Sustainable MAP Packaging: Insights from PPMA Total Show 2025
This week at the PPMA Total Show at the NEC in Birmingham, I had countless conversations with manufacturers exploring sustainable MAP packaging solutions. One of the most notable trends is the move away from traditional plastic trays towards paper-based trays, such as those increasingly used in sausage and fresh protein packs. While the environmental benefits are clear, the impact on modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) performance and leak rates raises important questions.
Why Sustainable MAP Packaging Matters
With pressure from both consumers and retailers to cut down on single-use plastics, paper-based trays and other fibre-based alternatives are gaining traction. However, these materials don’t always behave in the same way as plastic when it comes to seal integrity and gas retention. This makes it essential to understand how the switch impacts product shelf life, freshness, and ultimately, customer satisfaction.
The Challenge: Leak Rates in Paper-Based Trays
Leak detection is already a critical element in MAP quality control. As packaging shifts to sustainable formats, leak rates may become more variable due to different barrier properties and sealing behaviours. Paper trays, for instance, can present unique challenges in ensuring a strong, consistent seal compared with rigid plastics.
Real-World Data with Oxylos and Exos
At PPMA, many manufacturers expressed concern about how to validate the performance of new packaging formats. This is where solutions like Aneolia’s Oxylos and Exos headspace analyser and leak detectors come into play. By monitoring oxygen levels and detecting leaks in real time, they provide actionable data to compare different tray materials under real-world production conditions.
Supporting the Shift to Greener Packaging
Transitioning to sustainable MAP packaging doesn’t have to mean compromising on product integrity. With the right testing and validation tools, manufacturers can confidently adopt new materials while maintaining MAP standards.
At Thirstland, we’re proud to support food producers through this packaging evolution. By leveraging advanced analysers like Oxylos and Exos, businesses can not only reduce their environmental footprint but also safeguard freshness, quality, and brand reputation.
