Vacuum vs MAP vs Skin Packaging
Three technologies that protect food by eliminating oxygen — but with very different mechanisms, costs and results. This guide helps you choose the right one for your product and line.
Vacuum
Removes air by drawing film onto product. Mature, economical, reliable technology for high volumes. Film compressed onto product.
Ideal for:
Cured meats, cheese, fish, whole cuts
EMA vacuum machines →MAP
Replaces air with a calibrated gas mixture. Maintains pack volume. Ideal for fragile products or those needing oxygen.
Ideal for:
Fresh pasta, bakery, display red meat, fresh-cut
EMA MAP technology →Skin (VSP)
Heated film that adheres like a second skin. Maximum shelf life, premium appearance, zero visible water. Higher material cost.
Ideal for:
Premium steaks, fish fillets, soft cheese, premium retail
EMA skin packaging →Feature comparison
| Feature | Vacuum | MAP | Skin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shelf life carne fresca | |||
| Shelf life massa/padaria/IV gama | |||
| Aspeto premium a retalho | |||
| Produto não comprimido | |||
| Adequado a produtos frágeis | |||
| Custo de filme por embalagem | |||
| Simplicidade de processo | |||
| Sem conservantes químicos | |||
| Compatível com termoformadora | |||
| Compatível com seladora tabuleiros | |||
| Adequado a produtos com osso | |||
| Retail-ready sem re-embalagem |
Cost and shelf life comparison
| Vacuum | MAP | Skin | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Filme/embalagem | € 0,03–0,08 | € 0,05–0,12 | € 0,10–0,25 |
| Gás/embalagem | — | € 0,02–0,05 | — |
| Shelf life carne | 21–28 dias | 8–12 dias (O₂) | 35–42 dias |
| Shelf life charcutaria | 30–60 dias | 30–60 dias | 30–50 dias |
| Shelf life peixe | 8–12 dias | 8–14 dias | 12–18 dias |
| Shelf life massa fresca | 5–10 dias | 30–60 dias | N/A |
Indicative values. Shelf life depends on product, initial microbiological quality and cold chain.
Unsure which technology to choose?
Tell us your product, target shelf life and daily volume: within 24 hours we'll tell you which of the three technologies is most suitable and which EMA machine we recommend.
Request technology consultationAvaliemos Juntos o Seu Processo
Contacte a equipa técnica EMA Pack para uma consulta personalizada. Analisamos o seu processo produtivo e propomos a solução mais adequada.