Custom Leno Mesh Bags for Vegetables & Fruits | Factory Direct

The performance of a vegetables bag in controlled atmosphere storage (CAS) and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) environments is a specialized field that requires precise engineering. While traditional ventilated bags are suited for ambient storage, certain vegetables benefit from a carefully altered gas composition around them to drastically slow down metabolism and extend shelf life. In controlled atmosphere storage warehouses, the entire storage room's atmosphere is regulated, with reduced oxygen and elevated carbon dioxide levels. The role of the vegetables bag in this context is often to be permeable enough to not hinder the exchange of gases between the room's atmosphere and the produce inside the bag. A bag that is too sealed would create its own microclimate, defeating the purpose of the CAS. Therefore, a specially designed breathable vegetables bag is used to ensure the controlled atmosphere can effectively reach every piece of produce. Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), on the other hand, often involves a sealed vegetables bag where the atmosphere inside the bag is actively changed at the time of packaging. This is common for fresh-cut salads or mixed vegetables. Here, the vegetables bag is a barrier film, often a multi-layer laminate, with specific gas transmission rates. The film is engineered to allow just enough oxygen to enter to prevent anaerobic respiration, while the respiring produce consumes O2 and produces CO2, creating a self-sustaining equilibrium that prolongs freshness. The design of a MAP vegetables bag is a delicate balance. If the film is too impermeable, the O2 level drops too low, causing fermentation and off-flavors. If it is too permeable, the modified atmosphere is lost quickly, and the shelf-life extension is minimal. The choice of film and its permeability is tailored to the respiration rate of the specific vegetable mix inside. Another technology is the use of active packaging components within the vegetables bag. This includes ethylene absorbers (sachets or strips integrated into the bag) that remove the ripening hormone, or moisture absorbers (pads) to control condensation, which is a common problem in MAP and leads to microbial growth. The vegetables bag is thus transformed from a passive container into an active preservation system. Producing such technical vegetables bags requires advanced co-extrusion capabilities and a deep understanding of food science. We have the expertise and technology to develop MAP and CAS-compatible vegetables bag solutions for clients who require the maximum possible shelf life for their high-value produce. These solutions are custom-developed based on the product, fill weight, and expected storage temperature. For a technical consultation on modified atmosphere vegetables bags, please contact our research and development department.