Guide to using Oxygen Absorbers

What Are Oxygen Absorbers

Oxygen absorbers are small sachets or packets that prolong the shelf life of perishable products by removing oxygen from the surrounding environment.

They are typically composed of a mixture of iron powder, the primary ingredient, and small amounts of salt and clay. The salt acts as an activator that speeds up the rusting process, while clay ensures that the packet remains dry and free-flowing. The basic composition of oxygen absorbers includes:

Iron Powder: Reacts with oxygen to form iron oxide, effectively removing oxygen from the air.

Salt (Sodium Chloride): Serves as a catalyst in the reaction between iron and oxygen.

Clay: Acts as a moisture regulator within the packet.

How They Work

Oxygen absorbers function through a chemical reaction where iron powder oxidizes, turning into iron oxide. This reaction is facilitated by moisture, so products that contain a certain moisture level or are packaged in a moisture-containing atmosphere can effectively use oxygen absorbers.

The reaction removes oxygen from the environment by binding it to the iron, thereby reducing the oxygen level inside the sealed package to below 0.01%. This removal of oxygen plays a critical role in preserving the quality and longevity of products. It prevents the oxidation of fats, slows the growth of oxygen-dependent mold and bacteria, and keeps volatile components from degrading.

Benefits of Using Oxygen Absorbers

The benefits of oxygen absorbers go beyond mere preservation; they enable manufacturers to deliver products of consistent quality, reduce the need for additives, and enhance consumer trust in their brands.

Extending Shelf Life: The primary benefit of oxygen absorbers is their ability to significantly extend the shelf life of products. By removing oxygen from the packaging environment, these absorbers prevent the oxidative degradation of organic materials. This protection against oxidation is essential for products like processed snacks, nuts, coffee, spices, and dried meats, where freshness and flavor retention are critical.

Preventing Oxidation and Spoilage: Oxygen is a catalyst for numerous chemical reactions that lead to spoilage, colour change, and off-flavours in food products. Oxygen absorbers keep fats from becoming rancid, prevent the growth of aerobic bacteria and fungi, and maintain the potency of vitamins such as A, C, and E. In pharmaceuticals, reducing oxygen exposure helps preserve drugs’ efficacy and shelf life, especially those sensitive to oxidation.

Maintaining Product Quality: Beyond extending shelf life, oxygen absorbers help maintain the overall quality of products. They ensure that the appearance, taste, and texture of food remain appealing, which is crucial for consumer satisfaction. For pharmaceuticals, maintaining an oxygen-free environment helps keep the active ingredients stable and effective.

Applications of Oxygen Absorbers

Oxygen absorbers are used in a wide range of industries where product integrity, longevity, and quality are critical.

Industry	Application	Purpose
Food and Beverage	Dried foods, snacks, coffee, tea, dairy	Extend shelf life, maintain freshness, reduce preservatives
Pharmaceuticals	Bottled medications, diagnostic kits, vitamins	Preserve stability and efficacy of products
Electronics	Semiconductor chips, electronic components	Prevent oxidation and component degradation
Textiles	Natural fibers, historic textiles	Prevent degradation and color fading during storage

Choosing the Right Oxygen Absorber

Selecting the appropriate oxygen absorber for packaging needs involves considering several factors to ensure optimal performance. Here’s a guide to help determine the right type and size of oxygen absorber based on specific requirements.

Capacity: The oxygen capacity of an absorber must match or exceed the amount of oxygen present in the packaged environment. This includes the oxygen initially in the package and any that may permeate over time. Calculating the package volume and the product’s nature will help determine the necessary capacity.
Rate of Absorption: Depending on their sensitivity and shelf life requirements, different products may require quick or gradual oxygen absorption. For example, products with a high-fat content might need a rapid oxygen absorption rate to prevent rancidity. In contrast, pharmaceutical products might benefit from a slower, more controlled rate to maintain efficacy over time.
Compatibility: The materials used in the oxygen absorbers should be chemically compatible with the product. This is particularly important in food and pharmaceutical applications to avoid adverse reactions affecting safety or efficacy. Additionally, consider the storage and shipping conditions, as some absorbers perform better at specific temperatures and humidity levels.

Size and Type Selection Guide

By evaluating these factors. Effectively select the right oxygen absorber, enhancing product stability and extending its shelf life.

Determine the Package’s volume: Calculate the package’s total volume to estimate the amount of oxygen that needs to be absorbed. Generally, oxygen makes up about 20.9% of air, so estimate the air volume of the oxygen volume.
Assess the Product Sensitivity: Consider how sensitive the product is to oxygen. Highly sensitive products may require absorbers with higher capacities or faster absorption rates.
Choose the Type of Absorber:
- Iron-based absorbers are commonly used for food products and are available at various rates and capacities.
- Ascorbate-based absorbers are sometimes used where iron cannot be used; they are typically slower and have different reactive properties.
- Custom Blends: A tailored solution is necessary for specific applications, such as pharmaceuticals.
Select the Size: Oxygen absorbers are rated by how much oxygen they can absorb in milliliters or cubic centimeters. Match the absorber size with the estimated oxygen volume in the package. It’s advisable to slightly overspecify to ensure all oxygen is absorbed, especially over extended storage periods or under varying conditions.
Test and Evaluate: Before full-scale implementation, it’s essential to test the chosen oxygen absorbers under actual conditions to validate their performance with specific products and packaging.

Best Practices for Using Oxygen Absorbers

Using oxygen absorbers effectively requires understanding their proper placement, handling, and storage and being aware of common mistakes to avoid. Here are some best practices to ensure oxygen absorbers deliver the best product preservation results.

Proper Placement and Installation

Placement Inside the Package: Oxygen absorbers should be placed at a strategic location within the package where airflow is optimal. Avoid placing them under the product or in a position where the product may shift and cover the absorber, restricting its exposure to air.
Seal the Package Promptly: After placing the oxygen absorber, the package should be sealed as quickly as possible to prevent it from wasting its capacity on external air. Use high-quality seals to ensure an airtight environment.
Avoid Direct Contact with Liquid: If the product releases moisture, ensure that absorbers do not contact the liquid directly, as this can impede their effectiveness.

Handling and Storage Guidelines

Keep Oxygen Absorbers Sealed: Until ready to use, keep oxygen absorbers in their original sealed packaging. Exposure to air before use can deplete their absorbing capacity.
Work Quickly: Once the package of absorbers is opened, work quickly to place them in the product packaging and reseal any unused absorbers in an airtight container to extend their life.
Store in a Cool, Dry Place: To maintain their efficacy, store unused oxygen absorbers in a cool, dry place. Avoid high humidity and temperature extremes, which can activate the absorbers prematurely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using Insufficient Quantity: Underestimating the oxygen absorber needed can lead to ineffective oxygen removal, compromising the product’s integrity. Always calculate the required capacity accurately, considering both the package volume and the product’s nature.
Delaying the Sealing Process: Delaying the sealing of the package after placing the oxygen absorber inside allows oxygen from the air to seep in and reduces the absorber’s overall effectiveness.
Improper Storage of Unused Absorbers: Leaving unused absorbers exposed to air or poorly sealed can render them useless. It is vital to store them properly as soon as they are opened.

Conclusion

By efficiently removing oxygen from product packaging, oxygen absorbers prevent the oxidative deterioration of perishable goods, from food and pharmaceuticals to electronics and textiles. For industries that rely on the integrity of products, oxygen absorbers offer a simple yet effective solution to many of the challenges posed by air exposure.

Oxygen absorbers are a small component with a big impact on sustainability. By directly reducing waste and indirectly influencing production and consumption patterns, they contribute to a more sustainable world, underlining the importance of integrating such technologies into broader environmental management strategies.

Stream Peak International is a leading global supplier of oxygen absorbers. We ensure efficient global distribution, adhere to high-quality standards, and prioritize innovation and sustainability. We are committed to providing customized solutions and educational support to help customers optimize the use of oxygen absorbers, thereby enhancing product shelf life and sustainability across various industries.