How nitrogen generation can benefit food production processes

From food packaging to the preservation of foodstuffs by eliminating spoilage, on-site nitrogen generation is commonplace within the food industry. Learn what benefits can be achieved by implementing nitrogen generators into your food production processes.

Nitrogen generation for the food industry

The greatest benefit of nitrogen generation for the food industry is the capability to protect the quality of its produce from the damaging effects of oxygen. Within the context of food production, oxygen can be harmful to packaged foods because it causes the growth of bacteria and microorganisms, which leads to the spoilage of food and beverage products. This harmful process is referred to as oxidation.

Manufacturers within the food industry use nitrogen generators to eliminate oxygen from the atmosphere and minimise the effects of oxidation on food products. Nitrogen is an excellent replacement for oxygen within food production processes because it is a safe, inert gas.

When implemented into food production processes, nitrogen helps preserve freshness, protect nutrients and prevents aerobic microbial growth. Because of these qualities, nitrogen generation is widely implemented throughout the food industry to help displace oxygen and maintain quality.

Let’s take a look at the two most common uses of nitrogen generation within the food industry in more detail.

Why is nitrogen gas used to preserve food?

To preserve the life expectancy and quality of food products, nitrogen generators are used within the food industry to stop these organisms from ever developing. This is achieved by flooding the products with nitrogen that displaces oxygen and, as a result, prolongs their lifetime so that they are fit for human consumption.

Another popular instance of when nitrogen gas is used to preserve food is to help stave off chemical degradation caused by oxidation. By integrating nitrogen generators into food production processes, oxidation can be prevented or stopped altogether.

Why is nitrogen used for food packaging?

The use of nitrogen gas within the food packaging sector provides businesses with a safe, neutral gas that can be generated from the surrounding air without ever worrying about expensive maintenance or repair costs. Nitrogen generators are a cost-effective means of displacing oxygen and moisture in food packaging, also known as modified atmosphere packaging.

Companies can maintain the freshness of their food products by using nitrogen gas with their packaging processes, without compromising their quality or taste.

On-site nitrogen generators for food production

Here at Glaston Compressor Services, we specialise in offering on-site nitrogen generators to the food industry. The high purity and flow rates afforded by PSA nitrogen generation make it an ideally suited method of onsite generation for companies within the food industry. While the low maintenance costs of membrane nitrogen generation offer food production processes a cost-effective means of generating a robust nitrogen supply on-site.

Whatever your preferences, Glaston can put together an on-site nitrogen generation package that is tailormade to your food production needs. To discuss your nitrogen generation requirements, call us now on 01695 51010 or email info@glaston.com to arrange an initial consultation.