--- title: What can cause Modified Atmospheres to change? description: Every Modified Atmosphere Packaging needs a barrier keeping the created atmosphere in and intact, and keeping any external influences out. image: https://blog.masterpackgroup.com/hubfs/blog.jpg --- [![Masterpack](https://blog.masterpackgroup.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/MasterpackGroup_July2021/images/logo-masterpack.svg "Masterpack")](https://blog.masterpackgroup.com/) [![Request for quotation](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4703186/ac58b185-aecd-4a41-aa81-a5b3212ac3fa.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4703186/ac58b185-aecd-4a41-aa81-a5b3212ac3fa) MENU - - Markets & Applications - [Food](http://www.masterpackgroup.com/markets-and-applications/food) - [Pharma](http://www.masterpackgroup.com/markets-and-applications/pharma) - [Chemical](http://www.masterpackgroup.com/markets-and-applications/chemical) - [Mining](http://www.masterpackgroup.com/markets-and-applications/mining) - - Packaging Solutions - [High-end FIBCs](http://www.masterpackgroup.com/packaging-solutions/high-end-fibcs) - [Liners](http://www.masterpackgroup.com/packaging-solutions/liners) - [Modified Atmosphere Packaging](https://info.masterpackgroup.com/modified-atmosphere-packaging-solutions) - - About Us - [Standards](http://www.masterpackgroup.com/about-us/standards) - [Production Facilities](http://www.masterpackgroup.com/about-us/production-facilities) - [Our Team](http://www.masterpackgroup.com/about-us/our-team) - [Sustainability](https://info.masterpackgroup.com/sustainability-with-masterpack-group) - [Downloads](http://www.masterpackgroup.com/downloads) - [Policies](http://www.masterpackgroup.com/downloads-policies) - [Blogs](https://blog.masterpackgroup.com/) - [Vacancies](http://www.masterpackgroup.com/vacancies) - [Contact](http://www.masterpackgroup.com/contact/) [![Request for quotation](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4703186/ac58b185-aecd-4a41-aa81-a5b3212ac3fa.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4703186/ac58b185-aecd-4a41-aa81-a5b3212ac3fa) [Back to homepage](https://blog.masterpackgroup.com/) [Partner Portal](https://help.masterpackgroup.com/knowledge) # What can cause Modified Atmospheres to change? Posted on 19 February 2021 Every Modified Atmosphere Packaging needs a barrier keeping the created atmosphere in and intact, and keeping any external influences out — not just air, but also pests. The packaging material you work with should be a good barrier for carbon dioxide both ways. Let’s dive into the importance of picking the right material for your MAP.  ## What causes the Modified Atmosphere to change? ### The product  Some products hold gases themselves, and some don’t — or very little. Just think about the difference between powders and a product like corn. For instance, corn also has oxygen in the product itself. Over time this will slightly change the oxygen levels inside the packaging, as we discussed in [this blog](https://blog.masterpackgroup.com/how-modified-atmosphere-works-on-different-food-groups). ### Gas permeation In an earlier [blog](https://blog.masterpackgroup.com/the-importance-of-permeability-in-modified-atmosphere-packaging), we explained why the permeability of packaging material is key in choosing the right packaging for Modified Atmosphere. Permeability is the rate at which gases can pass through a material. Naturally, you will want a material that blocks the passing of gases as much as possible, so the Modified Atmosphere will remain stable for the longest possible period of time. ### Leakages With a hole in the packaging, no matter how small, the Modified Atmosphere will inevitably change. Oxygen enters and rapidly changes the gas content. A hole the size of half the diameter of a human hair will allow oxygen to enter the package. From this, it takes only 70 hours for oxygen levels to rise from 0.1% to 10%, meaning a long weekend can have far-reaching consequences. Read more about how we manage [leak prevention](https://blog.masterpackgroup.com/small-leak-big-problems-keeping-your-map-safe-with-masterpack?hsLang=en) here.  When a leakage happens, there’s also a higher risk of pests entering the packaging. To prevent the bags from ripping, we recommend a safe handling of FIBCs and not [reusing bags](https://blog.masterpackgroup.com/safely-recycling-and-reusing-fibcs) that are not meant for that. ## What are our liners and FIBCs made from? To ensure that your product and the created Modified Atmosphere are protected, we work with the best materials.  [Liners](https://www.masterpackgroup.com/packaging-solutions/liners/) don't just protect against oxygen, but also against moisture and contamination. Some Big Bags come with [built-in liners or are coated](https://blog.masterpackgroup.com/fibc-with-a-liner-or-coating-whats-best-for-your-big-bag?utm_campaign=FIBC&utm_content=116943795&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&hss_channel=fbp-1816825581918307). You can find out more about the materials and techniques we use for our FIBCs here.  ## Let’s solve your packaging challenges Our solutions are never one-size-fits-all, and we perform thorough tests in our R&D center. Want to find out what materials are right for your products? Get in touch with our experts. ### Want to work towards sustainable supply chain management? At Masterpack, we are continuously working towards better ways to pack and protect products. We proudly present our newest solution: Modified Atmosphere for FIBC’s. Download our latest whitepapers: [Testing and improving your packaging (1,6MB)](https://info.masterpackgroup.com/testing-and-improving-your-packaging) [Modified Atmosphere in FIBC's (6,4MB)](https://info.masterpackgroup.com/modified-atmosphere-in-fibcs) [Pest prevention and control in bulk packaging (2,8MB)](https://info.masterpackgroup.com/pest-prevention-and-control-in-bulk-packaging) [The Modified Atmosphere Packaging Process Whitepaper](https://info.masterpackgroup.com/the-modified-atmosphere-packaging-process-whitepaper) ### Subscribe Here! 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