Oxygen absorbers prove beneficial for confectionery packaging
by Oxygen Absorber Manufacture Oxygen Absorber | INDIAWhat are Oxygen Absorbers?
Oxygen absorbers, also known as oxygen scavengers, are a type of desiccant, which are used to reduce the amount of oxygen present in a packed product. When products are packed for sale/transportation purposes, these oxygen absorbers go with them to ensure that when the package is opened, the product is still fresh. However, the main purpose of using oxygen absorbers is to safeguard the product. Reducing the amount of oxygen in the packet also goes a long way in extending the shelf life of the commodity.
Functioning of Oxygen Absorbers
The working of an oxygen absorber is based on a chemical
reaction. The oxygen scavenger consists of an iron powder, which combines with
the oxygen present in the package to turn into rust. When all the iron powder
is converted into rust, it is an indication that the absorption is complete.
The oxygen absorbers will stop the absorption process. The next step is
removing all the oxygen from the “fully loaded” absorber. After this, the oxygen absorber is brought in
contact with air and the reaction takes place once again until all the iron
powder is exhausted.
The working of the oxygen absorber depends on many factors like the product it is being packed with, the water activity of the said product among others.
Main Users of Oxygen Absorbers
Oxygen
absorbers are mainly used in the pharmaceutical, medical and food industries.
In the medical field, it is used to keep medical diagnostic units and devices
fresh. Shifting focus to the food industry, this desiccant is placed with foods
prone to getting rancid like nuts and snacks, whole fat dry foods, flour and
grain items, processed, smoked and cured meats, cheeses and dairy products,
spices and seasonings.
The
desiccant also preserves other food items like fresh and precooked pasta and
noodles, breads, cookies, cakes and pastries, candies and confectioneries, tea
and coffee, dried fruits and vegetables. While placing an oxygen absorber with
any product, one must ensure that it should always be low in moisture and oil.
If the moisture content is not low, then the use of oxygen desiccant can lead
to food poisoning.
Talking
specifically about confectionery industry, experiments have shown that
chocolates, which are packed along with oxygen absorbers inside a barrier
packing material, exhibit more taste, softness and aroma. This is in comparison
to chocolates packaged using other methods. Thus we can safely say that oxygen
absorbers are the best packaging companion for confectioneries.
Sponsor Ads
Created on Dec 31st 1969 18:00. Viewed 0 times.