Application Of Oxygen Scavengers In Food Packaging

by Cilicant In Cilicant

A packaging structure or method that responds to changes in its surroundings is known as active packaging. Controlling O2 degradation reactions in food items is critical for ensuring the safety and stability of our food supply - from harvest to consumption. Improvements in processing help, but the deleterious effects of oxygen can be mitigated by using active packaging and, specifically, Oxygen scavenger. Sachets, extruded scavenging films, scavenging bottle closures, and enzymatic Oxygen scavengers in food packaging are examples of new, emerging oxygen scavenging technologies that have improved the safety and quality of our food supply.

Though oxygen is essential for life, it may be an enemy when it comes to food shelf life, quality, and, in certain situations, safety. The element oxygen is required for the biological functions of respiration and photosynthesis in plants and animals. In meals, however, it induces degradative oxidation processes, which result in off-flavors, smells, and potentially hazardous chemicals.

Importance of Oxygen Management

Numerous studies have been undertaken to aid in the development of packaging and techniques that increase the shelf life of foods vulnerable to oxidation reactions while also preventing the formation of hazardous substances as a result of chemical reactions or microbial proliferation. Fresh vegetables and meat items, for example, have high water activity (aw) and the propensity to foster microbial development, therefore oxygen management is very important.

The use of "active packaging" is one of the most successful methods of oxygen control in packaging and packaging process applications. Packaging and packaging systems that respond to changes in the environment are referred to as active packaging.

"Oxygen scavengers" is a term used to describe a type of active packaging. Packing sheets or devices that chemically react with oxygen to remove it from the packaging environment are known as oxygen scavengers. As a result, the product is protected against degradative oxidation reactions. Sachets, films, and enzymes are all examples of products used as Oxygen scavengers in food packaging and act in different ways. The operation of these products is only clear to experts in this particular industry.

Conclusion

Oxygen scavenging sachets are small packets that are placed inside food packages to absorb oxygen. Despite their popularity in Asia, they were not initially accepted in the United States as Oxygen scavengers in food packaging. Things are however changing slowly and the United States and many other countries are now accepting it.