The use of modified atmospheres to replace air in food packages is applicable to many types of food. Controlling food spoilage is complex and more than one gas may be appropriate for the same application. However, specific packaging conditions and shelf life extension requirements play a role in determining which one is most suitable for a given application. Linde's Extendapak® gases are used by food processors and packagers to extend the shelf life of their products.

These gases include pure nitrogen, carbon dioxide and oxygen or a mixture of these products and function to displace unwanted atmospheric gases when used in a Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) process. MAP represents only one aspect of what a food processor can use to ensure that high quality and safe food reaches the marketplace and, ultimately, the consumer.

Most importantly, MAP does not eliminate or reduce the processor’s responsibility for food manufacturing practices. In fact, the opposite is true. MAP is only appropriate for plants producing the cleanest of products. No gas combination in the package will ever reverse a food's poor microbial condition. At its best, MAP will only extend the keeping quality of a food. Linde has also developed other gas technologies for food applications.