Oxygen barrier system wins IFT Science Award

The barrier technology focuses on an iron-based oxygen scavenging system that can be incorporated into packing polymers for moulded, sheeted, thermoformed or film applications. The result is longer shelf-life for food and drinks and better quality retention, claims the company. Permeating Oxygen ​ Branded as FreshBlend, the resin-bonded oxygen scavenging system is highly reactive to permeating oxygen and is compatible with passive nano particle additives. The benefits are simpler and/or thinner packaging structures with better barrier properties, said the award judges. Thinner mono-layer packaging also cuts costs compared with multi-layer structures and is easier to recycle and carries a significantly lower carbon foot-print than conventional systems, added the company. Packaging format ​ The FreshBlend system can be customized to the needs of individual products depending on packaging format and product preservation requirement. IFT award judges said: "The oxygen-scavenging system impregnated into the packaging film is an enhancement over current oxygen control systems. The ability to absorb in-situ as well as permeating oxygen would have many benefits in food and beverage products." ​ Last month, Multisorb launched a new sorbent solution to inhibit oxidative ad moisture-mediated degradation. FreshPax S is said to extend shelf life and maintain food product characteristics such as flavour, aroma and texture. The product can be pre-loaded with moisture to sustain a relative humidity level inside a package within five per cent of a targeted equilibrium given known moisture ingress and egress rates. According to the company, the technology is particularly effective for prepared foods comprised of dough or incorporating a filling where moisture levels must be strictly regulated such as refrigerated pizza and sandwiches. ​Multisorb Technologies was one of three food processing and packaging companies to win an IFT science award.