High Barrier MAP Trays for Modified Atmosphere Food Packaging
HSQY PLASTIC supplies high barrier MAP trays for modified atmosphere packaging of fresh meat, poultry, seafood, processed meat, cheese, prepared foods and other chilled food products. Our MAP food trays are designed to work as part of a complete packaging system combining a high-barrier tray, compatible lidding film, food-grade gas mixture and tray sealing equipment.
For applications requiring improved oxygen-barrier performance, multilayer PP trays incorporating EVOH barrier technology are available. Standard models include a wide range of rectangular sizes, depths and colors, with clear, white, black and compartment tray options available according to the product model.
Whether you are developing a new MAP packaging line or replacing an existing tray, HSQY can help evaluate tray dimensions, barrier structure, sealing requirements and matching lidding films according to your food product and packaging process.
What Is a MAP Tray?
A MAP tray is a food packaging tray designed for Modified Atmosphere Packaging. In a MAP packaging process, normal air inside the package is replaced or modified using a controlled mixture of food-grade gases before the tray is hermetically sealed with a suitable lidding film.
The purpose of MAP is to create an internal atmosphere appropriate for the packaged food. When tray barrier performance, gas composition, sealing integrity and storage temperature are correctly controlled, MAP can help slow oxidation and microbiological deterioration while maintaining product appearance, texture and quality.
MAP trays are widely used by meat processors, poultry processors, seafood companies, prepared-food manufacturers, supermarkets, central kitchens and other industrial food producers that require reliable chilled packaging.
How Does Modified Atmosphere Packaging Work?
A typical MAP packaging process starts after the food has been placed into the tray. The tray enters a MAP tray sealer, where air is removed or displaced and replaced with a selected protective gas mixture. A high-barrier lidding film is then heat-sealed to the tray flange to maintain the modified atmosphere inside the package.
Successful MAP packaging depends on more than the tray itself. The complete packaging system normally includes:
| MAP System Component | Function |
| High Barrier MAP Tray | Holds the food and helps control gas transmission through the tray wall. |
| High Barrier Lidding Film | Seals the tray and helps maintain the required atmosphere inside the package. |
| Food-Grade Gas Mixture | Provides an atmosphere selected according to food type and preservation requirements. |
| MAP Tray Sealer | Performs gas flushing or atmosphere replacement and seals the lidding film to the tray. |
| Cold Chain | Maintains the validated product storage temperature during distribution and retail. |
Why Do MAP Trays Need High Barrier Performance?
Once the desired gas mixture has been introduced into the package, the tray and lidding film must help prevent excessive gas exchange with the surrounding atmosphere. If oxygen enters too quickly or the protective gases escape too quickly, the intended modified atmosphere may not be maintained throughout the required storage period.
This is why many industrial MAP applications use high barrier PP/EVOH trays. EVOH provides an effective oxygen-barrier layer, while PP provides structural strength, toughness and practical performance for food tray manufacturing.
Buyers requiring high-barrier PP packaging can also review our High Barrier PP Trays, PP/EVOH/PE Trays and PP Coextruded Trays for more information about specific material structures.
Common MAP Tray Material Structures
Different MAP packaging projects require different tray structures. HSQY can discuss multilayer configurations according to barrier requirements, heat-sealing conditions, storage temperature and food application.
| Tray Structure | Main Function | Typical Consideration |
| PP-Based Tray | Structural food packaging | Suitable where the required gas-barrier level can be achieved by the selected tray system. |
| PP / EVOH / PP | High oxygen barrier | Commonly considered for high-barrier MAP applications requiring PP on both outer surfaces. |
| PP / EVOH / PE | High barrier plus functional sealing layer | Can be selected where the PE layer forms part of the required tray and lidding-film sealing system. |
| Customized Coextruded Structure | Application-specific performance | Layer structure is evaluated according to barrier, mechanical, thermal and sealing requirements. |
The exact structure should always be confirmed for the individual tray model. Thermal processing requirements such as pasteurization, retort or elevated-temperature reheating must also be evaluated separately rather than assumed from the term "PP MAP tray."
What Gases Are Used in MAP Food Packaging?
Modified atmosphere packaging commonly uses food-grade carbon dioxide (CO₂), nitrogen (N₂) and oxygen (O₂). Each gas performs a different function, and the correct mixture varies significantly depending on the packaged food.
| MAP Gas | General Role | Packaging Consideration |
| Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) | Used for its inhibitory effect on many spoilage microorganisms. | Required concentration depends on food type, product composition and package volume. |
| Nitrogen (N₂) | Inert gas used to displace oxygen and help maintain package volume. | Frequently used in combination with other MAP gases. |
| Oxygen (O₂) | May be deliberately retained or added for certain foods, while reduced for others. | Requirements differ considerably between red meat, seafood, produce and prepared foods. |
There is no universal MAP gas ratio suitable for every food product. Gas composition should be determined together with the food processor, food-gas supplier and packaging specialist, and then validated under the actual product, storage and distribution conditions.
MAP Trays for Fresh Meat Packaging
Fresh meat packaging is one of the most important applications for high-barrier MAP trays. Beef, pork, lamb, minced meat, steaks and other fresh proteins require careful control of oxygen exposure, microbiological deterioration, purge and retail presentation.
High-barrier PP/EVOH trays combined with suitable barrier lidding film can provide the gas retention and seal integrity required for many case-ready meat packaging systems.
MAP Trays for Poultry
Chicken breasts, thighs, portions and other poultry products require reliable tray strength, leak control, cold-chain performance and secure sealing. MAP packaging can be used as part of a validated poultry preservation system to help maintain product quality throughout processing, transportation and retail display.
MAP Trays for Fish and Seafood
Fish fillets, salmon, shrimp, shellfish and other seafood products can be highly sensitive to microbiological deterioration and oxidation. MAP seafood packaging therefore requires careful control of gas composition, barrier properties, package headspace and refrigerated storage.
For seafood applications, buyers should provide the exact food species, portion size, tray dimensions, storage temperature and intended shelf-life target before final tray and film specifications are confirmed.
Other Foods Suitable for MAP Trays
| Food Category | Typical Packaging Requirement |
| Fresh Beef & Pork | High barrier, strong sealing and appropriate MAP atmosphere. |
| Poultry | Leak resistance, seal integrity and chilled storage performance. |
| Fish & Seafood | High gas barrier and carefully selected modified atmosphere. |
| Sausages & Processed Meat | Oxygen control and secure lidding-film seal. |
| Cheese & Dairy Foods | Appropriate gas composition and barrier performance according to product type. |
| Ready Meals | Barrier performance, seal integrity and compatibility with intended reheating requirements. |
| Plant-Based Proteins | Modified atmosphere selected according to moisture, fat content and product formulation. |
| Fresh Produce | Carefully controlled gas permeability that considers product respiration. |
Key Benefits of High Barrier MAP Trays
High Oxygen Barrier: EVOH-containing tray structures can significantly improve oxygen-barrier performance compared with conventional non-barrier tray structures.
Reliable Gas Retention: When combined with the correct high-barrier lidding film and sealing conditions, the tray helps maintain the required modified atmosphere.
Strong Tray Structure: PP provides good mechanical strength, toughness and resistance to oils and greases found in many food products.
Retail Presentation: Clear, white and black tray options allow food processors and retailers to select packaging according to product presentation and branding requirements.
Automated Packaging Compatibility: Suitable preformed trays can be used with commercial MAP tray-sealing systems when tray flange dimensions and machine tooling are correctly matched.
Custom Packaging Options: Dimensions, depths, colors, compartment configurations and material structures can be discussed for volume projects.
MAP Tray Sizes, Shapes and Colors
HSQY currently offers multiple rectangular high-barrier PP tray models in different lengths, widths and depths. The product range includes clear, white and black trays as well as selected compartment configurations.
Tray dimensions should be selected according to product weight, food dimensions, required headspace, gas volume, tray-sealer tooling, retail shelf requirements and secondary packaging.
| Product Type | High Barrier MAP Food Tray |
| Main Material | PP-based multilayer structures |
| Barrier Option | EVOH high-barrier structures available according to model and application |
| Shapes | Rectangular and selected compartment designs; custom projects can be discussed |
| Colors | Clear, white, black and selected custom colors |
| Packaging Process | Modified atmosphere packaging and heat sealing |
| Common Applications | Meat, poultry, seafood, processed food, cheese and chilled prepared foods |
| Customization | Size, depth, color, compartments, barrier structure and sealing requirements |
Lidding Film for MAP Trays
A high-quality MAP tray cannot maintain a modified atmosphere without a suitable high-barrier lidding film. Tray and film should therefore be evaluated together as one packaging system.
Important lidding-film requirements may include oxygen barrier, seal strength, easy-peel performance, lock seal, anti-fog properties, puncture resistance, transparency and compatibility with the tray's sealing surface.
HSQY also supplies PP Tray Sealing Films and EVOH/PP High Barrier Films, allowing buyers to discuss the tray and lidding system together.
MAP Tray Sealing Machine Compatibility
MAP trays are normally used on tray-sealing equipment capable of atmosphere replacement or gas flushing followed by heat sealing. Equipment can range from smaller commercial systems to high-speed automatic production lines.
Before purchasing trays in volume, buyers should confirm the tray's external dimensions, flange width, flange geometry, nesting design and compatibility with existing machine tooling.
If you are building a new packaging line, HSQY also provides Food Tray Sealing Machines and MAP Tray Sealers.
MAP Tray vs VSP Tray
Modified Atmosphere Packaging and Vacuum Skin Packaging are both widely used for fresh food, especially meat and seafood, but their packaging principles are different.
| Feature | MAP Tray | VSP Tray |
| Packaging Principle | Food is surrounded by a controlled gas atmosphere. | Heated skin film closely conforms to the food and tray. |
| Headspace | Normally includes defined headspace for the gas atmosphere. | Minimal free headspace around the product. |
| Film | Barrier lidding film heat-sealed to tray flange. | Specialized skin film drapes closely around the product. |
| Typical Applications | Meat, poultry, seafood, processed food and prepared meals. | Premium meat, seafood, cheese and high-visibility retail packs. |
Buyers considering vacuum skin packaging can also view our VSP Trays.
How to Choose the Right MAP Tray
Selecting a MAP tray based only on its length and width can lead to sealing, barrier or production problems. For industrial projects, the complete packaging process should be reviewed.
1. Identify the food product: Specify whether you are packing beef, pork, poultry, seafood, cheese, prepared meals or another product.
2. Confirm portion dimensions and weight: Product size determines tray dimensions, tray depth and required headspace.
3. Define the target shelf life: This helps determine whether a high-barrier EVOH structure should be considered.
4. Confirm the gas system: Provide the intended gas mixture if it has already been validated for your food product.
5. Confirm the lidding film: Film barrier level and sealing layer must be compatible with the selected tray.
6. Confirm tray-sealer specifications: Provide existing tray dimensions, machine brand, tooling dimensions or an existing tray sample where possible.
7. Confirm storage conditions: Specify refrigerated, frozen or other temperature requirements.
8. Conduct production trials: Final packaging performance should be tested using the actual food, gas mixture, film, sealing equipment, storage conditions and distribution process.
Custom MAP Food Trays
In addition to standard high-barrier MAP trays, customized packaging projects can be discussed for customers with suitable order volumes.
Custom options may include tray length, width, depth, capacity, flange dimensions, compartment design, color, wall thickness, barrier structure and sealing surface.
For custom development, providing your current tray sample, CAD drawing, technical drawing or detailed dimensions can significantly improve the accuracy of technical evaluation and quotation.
Food Contact and Regulatory Requirements
Food-contact requirements vary by destination market, tray structure, resin formulation and intended conditions of use. Buyers should therefore confirm the exact regulatory requirements for the destination country before finalizing a packaging specification.
If your project requires documentation relating to FDA food-contact requirements, EU food-contact regulations or other market-specific standards, provide the destination market and intended food-contact conditions when requesting a quotation so the documentation available for the specific product can be confirmed.
Are MAP Trays Recyclable?
Recyclability depends on the tray's exact material structure and the recycling infrastructure available in the destination market. PP-dominant packaging may be accepted in certain polypropylene recycling streams, while multilayer barrier structures can require additional evaluation.
Buyers making recyclability claims should verify the complete tray structure and applicable local collection, sorting and recycling requirements rather than assuming that every multilayer MAP tray will be recycled in the same way.
Why Choose HSQY as Your MAP Tray Supplier?
HSQY provides a broad range of high-barrier PP tray models covering multiple dimensions, depths, colors and compartment configurations for B2B food packaging customers.
More importantly, HSQY can support the broader packaging system. Buyers can discuss MAP trays, PP/EVOH structures, high-barrier lidding films and MAP tray-sealing equipment within the same product portfolio instead of sourcing each packaging component independently.
For new projects, our team can review your existing tray, dimensions, food application, packaging machine and lidding-film requirements before recommending a standard model or discussing a customized solution.
MAP Tray FAQ
What does MAP mean in food packaging?
MAP means Modified Atmosphere Packaging. It is a packaging method in which the normal atmosphere inside a sealed package is modified using selected food-grade gases to help maintain food quality and extend the usable storage period under controlled conditions.
What is a high barrier MAP tray?
A high barrier MAP tray is designed to reduce gas transmission through the tray wall. Multilayer PP trays containing an EVOH barrier layer are commonly used when improved oxygen-barrier performance is required.
Why is EVOH used in MAP trays?
EVOH is used because of its strong oxygen-barrier properties. In a multilayer MAP tray, EVOH is normally protected between other polymer layers while providing the gas-barrier function required by the package.
What foods can be packed in MAP trays?
MAP trays are commonly used for fresh beef, pork, poultry, fish, seafood, sausages, processed meats, cheese, ready meals and other chilled foods. The package structure and gas mixture must be selected for the specific food.
Which gases are used in MAP trays?
Carbon dioxide, nitrogen and oxygen are commonly used in modified atmosphere packaging. The proportions vary according to food type, microbiological risks, oxidation sensitivity, desired appearance and storage conditions.
What is the best gas ratio for MAP packaging?
There is no single gas ratio that is best for all foods. Red meat, poultry, seafood, cheese, prepared foods and fresh produce can require very different atmospheres. The gas mixture should be selected and validated for the specific food product and packaging process.
What lidding film should I use for a MAP tray?
The film should provide the required gas barrier and seal securely to the tray's sealing surface. Depending on the application, buyers may also require anti-fog, easy-peel, lock-seal, puncture resistance or printed film.
Can MAP trays be used on automatic tray sealing machines?
Yes. Suitable MAP trays can be used with automatic tray sealers and gas-flush packaging lines. Tray dimensions, flange geometry, nesting design and machine tooling must be compatible with the packaging equipment.
Can MAP trays be used for frozen foods?
Some PP tray structures can be suitable for frozen storage, but freezer performance should be confirmed for the exact material formulation and tray model. Low-temperature impact resistance should be validated under the intended storage and distribution conditions.
Are MAP trays microwave safe?
Certain PP-based trays can be suitable for microwave reheating, but microwave suitability should not be assumed for every MAP tray. The material structure, food load, microwave power, heating time and lidding system must be considered.
What is the difference between MAP and vacuum packaging?
Vacuum packaging removes most of the air from the package. MAP replaces or modifies the atmosphere around the food using a selected gas composition. MAP packages therefore normally retain controlled headspace around the food.
What is the difference between MAP trays and VSP trays?
MAP packages maintain food in a selected gas atmosphere, while Vacuum Skin Packaging uses a specialized film that closely conforms to the food and tray with minimal free headspace. The best system depends on product type, presentation, shelf-life target and packaging equipment.
Can HSQY customize MAP tray sizes?
Yes. Custom sizes, depths, colors, compartment configurations, material structures and flange designs can be discussed according to order quantity, tooling requirements and packaging application.
How do I choose a MAP tray for my existing sealing machine?
Provide your current tray dimensions, tray drawing or sample together with the tray-sealer brand, model and tooling information. Also provide the existing lidding-film specification where possible so tray and film compatibility can be evaluated together.
How can I request MAP tray samples and a quotation?
Send HSQY your food type, tray dimensions, product weight, estimated order quantity, required color, storage conditions, sealing machine information and target market. If you already use MAP packaging, also provide your current tray and lidding-film specifications.
Request a Quote for High Barrier MAP Trays
Looking for a reliable MAP tray manufacturer, high barrier PP tray supplier or complete MAP packaging solution? HSQY can help you evaluate standard trays, custom dimensions, PP/EVOH barrier structures, compatible lidding films and tray-sealing requirements for your food packaging project.
Send us your current tray specifications or packaging requirements to receive product recommendations, samples and quotation information.
