Three steps are necessary in order to develop an (equilibrium) MA package:

(1) the interaction between product and modified atmosphere has to be studied,
(2) the properties of the package and packaging material have to be optimised, and
(3) the performance of the packaging concept has to be tested and optimised under chain realistic conditions.

Interaction modified atmosphere - product
Products can be packed under various gas mixtures and stored under chain realistic conditions. The sensorial and microbial quality of these packed products can then be evaluated in order to find an optimal and robust modified atmosphere. The respiration rates of fruits and vegetables and the interaction between MA and respiring products can be determined in a controlled atmosphere flow-through system (60 units).

Performance of package and packaging material
Barrier properties of packaging materials and package designs are essential for (equilibrium) MA packages. O₂, CO₂, N₂, and water vapour permeability of various packaging materials (e.g. polymer films, micro-perforated films, (coated) paper and board) can be determined under a wide range of environmental conditions (T and RH). The permeation measurements can be extended from the materials level to the packaging design level.

Performance of the packaging concept under realistic conditions
The knowledge of product characteristics and packaging properties is necessary for finding an optimal packaging solution. The matching of packaging material and product can be supported by a simulation program for equilibrium MA packages developed by EC-Pack. The performance and added value of the developed packaging concept is then determined by packaging trials. The trials can be carried out under environmental conditions (T, RH, light exposure and mechanical vibrations) which are typical for the distribution chain. An ILPRA gas packer and an Omori flow packer can be used for packing products for packaging trials.