With retail demand for case-ready meats continuing to rise, meat suppliers are challenged with bringing products to market over lengthening supply chains while maintaining product safety and stability. To meet this market need, Multisorb Technologies, the global leader in advanced active packaging technologies, has developed the MAPLOXSM (Modified Atmosphere Packaging Low Oxygen) program for case-ready meats. The system maintains the flavor and color of packaged meats during distribution to assure that when individual packages are removed from the master bag at the retail location the meat is an appealing red color.

The comprehensive MAPLOX program provides a roadmap for case-ready packers just starting with low oxygen packaging. Elements of the program include the primary package materials and specifications, master bag specification, vacuum/gas flush composition and functional requirement, FreshPax CR sizing and handling methods, and APA-500 FreshPax dispenser.

The program provides packers with a low cost option for case-ready packaging. Technical support offered as part of the program assures optimization of package components and scavenger, maximizing the chances of success and minimizing cost. Also, because the oxygen scavenger is pre-activated there is minimal investment required to begin using the system. This allows for a very rapid ramp-up of operations.

Oxygen is the main cause of reduced shelf life. After a few days exposure to the oxygen content of air, meat loses its freshness, taste, and visual appeal — it becomes un-saleable.  MAPLOX puts a hold on quality through the entire storage and distribution cycle and delivers fresh meat to the display case while realizing the savings of central location packing.

As a key component of the MAPLOX system, the Multisorb APA-500 controlled atmosphere dispenser offers an easy, one-hand operation for inserting oxygen scavengers into the master bag. Oxygen scavenger packets are optimally sized to individual applications.  An oxygen monitoring system within the unwind chamber of the APA-500 senses oxygen levels and adjusts inert gas flow, assuring that the scavengers maintain their maximum capacity during the manufacturing process.

The consultative and technical support offered as part of the MAPLOX system ensures a high level of success with minimal investment, optimizing packaging line components to minimize costs while increasing production efficiencies.

“The MAPLOX system enables meat producers to expand their distribution networks and offer branded, display-ready products to a broader range of retailers,” says Robert Sabdo, Business Development Leader - Food and Beverage Packaging at Multisorb Technologies.  “The rich red color in packaged meats enhances display appeal, enabling meat producers to build brand preference and drive sales.  The MAPLOX system is a comprehensive approach-from technical consultation to equipment to material specifications-that allows suppliers to customize a case-ready application to their individual needs.”