Producers Are Switching to On-Site Gas Systems
In the modern food industry, shelf life, freshness, and product safety are critical factors that directly influence brand competitiveness. As a result, more food manufacturers are turning to on-site nitrogen generation systems to optimize packaging processes and reduce operational risks.
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of nitrogen in food packaging, common use cases, and why HOLANG nitrogen generators are rapidly becoming the preferred solution in the sector.
Oxygen is a primary cause of food degradation. When exposed to air, many products undergo oxidation, bacterial growth, flavor loss, and spoilage. Using high-purity nitrogen (typically 99.9% to 99.999%) in packaging can:
● Displace oxygen and moisture
● Prevent oxidation and rancidity
● Inhibit microbial growth
● Preserve texture, flavor, and color
● Extend product shelf life by 2–5 times
Product CategoryPackaging TechniqueNitrogen BenefitSnack FoodsNitrogen flushingPrevent breakage and oxidationFresh Meats & SeafoodMAP (Modified Atmosphere Packaging)Inhibit bacteria and extend freshnessCoffee, Tea, SpicesNitrogen purgingMaintain aroma and prevent moisture absorptionBaked GoodsNitrogen backfillingDelay mold growth and preserve softness
Many factories still rely on liquid nitrogen or gas cylinders, which pose several issues:
● High Cost: Recurring rental, transport, and refill charges
● Safety Risks: Pressurized cylinders are hazardous in confined spaces
● Unstable Supply: Regional shortages or logistic disruptions
● Environmental Burden: Cylinder production and transport leave a larger carbon footprint
One of the key advantages of installing a nitrogen generator on-site is the dramatic reduction in gas supply costs. Below is a comparison of nitrogen cost per Nm³ using different supply methods:
Figure: On-site nitrogen generation offers the lowest cost per Nm³, ideal for high-consumption packaging lines.
As seen above, on-site nitrogen generators can reduce cost per Nm³ by over 60% compared to bottled or liquid nitrogen. This becomes especially critical for food factories running 24/7 production lines.
HOLANG offers industry-proven nitrogen systems tailored for food packaging, including PSA systems (NPL series) and modular containerized solutions (NitroMod).
● Customizable Capacity: From 5 Nm³/h to 100+ Nm³/h based on demand
● High Purity: Adjustable up to 99.999%
● Energy Efficient: Low operating cost, low maintenance
● Smart Control: PLC touchscreen + SCADA support
● Plug-and-Play: Full system including compressor, dryer, tank, generator, booster
Client: Leading snack food brand producing potato chips and puffed snacks
Location: Southeast Asia
Challenge: High cost from bottled nitrogen and frequent supply interruptions
Solution: HOLANG NPL40 PSA Nitrogen Generator + integrated air system
Outcome:
● 💰 35% reduction in packaging cost
● 🕒 Shelf life extended from 4 to 9 months
● 📈 Return on investment achieved in less than 12 months
This case illustrates how in-house nitrogen systems are not just a cost-saving measure but also a quality assurance investment.
With increasing ESG and sustainability requirements, on-site nitrogen generation aligns with food factories’ green transition goals:
● 🌱 Reduced CO₂ emissions compared to gas delivery
● 🏭 Full supply chain control
● 📊 Compatible with ISO9001, HACCP, and GMP audits
● 🔁 Scalable with production capacity
Nitrogen is no longer just a packaging supplement—it's a strategic asset in food manufacturing. By investing in HOLANG nitrogen generators, businesses can ensure product quality, cut recurring costs, and gain independence from volatile gas markets.
For more details, please contact us......