Hefestus Ltd., Israel, will exhibit an innovative new concept for packaging with modified atmosphere (MAP technology) at Interpack 2008.

This new worldwide patented method of sealing trays with modified atmosphere (MAP technology) SLB. - Shelf Life Booster, is the best alternative for the vacuum packaging that was traditionally used in the food industry. It extends product shelf life without using synthetic preservatives or freezing, thus enabling storage and delivery of food products either at room temperature or chilled.

Traditionally, food processors use vacuum packages for their products, even though many food products such as processed meat, fish and ready meals tend to change their texture and appearance in vacuum, which causes the consumers to prefer fresh products instead.

- The ready meals trend fits the hectic life style of the Western consumer. Consumers seek foods that look and feel fresh and now we can help food manufacturers achieve this target easily - explains Oded Shtemer, CEO of Hefestus. - We anticipate a dramatic increase in demand for our Shelf Life Booster equipment during 2008-2009.

Hefestus's unique solution combines advantages for the food processors as well as for the consumers. It keeps the food product fresh, tasty and prevents rancidity. Hefestus' sealing machines provide the lowest oxygen levels of 0.5%, or less, for extended shelf life and are easy to operate and maintain.

Hefestus is a developer and manufacturer of top sealing packaging machines. Hefestus specializes in supplying unique and complete packaging solutions for the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. It provides a wide variety of standard and custom-made machines, from manual to fully automatic lines, to meet the sophisticated packaging requirements of the processors and of the consumers alike.