Modified atmosphere packaging using pure nitrogen or a nitrogen–carbon dioxide mixture is one of the most natural and eco-friendly methods of preserving the nutritional value of food products. The protective gas environment slows down or completely prevents oxidation, significantly extending shelf life. This packaging method is commonly used for nuts, chips, coffee, and other sensitive products.
To create the modified atmosphere, nitrogen and carbon dioxide are blended in specific proportions — typically 70/30 or 80/20 — but slight variations are also acceptable depending on product requirements.
Benefits of Nitrogen Packaging
Food manufacturers often face challenges with packaging perishable goods due to the effects of oxidation, mould growth, and microbial or insect activity. These factors can drastically shorten shelf life and compromise product safety and quality.
Oxidation, for instance, occurs when oxygen reacts with fatty acids in the product, resulting in off-flavours and unpleasant odours. Nitrogen injection during packaging helps lower the oxygen level to an optimal threshold, preserving the product’s freshness. Using nitrogen generators that produce high-purity nitrogen also prevents mould formation, one of the primary causes of food spoilage.
Modified atmosphere packaging inhibits the growth of microorganisms and insects, whose toxins may not only spoil products but also pose health risks to consumers.
Properties of Nitrogen
Nitrogen is an inert, odourless, and colourless gas that is insoluble in water. These characteristics make it ideal for food preservation and transport. Its primary function is to displace oxygen from the packaging, thus reducing the risk of spoilage and extending product shelf life.
While nitrogen does not directly affect microbial growth, it eliminates oxygen from the packaging environment, creating unfavourable conditions for aerobic microorganisms.
The use of inert nitrogen in food packaging is widespread in the industry due to its ability to:
- Prevent oxidation
- Preserve flavour and aroma
- Extend product shelf life
ONHS Nitrogen Generation Systems
ONH Systems has extensive experience working with food manufacturers and offers both standard and custom-designed nitrogen generators to meet the specific needs of each client.
The food-grade nitrogen produced by ONHS generators is used to create an inert environment that prevents oxygen from interacting with food products, thereby extending freshness and shelf life. Our systems offer an efficient and cost-effective solution for establishing a controlled gas atmosphere during packaging.
ONHS nitrogen generators are capable of producing ultra-high purity nitrogen — up to 99.999 %. Each unit is fully equipped to maintain stable packaging conditions and ensure consistent gas supply throughout the process.
Key Advantages of ONHS Nitrogen Generators:
- Robust and user-friendly design
- Cost-effective operation
- Easy maintenance and integration
- Adjustable performance for various production scales
Our skilled engineers are ready to help you select the right equipment based on your technical requirements, operational environment, and budget. With ONHS nitrogen generation systems, you can increase shelf life, maintain product quality, and gain a competitive edge in the food industry.
