- Packaging materials
Permeability
Film and packaging permeability
We determine gas permeability in both film-type samples and complete packaging (trays, bottles, etc.).
The gas transmission rate through films or packaging (O2TR, WVTR) plays a key role in product evolution once packaged.
Characterising the gas barrier properties of materials used in food packaging or other perishable products is essential to ensure an adequate shelf life. The selection of packaging materials must be based on the characteristics of the food to be packaged, considering whether the ingress of environmental gases into the container will cause deterioration. In cases where packaging is carried out under modified atmosphere, the gas composition established during the packaging process must not be significantly altered throughout the product’s shelf life, so any gas exchange must be minimised.
Through permeability testing, it is possible to determine the barrier capacity to different gases of film samples or complete packaging (trays, bottles, etc.).
Benefits of permeability testing
Measuring the oxygen transmission rate (O2TR) or water vapour transmission rate (WVTR) allows manufacturers or users of the material to:
- Verify material characteristics and assess how they are affected by temperature and % relative humidity parameters
- Carry out quality control of the film/packaging at factory output, as well as monitoring throughout the packaging material’s shelf life
- Evaluate the decrease in barrier properties when the material is thermoformed or undergoes thermal processes such as pasteurisation or sterilisation
- Accurately determine the amount of oxygen or water vapour that will pass through the packaging, which directly impacts the shelf life of the packaged food
- Compare the performance of new materials against those commonly used (e.g. more sustainable alternatives to current packaging systems)
At AINIA, we add value
- We have a complete team of experts and the latest technologies to carry out this type of permeability testing, both on film samples and packaging samples (preforms, blow-moulded, thermoformed, etc.), for both water vapour and gases such as oxygen.
- We are specialists in analysing the interaction between the product and the packaging, assessing the suitability of each packaging solution according to the product it contains.
- We ensure packaging safety control
- We have more than 20 years of experience in this field
- Our technical staff is highly qualified and provides personalised advice tailored to each client’s needs, keeping companies up to date with the latest regulatory and market trends.
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Our team has extensive experience in the field of food contact materials, participating in standardisation committee meetings, reference laboratory forums for food contact materials, and delivering training on food contact materials through tailor-made courses, as well as training programmes for health inspectors such as BTFS (Best Training for Safer Food) or TAIEX (Technical Assistance Information Exchange Office).
Check accreditation at: ENAC accreditations – AINIA laboratories
The service
- Advice on applicable standards for measuring oxygen and water vapour transmission rates, as well as review of equivalence between standards
- Selection of test conditions that affect results (temperature, % relative humidity, format, film thickness, etc.)
- Recommendations based on the intended use of the material (food, thermoforming, storage conditions, thermal treatments, etc.)
- Carrying out analyses using the most appropriate techniques, combining high reliability criteria with costs and turnaround times adapted to our clients’ needs
- Issuing results through secure and accessible platforms based on modern information and communication technologies
- Advice for correct interpretation of the results obtained
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