring out the best in meats, seafood, prepared meals, dry snacks, fruits and vegetables.

Download the Brochure
A row of three Airgas gas mixers.

Three-gas Mixer for Food

Read more about how the Airgas three-gas mixer for on-site gas mixing helps you ensure accuracy in your gas mixtures used in MAP applications for packing meat.


Download the Brochure
Small clear container of pretzel balls on a white background.

Packaging Solutions for Baked Goods

Hear from one of our food experts about using gases for Modified Atmosphere Packaging of prepackaged bakery products in this Food Technology Magazine article.

Read the Article
Modified Atmosphere Packaged ground meat

Keeping Freshness in the Mix with Modified Atmosphere Packaging

If you’re packaging meat, chips, baked goods or gluten-free products, then read this Airgas Thinks article to discover how choosing the right gas mix for the job affects the color and freshness of your products.

Read the Article