Nitrogen is a versatile gas used in manufacturing, industrial, commercial, and retail applications. One major benefit of nitrogen in our lives is its role in food packaging and storage.
In the food storage and packaging industry, nitrogen is critical for preserving the product’s freshness, flavor, and texture. N2 gas is a clean, dry, and inert gas (which means it’s very safe when handled properly) that can reduce or eliminate the presence of oxygen (which is an essential factor in the decay of organic matter).
With some exceptions, food and beverages purchased in grocery stores are typically packaged days or even weeks before reaching the shelves. To maintain the quality of food during storage in the packaging facility and preserve it even after shipping, these facilities depend on optimized storage methods, which often include the use of nitrogen gas.
Nitrogen displaces oxygen in food storage and can also be used in blanketing applications. In this process, the interior of the packaging is filled with nitrogen gas to protect crushed and broken food products, such as crackers, chips, and other fragile items.
Produce can also be effectively preserved by using nitrogen in packaging facilities. Nitrogen helps create an atmosphere in which humidity and oxygen levels are controlled to slow down the ripening process of fruits and vegetables. Apples, pears, bananas, tomatoes, and others can have significantly different flavors and textures when overripe. By using nitrogen to adjust the atmospheric conditions in a food processing or storage facility, these items can enjoy a much longer shelf life and, more importantly, maintain their fresh, good taste for consumers to enjoy.
Installing a nitrogen generator from South-Tek Systems is the most cost-effective method for introducing nitrogen across various applications. Nitrogen generators produce high-purity nitrogen gas from the air we breathe, ensuring that the supply will never run out. Facility operators can free themselves from the tedious and hazardous task of storing high-pressure N2 gas tanks.