Food & deli
What are MAP trays, and which foods use them?
Short answer
MAP (modified atmosphere packaging) trays are sealed with a barrier lidding film after the air inside is replaced with a protective gas mix, which slows spoilage of meat, poultry and seafood. AVI makes MAP trays in two footprints, 140 × 104 mm (such as the RTE 104 140/40) and 190 × 140 mm (such as the TBT 140 190/50 PP), plus the large RTE 200 310/45 PL PP.
Part of the guides: Meat, poultry and seafood packaging guide and Pack types explained: punnets, clamshells, trays and more
- MAP full formModified atmosphere packaging
- Footprints140 × 104 mm, 190 × 140 mm
- Large tray310 × 200 × 45 mm
Packs that fit
| Pack | Type | Size (L × W × H) | Empty weight | Holds | Per carton | Enquiry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RTE 104 140/40 | Modified-atmosphere-packaging tray | 140 × 104 × 42 mm | 10 g | — | — | |
| TBT 140 190/50 PP | Modified-atmosphere-packaging tray | 190 × 140 × 50 mm | 20 g | — | — | |
| RTE 200 310/45 PL PP | Modified-atmosphere-packaging tray | 310 × 200 × 45 mm | 33 g | — | — | |
| RTE 104 140/30 | Modified-atmosphere-packaging tray | 140 × 104 × 30 mm | 8 g | — | — | |
| RTE 104 140/40 2CP | Modified-atmosphere-packaging tray | 140 × 104 × 42 mm | 10 g | — | — | |
| RTE 104 140/40 PL | Modified-atmosphere-packaging tray | 140 × 104 × 40 mm | 14 g | — | — | |
| TBT 140 190/30 PP | Modified-atmosphere-packaging tray | 190 × 140 × 30 mm | 16 g | — | — | |
| TBT 140 190/40 PP | Modified-atmosphere-packaging tray | 190 × 140 × 40 mm | 18.3 g | — | — |
All packs are rPET. Figures from AVI's catalogue; tolerances and fill depend on the produce, so samples are the final check.
AVI products for this
How MAP works
The food goes into the tray, the air is drawn out and replaced with a gas mix chosen for the product, and a barrier film is sealed across the rim. The tray and film keep that atmosphere in until the pack is opened.
Headspace
Headspace is the gas-filled space between the food and the lidding film. Deeper trays hold more gas for the same amount of food, which is why MAP ranges come in several depths (30 to 70 mm in AVI's 190 × 140 mm range).
Related questions
Which foods are packed in MAP trays?
Mainly fresh meat, poultry and seafood, and also ready meals and some cut produce.
What does a MAP tray need to work?
A sealable rim, a tray and lidding film with the right gas barrier, and a tray-sealing machine that flushes the gas.