Using Nitrogen Gas in Food Packaging – Why & How
N2 the Fresh approach
One of the major challenges faced by food manufacturers is preserving the freshness of their products while prolonging shelf life. A failure to curb rapid food spoilage will result in a decline in income due to lower purchase rates for affected food materials.
The use of nitrogen in food packaging is one of the most effective ways of slowing food deterioration and improving longevity. This article will outline how food-grade nitrogen gas can be used to boost efficiency in the food and beverage processing industry.
What Is Gas Flushing for Food Packaging?
Gas flushing involves the use of a preservative gas to modify the environment within food packaging. Typically, inert gas packaging is done using nitrogen gas to achieve conditions suitable for longer food storage periods.
Gas flushing will displace oxygen and other contaminants from stored food packaging, minimizing oxidative reactions that encourage rapid food spoilage.
What Is Nitrogen Packaging?
Nitrogen packing requires the use of high concentrations of gaseous nitrogen within food packaging. Nitrogen at 99.0% concentration is usually recommended for food preservation. Other chemical conditions that contribute to effective nitrogen packaging are:
- Oxygen concentration should be maintained under 1%
- Carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide concentrations in the air mixture below 10ppm and 300ppm respectively.
- Moisture concentrations should remain below 55.8ppm
Why Nitrogen Is Used in Food Packaging
Gaseous nitrogen has unique chemical and physical properties that make it suitable for use in food processing. Nitrogen is inert which means it will not react with prepared food materials, which can alter their aromas or flavors. Also, gaseous nitrogen will effectively displace oxygen minimizing oxidation and the growth of microorganisms that cause foods to lose their freshness and deteriorate faster.
Is Nitrogen Flushing Bad for You?
When nitrogen gas is used in accordance with good manufacturing practice, it is the safest form of preservation for food. N2 is an inert gas, odourless & tasteless. It does not effect person, environment or product.
On-Site Nitrogen Generators for Food Packaging
Types of generation
The most efficient method of generating the nitrogen required for food packaging is using dedicated PSA nitrogen generators or membrane nitrogen generators.
Using an on-site nitrogen generator for food packaging eliminates all the problems associated with the use of nitrogen gas cylinders. Nitrogen generators are ideal for medium to large scale food processing operations delivering high-purity nitrogen gas (99.0% or more).
Denair N2 Generation
Denair Australia offers the complete solution from design to install & commissioning. We can supply all equipment required. Need some advise to see if it works for you?