Controlled Atmosphere

Storage (CAS) & Modified

Atmosphere Packaging
(MAP)
 Controlled Atmosphere
Storage (CAS)
is an agricultural storage method in which the concentrations
of oxygen, carbon dioxide and nitrogen, as well as the
temperature and humidity of a storage room are regulated.
Both dry commodities and fresh fruit and vegetables can be
stored in controlled atmosphere to affects their storage life
 Controlled Atmosphere Storage

CA storage commonly uses low Environmental components that

oxygen (O2) levels and high are maintained in the storage
carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in room are air humidity,
the storage atmosphere temperature, and appropriate
combined with refrigeration lighting to extend shelf life

Normal room air usually contains 21% CO2 , 0,03% CO2 and 78-79% N2 .
Oxygen levels below 21% and usually not less than 5% will slow down
respiration. Very low oxygen concentration will however result in
fermentation which is an abnormal form of respiration resulting in alcoholic
odor or undeserable flavor and tissue collaps
 Controlled Atmosphere
(CA)
Environment
Cold Room 0 C

20 – 21% O2
FILTER
0,03% CO2
S
2% O2
1% CO2
CA Storage
 Benefits of CA Storage

Can retain its freshness Reduction of certain Slowing down rates of

and eating quality that biochemical and respiration, ethylene
products for much physiological changes production, softening and
longer periods compositional changes

Retardation of Inhibits pathogen

senescence and ripening growth and maybe used
for insect control
Classification of horticultural crops according to their controlled atmosphere storage potential at optimum
temperatures and relative humidifies
Range of storage Commodity
duration (months)
More than 12 Almond, Brazil nut, cashew, filbert, macadamia, pecan, pistachio, walnut, dried fruits and
vegetables
6-12 Some cultivars of apples and European pears
3-6 Cabbage, Chinese cabbage, kiwifruit, persimmon, pomegranate, some cultivars of Asian
pears
1-3 Avocado, banana, cherry, grape (no SO2), mango, olive, onion (sweet cultivars), some
cultivars of nectarine, peach and plum, tomato (mature-green)
<1 Asparagus, broccoli, cane berries, fig, lettuce, muskmelons, papaya, pineapple, strawberry,
sweet corn; fresh-cut fruits and vegetables; some cut flowers
Modified Atmosphere
Packaging (MAP)
is a packaging system that involves changing the gaseous atmosphere
surrounding a food product inside a pack, and employing packaging
materials and formats with an appropriate level of ethylene, oxygen,
and carbon dioxide to maintain the changed atmosphere at an
acceptable level for preservation of the food
Benefits of MA Packaging

Reduce Delay ripening &

respiration rate senescence

Reduce ethylene Increase product’s

action shelf life

Reduced degradation Inhibition of some

rate of soluble pectin enzymatic reactions
 MA Packaging
MA Packaging are to extend shelf life of food products by minimizing
the physiological, chemical and microbial decomposition of foods in
an atmosphere that is different from the normal composition of air.
Usually designed to maintain 2% - 5% O2 and 8% - 12% CO2 to extend
shelf life of fresh-cut fruits and vegetables

MA Packaging refers to a gas composition that is initially

modified. The gas composition within a modified atmosphere
storage will change over time due to the respiration rate
of food products and the permeability of the packaging
(if any) surrounding the food products
 MAP Active
Active modification is storage by modifying the
atmosphere where the air in the package is removed
and then refilled with air whose concentration has
been adjusted using a special tool, so that equilibrium
can be obtained.

MAP Active is using gas flushing

 21% O2 0.035% CO2 ● Modify the concentration of
gases in the produce packing.
O2 CO2 ● Reduce respiration rate.
● Reduce ethylene action.
O2 ● Delay ripening & senescence.
CO2 ● Increase product’s shelf life.
MA Packaging Active
 MAP Passive
Passive Modification is storage with oxygen O2 and CO2
equilibrium obtained through exchange of air in the package or
it can also be called if the gas composition in the package is not
regulated but runs naturally

MAP Passive usually use polymeric films

In addition to gas exchange properties, new polymeric films

have been developed with various water vapor transmission
rates, which allow to control the RH inside the package and to
avoid problems caused by water condensation
MAP Passive
MAP Pasif
Thank You