Nitrogen is an inert gas which is mostly used food packaging. It is used in packaging of food because it displaces oxygen. Nitrogen is mainly used for preservation of food which is likely to deteriorate in the presence of oxygen. On introduction of the inert gas in the packaging oxygen is displaced reducing the chances of formation of moisture and oxidation. In the food industry, the challenge is to keep food fresh as long as possible. This allows the food to reach the market and get sold to the end-users. In short, it is used for increasing the shelf life.
For food businesses, it costs them money if their food deteriorates as it will fetch lower prices. Worse still, customers might not be willing buy food which has become rancid. Use of nitrogen is the only way to stop or slow down the deterioration of food and increase the integrity and freshness of food. Food-grade nitrogen is used in the food industry for food preservation. Many nitrogen plants for food packaging are working incredibly for preserving the food from getting spoiled.
What is nitrogen food packaging?
Packaging of food requires use of gaseous nitrogen with high purity up to 99.0%, which is considered ideal packaging. It is used for keeping the food fresh with its freshness, integrity and taste remaining intact. There are other conditions as well that must be observed for ensuring effective nitrogen food packaging which are described hereunder:
Why nitrogen is used in food packaging?
Nitrogen has got just the right chemical and physical properties making it perfect for processing for food. It is the right gas because being inert it does not react with the food materials which can affect aroma, integrity and taste of the food. And it is effective because it can displace oxygen and prevent oxidation stopping moisture and bacterial growth responsible for breakdown of food.
How nitrogen packaging system works?
Nitrogen food packaging works by using nitrogen for displacing oxygen from within the packing. The process is also called MAP (modified atmosphere packaging). The food to be preserved must be placed in an unsealed wrapping with nitrogen introduced into it. This drives out oxygen –rich air and moisture present in the air. Afterwards, the packaging is completely sealed trapping nitrogen inside making it oxidant poor so food would achieve longer shelf life.
How to get food grade nitrogen?
There are two ways of getting nitrogen supply either through subscribing nitrogen cylinders or by installing onsite nitrogen plant. Getting the supplies through cylinders also does the work for you but it costs you extra and delivery is erratic. On the other hand, installation of the N2 plant will give you access to uninterrupted supply of nitrogen some of which you would store for later use. It is most effective solution for ensuring constant supply of nitrogen.
