Air Products
Air Products was due to showcase its latest innovation in food packaging technology during Foodex. Called Freshline Aroma MAP, the system enables food manufacturers to harness consumers’ sense of smell to ensure their products leave a lasting impression.
The first innovation in Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) for many years, the Freshline Aroma MAP system vaporises natural aromas, such as essential oils, into the packaging at the same time as the MAP gas, with no additional production steps. When the customer then opens the packaging, the aroma is released, enhancing their sensory experience and encouraging them to build a positive association with the product or brand they are consuming.
The innovative technology also offers the potential to tackle food waste and reduce costs associated with consumer product complaints. Plus, using specific essential oils could lead to an even longer shelf life. The natural essential oils or aromas that can be injected with the Freshline Aroma MAP system meet the consumer demand for clean label ingredients. And finally, triggering emotions and memories by using smell in this way helps to support a growing sensory marketing and branding trend within the food industry.
The equipment needed for the Freshline Aroma MAP system is easily integrated into existing production lines and requires only a minor modification to an existing MAP pipeline. The MAP gas is diverted into an Aroma MAP reactor vessel where it is mixed with a precise and repeatable amount of the atomised essential oil to create a homogeneous gas, which in turn flows back into the packaging machine.