What are Oxygen Absorbers?
Designed primarily to prolong the shelf life of food, oxygen absorbers (or oxygen scavengers) prevent the change of color in food products, stop oils in foods from becoming rancid, and prevent the growth of oxygen-dependent aerobic microorganisms such as fungi and bacteria.
Oxygen supports the growth of microorganisms and can cause color changes and rancid odors in packaged foods. Some kinds of plastic packaging do not have a sufficient foil barrier to exclude oxygen from packaged foods. Oxygen scavengers effectively reduce the aerobic environment to 0% oxygen, thereby preventing the growth of bacteria and fungi and extending the shelf life of a food product drastically. Some products can be vacuum sealed to remove oxygen, but products that are of high value or fragile can be crushed or squeezed in the vacuum process, so oxygen-absorbing sachets are preferred, and are simpler to use.
High quality packaging sealed with reliable equipment is crucial for the effectiveness of the oxygen absorber. A minor packaging fault or leak can render the StayFresh® packets useless and cause the contents to spoil. Protective flexible packaging requires a high barrier package with a low oxygen transmission rate, such as our Mylar® bags, sealed with dependable sealing machines.
What amount of oxygen absorber should I use?
| Package Size | For fine grains (sugar, flour, etc.) | For less dense foods (pasta, popcorn, etc.) |
| 6" x 6" | 20cc | 50cc |
| 8" x 8" | 50cc | 100cc |
| 10" x 14" | 100cc | 200cc |
| 10" x 16" | 150cc | 300cc |
| 16" x 18" | 500cc | 1000cc |
| 18" x 28" | 750cc | 1500cc |
| 20" x 24" | 750cc | 1500cc |
| 20" x 30" | 1000cc | 2000cc |
StayFresh® Oxygen Absorber Packets
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Benefits
- - Extends shelf life
- - Prevents growth of aerobic pathogens and spoilage organisms, including molds
- - Eliminates the need for additives such as BHA, BHT, sulfur dioxide, sorbates, benzoates, etc.
- - Use with gas flushing / vacuum packaging to absorb virtually all oxygen and absorb any oxygen that may permeate the package
- - Significantly improves keeping qualities of polyunsaturated fats and oils
- - Helps retain fresh-roasted flavor of coffee and nuts
- - Prevents oxidation of spice oleoresins present in spices themselves and in seasoned foods
- - Prevents oxidation of vitamins A, C and E
- - Extends life of pharmaceuticals
- - Inhibits mold in natural cheeses and other fermented dairy products
- - Delays non-enzymatic browning of fruits and some vegetables
- - Inhibits oxidation and condensation of red pigment of most berries and sauces
Typical Applications
- - Breads, cookies, cakes, pastries
- - Nuts and snacks
- - Candies and confections
- - Coffee and tea
- - Whole fat dry foods
- - Processed, smoked, and cured meats, cheeses, and dairy products
- - Dried fruits and vegetables
- - Spices and seasonings
- - Flour and grain items
- - Fresh and precooked pasta and noodles
- - Pharmaceuticals and vitamins
- - Medical diagnostic kits and devices
- - Birdseed and pet food
- - Artwork preservation
Interested in Learning More?
IMPAK produces custom printed pouches and packaging with an emphasis on materials with distinctive barrier properties to protect products from the adverse effects of moisture, oxygen, light and more. Learn about our unique custom capabilities.
High barrier bags are used to preserve and protect products. When paired with an oxygen absorber or desiccant, products enjoy even greater shelf-life and stability. However, selecting the appropriate package is not always as straight forward as it seems.
Not every Industrial Vacuum Sealer applies to every application. There are different models and types of Vacuum Sealers available, and each one of those sealers has different features that can affect the way a production line works.