Norner barrier calculator knows no bounds
Norner research institute originally developed an OTR calculator based on a calibrated simulation model to estimate the oxygen transmission rate of plastics packaging material like polypropylene (PP), PET and Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol (EVOH).
Since then, the device has become an important tool for anyone working within the food packaging and packaging development industry to learn more about the barrier performance of different materials, multilayer structures, layer thicknesses and dimensional design.
Tripled the number of users
After much success, the company decided to add a WVTR function and it has tripled the number of users accessing its site to more than 400 people a week.
Ole Han Myhre, marketing manager, Norner told FoodProductionDaily.com it has received positive feedback from dozens of clients including Johnson&Johnson, EVAL Europe and Mocon.
”The web based calculator is very beneficial to my packaging work,” said Lucia Liu at Johnson & Johnson. While Didier Houssier at EVAL Europe said he has already forwarded the online tool to clients who have been demanding such application for many years.
Calculations can be made for flexible and rigid packaging such as films, laminates, round or square cups and bottles by entering the geometry dimensions together with the wall thickness and layer structure.
No need to register online
Barrier properties of co-injection multilayer and in-mould-labeling can also be studied and evaluated.
“The reason for its success,” said Myhre “is the user has the flexibility to specify a number of layers, their thickness and the polymer in each and vary environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity and oxygen concentration.
“It can perform a quick investigation of “fit for purpose” on any given package and there is no need to register or pay for the results.”
He added during packaging development professionals have to look at various aspects of their package specification including weight, size, cost, aesthetic and functional performance.
OTR/WVTR and the expected shelf life for perishable products such as food is one of the critical performance parameters.
The combination of geometrical options, permeability properties and environmental conditions of the calculator provide a useful tool when working with the design, development and application of plastic packaging.
The calculator can be used to simulate OTR/WVTR for a range of conditions gaining insight on O2/H2O concentrations inside a package.
To use the calculator click here.
