Oxygen absorbers

ECP’s patented range of oxygen absorbers are designed to absorb the Oxygen not only around the foodstuff but also any dissolved Oxygen in the food stuff. Removale of Oxygen will protect packaged foods or any products against mould growth, insect growth and rancidity, loss of nutritive values, colour change and loss of flavour due to oxidation. The range includes sachet and label form. The presence of an O-Buster or 504 sachets irreversibly absorbs oxygen levels inside sealed packaging, reducing these to less than 0.01% and will maintain these level against the ingress of Oxygen through the barrier film.

O-Buster & 504 sachet packets have several distinct advantages for your product packaging:

• Oxygen content is reduced with in a few hours
• Prevents growth of aerobic pathogens and spoilage organisms, including moulds and extends shelf life.
• Eliminates the need for using preservative such as sulfur dioxide, sorbates, BHT’s, benzoates, etc.
• Compatable with gas flushing/vacuum packaging to absorb remaining Oxygen not removed during flushing and absorb any oxygen that may permeate the package.

Examples of O-Buster & 504 sachet Benefits:

• Significantly improves keeping qualities of polyunsaturated fats and oils
• Helps retain fresh-roasted flavour of nuts
• Prevents oxidation of spice oleoresins present in spices themselves and in seasoned foods
• Prevents oxidation of vitamins A, C and E and extends life of nutriceuticals
• Inhibits mould in natural cheeses and other fermented dairy products
• Inhibits oxidation and condensation of red pigment of many berries and sauces

Typical applications include:

• Breads, bicuits, cakes, pastries
• Nuts and snacks
• Beef Jerky and Biltong
• Lamb, Beef, Pork and chicken
• Confectioneries
• Herbal tea
• Whole fat dry foods
• Processed, smoked and cured meats and fish
• Cheeses and dairy products
• Pharmaceutical’s and vitamins
• Dried fruits and vegetables
• Spices and seasonings
• Flour and grain items
• Fresh and pre-cooked pasta
• Medical diagnostic kits and devices
• Pet food
• Museum and Artwork preservation
• Bio Certified and organic products
  

O-Buster & 504 Oxygen Absorbers vs. Ordinary Technologies

O-Buster & 504 sachet has been found to be effective when used with many kinds of packaging materials including EVOH and PVDC. Some important considerations to keep in mind regarding certain types of packaging include:

• Adequate barrier should be used - Plastic film must be checked for its oxygen permeability.
• Hermetic seals are essential - Non-hermetic seals reduce shelf life by using up oxygen absorber capacity prematurely.
• Package geometry - The package must be designed so as to allow free circulation of air around the product.

Oxygen absorbing sachets can be used either alone or in conjunction with vacuuming and gas flushing.

• Initial gas flushing can be carried out to reduce residual levels down to 2 to 5% with the inclusion of an Oxygen absorbing sachet to remove remaining residual oxygen and to maintain levels (at 0.01%) by absorbing any Oxygen ingress through the film. Bootle necks are thus avoided at the vacuuming point and smaller less expensive equipment can be utilised more thoroughly. Less Nitrogen is required.
• Typically combined were Oxygen levels are required to be reduced quickly.
• Were packed product is to be chilled soon after packing.
• In combination with on-site Nitrogen generation systems were costs of gas production are substantially less than those from bottled gas supply.