Collection: Oxygen Absorbers

Introduction to Oxygen Absorbers

Oxygen absorbers are a crucial component in food packaging, playing a vital role in extending the shelf life of packaged foods. By removing residual oxygen from the packaging, oxygen absorbers prevent the growth of aerobic pathogens and spoilage organisms, thereby maintaining the quality and safety of the food products. The use of oxygen absorbers has become increasingly popular in the food industry, with various types of oxygen absorbers available to cater to different packaging needs. These advancements are backed by food science, which helps in reducing synthetic preservatives in food packaging.

Oxygen Absorbers (or Oxygen Scavengers) are designed to protect & extend shelf live

Valdamark is the UK master distributor for Multisorb Oxygen Absorbers and Desiccant products.

From production to consumption, these products are trusted by the world’s biggest logos to keep their products fresh and safe for longer by effectively removing oxygen from the packaging, thereby extending the shelf life of stored products. Oxygen absorbers are also beneficial for long term food storage, helping to preserve the nutritional value and safety of food items over extended periods. Food science has played a crucial role in the development of effective oxygen absorbers, ensuring they maintain food quality and safety by reducing the need for synthetic preservatives.

When it comes to maintaining a competitive edge, our oxygen scavenger products will enhance your product and your brand. This can be jeopardized when bottom line cost is the only motivation; saving pennies and cents can add to millions in defect product and damage to your brand further down the line.

Multisorb has developed a range of superior drop in, fit in, and built in oxygen absorber to deliver the high performance, high-end solutions your products deserve.

Built around Multisorb’s active packaging approach, they are designed to help you stay ahead of rivals by substantially extending product shelf life and expediting the regulatory compliance requirements that come with products of this kind.

Oxygen Absorbers & Active Packaging Solutions

Active Packaging prevents problems before they happen

Fresh and living contents are always at risk from the silent killers of moisture and oxygen. The resulting damage results in decreased shelf life and altogether defected products. Gas flushing, along with techniques like oxygen absorbers, helps to create a low-oxygen environment in packaging, which is critical for extending the shelf life of food products and preventing spoilage due to microbial growth and rancidity. Advancements in food science have led to the development of active packaging solutions that effectively use oxygen absorbers to extend shelf life. When including our desiccant sorbents and oxygen scavengers you can rest assured that moisture and oxygen levels remain within an optimal range. Nitrogen flushing is also utilized to reduce lipid oxidation and preserve the freshness and nutritional value of nut products like walnuts and almonds over extended periods. This means a long & stable shelf life that both maintains product integrity without the waste and concern from your customer/end user.

We can help you to:

• Extend your products shelf-life through expiration loss reduction
• Lean and streamlined manufacture to reduce downtime and maximise revenue.
• Retain the flavour, nutritional content, aesthetic appeal of your products whilst keeping customers satisfied and growing sales.
• Keep food safe for human consumption whilst guarding against environmental hazards like mould growth and harmful microorganisms without releasing harmful gases.
• Decide on the most suitable oxygen absorbers for effective oxygen removal, working in collaboration with our experts in food science and packaging engineers.
• Reduce or completely eliminate artificial preserves and additives.
• Implement and integrate the package into a wider overall packaging solution. Packets, self-adhesive labels, cards and barrier film.

Maintaining Natural Ingredients

In recent years consumers have become ‘hyper aware’ of the food they buy. This change in thinking has led to many being well informed about both the safety and quality of the food that they buy. Key drivers and considerations when buying are now around taste, health and natural qualities.

They want food that uses as few (or zero) as possible chemicals, preservatives and enhancers. Consumers want products with the right credentials.

Food science has enabled the development of oxygen absorbers that help maintain natural ingredients by reducing the need for synthetic preservatives. Oxygen absorbers enhance the effectiveness of vacuum packaging by reducing the need for additional preservation methods, thus maintaining product quality and preventing spoilage.

We are highly tuned to todays modern consumer preferences. We can help you to achieve this by retaining flavour and aesthetic appeal maintaining natural integrity thorough our active packaging.

How Oxygen Absorbers Work

Oxygen absorbers work by removing oxygen from the packaging, thereby preventing the growth of aerobic pathogens and spoilage organisms. The oxygen absorption process involves the reaction of the oxygen absorber with the oxygen present in the packaging, resulting in the formation of a harmless compound. This process is typically triggered by the presence of moisture in the packaging, which activates the oxygen absorber. The oxygen absorber then continues to absorb oxygen until it is fully saturated, at which point it is replaced with a new oxygen absorber.

Types of Oxygen Absorbers

There are several types of oxygen absorbers available, each with its own unique characteristics and applications. Some common types of oxygen absorbers include:

• Ferrous carbonate-based oxygen absorbers: These are the most commonly used type of oxygen absorber and are known for their high oxygen absorption capacity.
• Non-ferrous oxygen absorbers: These oxygen absorbers are used in applications where metal detection is a concern, such as in the packaging of food products for international shipping.
• Ascorbic acid-based oxygen absorbers: These oxygen absorbers are commonly used in the packaging of food products that require a high level of oxygen absorption, such as in the packaging of nuts and seeds.

Choosing the Right Oxygen Absorber

Selecting the right oxygen absorber is crucial to ensure optimal performance and product safety. Here are some key considerations to guide your choice:

• Type of Product: Different oxygen absorbers are tailored for specific applications, whether it’s food, pharmaceuticals, or industrial products. Ensure you choose an oxygen absorber designed specifically for your product type to achieve the best results.
• Packaging Size and Type: The volume and type of packaging significantly influence the amount of oxygen absorber needed. Consider the packaging dimensions and the desired level of oxygen removal to select the appropriate absorber.
• Moisture Levels: Some oxygen absorbers require moisture to activate, while others function effectively in dry environments. Assess the moisture levels in your packaging to choose an absorber that can handle these conditions.
• Temperature and Humidity: Environmental factors like temperature and humidity can affect the performance of oxygen absorbers. Select an absorber that operates efficiently within the expected temperature and humidity range of your storage conditions.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure that the oxygen absorber meets all relevant regulatory requirements for your industry and region. Compliance with standards ensures safety and effectiveness.

By considering these factors, you can select the right oxygen absorber to effectively remove oxygen and extend the shelf life of your products.

Regulatory Considerations for Oxygen Absorbers

Oxygen absorbers must adhere to various regulations and standards, which vary by industry and region. Here are some key regulatory considerations:

• Food Packaging: Oxygen absorbers used in food packaging must comply with stringent food safety regulations. In the US, this includes FDA guidelines, while in Europe, EU regulations apply. These standards ensure that the absorbers are safe for use in direct contact with food products.
• Pharmaceuticals: For pharmaceutical packaging, oxygen absorbers must meet specific pharmaceutical regulations such as USP (United States Pharmacopeia) and EP (European Pharmacopoeia) guidelines. These standards ensure the protection of pharmaceutical products from oxidation and degradation.
• Industrial Products: Oxygen absorbers used in industrial applications must comply with relevant industry standards, such as ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) and ISO (International Organisation for Standardisation) guidelines. These standards ensure the absorbers’ effectiveness in protecting industrial products from corrosion and damage.
• Environmental Regulations: Compliance with environmental regulations, such as RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) and REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals), is also essential. These regulations ensure that the oxygen absorbers do not contain harmful substances and are environmentally friendly.
• Adhering to these regulatory considerations ensures that oxygen absorbers are safe, effective, and compliant with industry standards.

Common Applications of Oxygen Absorbers

Oxygen absorbers are versatile and used in a wide range of applications to extend the shelf life and maintain the quality of various products. Here are some common applications:

• Food Packaging: Oxygen absorbers are widely used in food packaging to extend the shelf life of packaged foods such as snacks, baked goods, and meat products. By removing oxygen, they prevent spoilage and maintain the freshness and nutritional value of the food.
• Pharmaceuticals: In the pharmaceutical industry, oxygen absorbers protect products from oxidation and degradation. This is crucial for maintaining the efficacy and safety of pharmaceutical products.
• Industrial Products: Oxygen absorbers are used to protect industrial products, such as electronics and machinery, from corrosion and damage. By removing oxygen, they prevent rust and other forms of oxidation that can compromise the integrity of these products.
• Long-Term Food Storage: Oxygen absorbers are essential for long-term food storage, such as emergency food supplies and military rations. They help extend the shelf life of food products stored for extended periods, ensuring they remain safe and edible.

These applications highlight the importance of oxygen absorbers in various industries, from food packaging to industrial protection.