Innovating packaging solutions: analyzing oxygen permeation in packaging film

Using the ambient oxygen ingress rate (AOIR) method, you can measure the permeability of oxygen through films in finished packaging.

We spoke to the inventor of the AOIR method about her work, now incorporated into patented PermMate inspection technology supplied by Systech, our permeation testing specialist brand.

This oxygen permeation test has a huge range of applications in products and packaging. You might need packages that are breathable, or you might be looking for a completely sterile package that keeps everything out. Permeation testing can help.

There are many international testing standards that have been developed with oxygen permeation in mind. These include ASTM D3985 and ASTM F1927 from the ASTM global standards body.

Oxygen permeation testing

Most oxygen permeation testing techniques measure the oxygen transmission rate of a film before it’s incorporated into a package, but this technique doesn’t account for real world scenarios.

It’s better to test a film in a completed package and at a range of temperatures, to simulate the kind of problems that may be encountered once a piece of packaging is out in the world. Get more information in our guide to oxygen permeation.

The rate at which oxygen passes through a packaging film is a key factor for food products. They’re packaged under a modified atmosphere designed to exclude oxygen and inhibit the growth of microorganisms, thereby prolonging the shelf life of the product.

Most existing techniques measure the oxygen permeability of the film before it has been incorporated into the package – where the process of heating, stretching and forming can affect the film’s properties.

AOIR method inventor Dr Hanne Larsen explains

Dr Hanne Larsen, AOIR method inventor, a scientist at the Norwegian research institute Nofima, explains that oxygen permeability of packaging film is conventionally measured on a flat film at a defined temperature – usually 23ºC.

“It’s an established method and is very good for comparing film A with film B and film C, and for providing data under standard conditions. However, when a food product is packaged, the film does not remain flat and uniform – it is heated and stretched, so some parts will be thinner than others. My idea was that it would be much more useful to measure oxygen permeability of the finished packaging.”

Because the technique can be used on the finished article, it can carry out permeability testing under the conditions in which the product is stored – at any temperature, rather than a single standard temperature.

“The system allows the packaging to be optimized, for the processor to get much closer to what is actually needed,” says Larsen. One key consequence of this is to eliminate the issue of over-specifying a packaging material by using a thicker film than is needed. This cuts costs for the producer and reduces waste for the consumer.

“The method also allows potential weaknesses in the package to be discovered,” Larsen adds: “For example leaks at sealing points. The process can then be modified to provide better packaging, improving shelf life and reducing spoilage. Overall, the method allows the producer to optimize, simplify and redesign, all of which reduce costs and cut down on waste.”

Introducing the PermMate gas permeation testing device

The AOIR method has been incorporated into a patented gas permeation test technology called PermMate supplied by Systech, our permeation and headspace gas analysis brand. Using devices like the Systech 8700 & 8701 OxySense® Oxygen Permeability Analyser you’ll be able to test packages under different test conditions at any temperature and humidity.

Our permeation testing – the best thing since sliced bread

Our permeation testing technology quickly reduced costs and waste for a bread manufacturer. The company had a problem with the ingress of oxygen into the packaging. They decided to go for a thicker packaging film, from 180 micrometers to 240 micrometers, assuming this would solve the problem.

They tested both sets of packaging with our technology and found that the difference in oxygen ingress between the two films was so little, it wasn’t worth switching. The extra packaging material had a cost implication and would lead to increased waste once discarded by the consumer. Without our permeation testing device, they could only rely on intuition, which wasn’t enough to address the problem.

Permeation testing standards

We design test and measurement devices to meet the testing requirements of some of the most stringent gas permeation testing standards, including:

• ASTM D3985 is a global ASTM international standard method for measuring oxygen transmission rates through plastic films and sheeting by using a coulometric sensor.
• ASTM F1927 is a global ASTM test method that enables you to determine the oxygen gas transmission, permeability, and permeance rate of barrier materials using a coulometric detector.

Experts in moisture, gas and, oxygen analysis

We’ve learned a thing or two about gas permeation testing over the decades. Industrial Physics is recognized as a brand that likes to bring new, innovative oxygen testers to the market.

We’re always pleased to share the knowledge we’ve gained while working within permeation testing. Across the knowledgebase section of our website, you’ll find lots of blogs about everything from dissolved oxygen testing to oxygen headspace testing.

You could start with this blog on permeation testing and the barriers – what can be measured…and why? Then you could check out .

Take some time to browse our full permeation testing range and then get in touch with any questions.

Contact us – Industrial Physics